Ka Wai Ola - Office of Hawaiian Affairs, Volume 20, Number 2, 1 February 2003 — Nationhood is the number one priority now [ARTICLE+ILLUSTRATION]

Nationhood is the number one priority now

Aloha mai kākou, This article will continue the discussion of important issues with the Hawaiian community via Ka Wai Ola. In adopting the OHA Strategic Plan 2002-2007, its Vision is "Ho'oulu Lāhui Aloha: To Raise a Beloved Nation," Goal 6, Nationhood, is a part of that strategic plan. In conjunction with the goal of Nationhood, "By 2007 OHA shall have assisted, coordinated and established the creation of a unified Hawaiian Nation." Obviously, time is of the essence! Not only to meet the goal, but, because of pending lawsuits that threaten to undermine the very existence of OHA and DHHL in the next several years! Hard-working community volunteers who comprised the nationhood working group were Dr. Jon Van Dyke, Dr. Chris Iijima, Darryl Yogodich, Lehua Kinilau, Keli'i Gora, Dennis Bumpy Kanahele and Tony Sang. They were ably assisted by key OHA staff Colin Kippen, Pua Aiu and Sharla Manley. They set the stage for pursuing the strategies oudined below. The initial strategy is to "Convene a group of community stakeholders to create a plan and process for an organized discussion on sovereignty." Strategy Narrative — "In recent years mueh has been studied and discussed within Native

Hawaiian community with regards to sovereignty, self-determination, self-governance and various existing entities and models of government. State and federal legislation introduced to try and resolve sovereignty issues has often generated anger, frustration and a plethora of additional questions. There have been some successful efforts to recruit members and support for particular models of sovereignty. There have also been counterefforts and intimidation that create distrust, confusion and impatience with the entire issue. Native Hawaiian leaders must work together to unify Native Hawaiians by providing clear, concise information on all models of sovereignty in a moderated discussion within a safe environment. A well funded, well planned and fairly managed project will enlighten and educate the Hawaiian community and motivate the kind of interest that leads to involvement in the processes of decision-making on questions of sovereignty, self-governance and self-determination." Strategy No. 2: "Develop a voter education campaign to empower the Hawaiian community." Strategy Narrative - "Recent census figures show that the Native Hawaiian population in Hawaii is now numbered at 239,900. Of that number 157,685

or 66 percent of the Native Hawaiian population are of voting age. It has been estimated that the Native Hawaiian voter turnout in the last election was higher by four percent than the non-Hawaiian voter turnout, whieh speaks well to Hawaiian voter participation, but the Hawaiian vote has not been organized to effect major eleetions...The major political parties recognize the Native Hawaiian vote as a sleeping giant, and have been actively pursuing it by offering party affiliation and Native Hawaiian Party leadership, utilizing Native Hawaiian spokespersons and OHA invites all Hawaiian e'wie, cultural, professional and athletic organizations and all interested parties to participate in discussions related to nationhood. recruiting Native Hawaiian candidates ... The purpose would be to elect officials and influence opinion that will address and support Native Hawaiian issues."

OHA invites all Hawaiian civic, cultural, professional and athletic organizations and all interested parties to participate in discussions related to nationhood. As a starting point, OHA has commenced the process by inviting initial discussions at the annual Association of Hawaiian Civic Clubs in convention in November and a follow-up meeting at the State Capitol Auditorium was held on December 28, 2002. It is anticipated future meetings will be publicized and held statewide, as well. Moreover, a new round of federal hearings for the "Akaka Bill" (formerly S. 746) on the Policy regarding the United States' relationship with Native Hawaiians and to provide a process for recognition by the United States of the Native Hawaiian governing entity will begin on February 25, in Washington, D. C. In conjunction with the opening of an OHA Office in Washington, I and other OHA trustees will participate at these hearings. Finally, my staff and I invite your advice and counsel on the above or any other concerns within our purview. My OHA phone number is 594-1854. Neighbor Islands may access, without cost, by first calling 974-4000. A hui hou, aloha pumehana. ■

Dante Keala Carpenter Trustee, O'ahu