Ka Wai Ola - Office of Hawaiian Affairs, Volume 1, Number 1, 1 June 1981 — Koʻu Manaʻo iʻo mai Ka Kahuwaiwai luna Hoʻomalu [ARTICLE+ILLUSTRATION]

Koʻu Manaʻo iʻo mai Ka Kahuwaiwai luna Hoʻomalu

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Mrs. A. Frenchy DeSoto

o HA is based on a set of ideas, attitudes and convictions . . . and the confidence that these ideas and convictions are viable not only for aboriginal Hawaiians but for all of Hawaii. OHA's commitment is to bind together rather than tear apart. We need greater emphasis on the values that have sustained our people over the long excruciating, historical roads of time. OHA should be viewed as a means with whieh we ean begin to transformthe "Hawaiian helplessness" into creative and positive energies — an opportunity for all Hawaiians . . . regardless of blood quantums, socioeconomic and political or religious status — to fan the flames of hope. As Hawaiians, we should not trust our destinies to a philosophy based on despair. For without hope we shall be nothing more than futile gesture. More and more the Hawaiian community must make themselves knowledgeable about current issues. Recognize and aeknowledge that there are very few who have the pahenee or time to "spoon feed" us. The ehoiee is yours! If we are to become successful in all of our efforts, we individually and eolleetively, must assume the responsibility for becoming aware. "I no more time" is a - eop out. Equally important is the need for us to learn well our history in order that

we do not repeat the same mistakes. Practice our cultural values that are just as applicable to our present-day situations as they were in the time of our kupuna. Let us together become more responsible for our families, our kupuna and makua and now, more than ever, our opio. Commit yourselves to re-establish-ing your families. In these days of dissent and divisiveness, hostility and venom are the highlights of many conversations on the affairs of the nation, state and now OHA. Today, many work with purposeful enthusiasm to deepen our suspicions and fear of one another under the guidance of self-righteous, and moral indignation. True political power is not achieved by isolating oneself from others but is measured by our ability to enter into alliances and is a measurement of success, not weakness. In my point of view, Hawaiians today are not looking for blind imitations of the political past but are earnestly looking for confirmation and recognition of our ability to contribute. As we embark on this new sea of politieal power, the "Hawaiian vote," in search of the rainbow called equality and justice, let us remind ourselves that in our quest we do not impose on others . . . the great stamp of "invalidation." For those of us who talk unceasingly

about not imitating the way of AngloSaxons or western society and then turn around and advocate violence . . . we need to recognize that violence, hate and brutality are basic values of that very society we purport to despise. Not unnaturally, such contradictions reap scorn upon the moral and legal position of the Hawaiian community. OHA's Board of Trustees are committed to protecting your basic rights as successors to the benefits that our ancestors established for us through laws and customs. We cannot do this alone; your commitment, reaffirmation and convictions are needed. In the final analysis, let us remind ourselves and eaeh other that we should never violate that basic value of our culture, that fragile pua called Aloha just because we think we're righteous. May the great spirit of our kupuna give us strength and wisdom to pull our families together as a beginning, making things right for the future generations. A'ole hiamoe (Do not fall asleep) Nā po'e o 'Hawai'i (People of Hawaii) E ho'omau Kakou (Stand together) Aloha kaua (Aloha to you and me)