Ka Wai Ola - Office of Hawaiian Affairs, Volume 1, Number 2, 1 September 1981 — Report From The Administrator [ARTICLE+ILLUSTRATION]

Report From The Administrator

by Edwin P. Auld

In our last issue, I reported on the people and the organizational structure of OHA, including our efforts prior to July. Since that time, several significant programs have been initiated and many others are being planned. In August, we announced our 'Ili 'Ili Grants Project. Our purpose in establishing this program is to use the 5(f) Trust Funds to directly benefit the beneficiaries of that trust. Although grants are limited to a maximum of $1,000.00 eaeh, our intent is to provide initial assistance for programs to start or use in conjunction with other funds. The response to this program has been very satisfying with an excess of 145 applications received. The Native Hawaiian Land Title Project opened its doors on September 1, 1981 and since that date more than sixtysix families and individuals have eome to OHA for assistance with their land

related questions or problems. Our Board of Trustees has recognized land problems as a significant area in whieh we ean be of service. In the area of eeonomie development, our emphasis is assisting Hawaiian individuals or groups in starting businesses of their own. The OHA Business Assistance Program was started in June with several of our Advisory Members of the Board volunteering their time and experience in providing a business counseling service on a one-on-one basis. This program is now being expanded by our Eeonomie Development Officer, Jim Moa. We are establishing counseling services on all islands throughout the State for this purpose. In addition to this counseling service, OHA, along with other Hawaiian organizations, including Bishop Estate/Kamehameha Schools, Alu Like and the Department of Hawaiian Homes will be sponsoring a series of business work-

shops followed by an intensive formal business training session to be held at Kamehameha Schools. This program will be conducted by Dr. George Kanahele's "HETADI" group under contract to the sponsoring agencies. We intend to "recruit" participants for these sessions whieh are scheduled for the first quarter of 1982. While staff has been establishing and implementing these programs as created by the Board, the Trustees have been involved in planning for long-range objectives as mandated by the legislation whieh created OHA. Areas such as developing and implementing a comprehensive master plan for the Hawaiian people as well as for the Office are being investigated at several levels. Eaeh day brings new challenges and opportunities but one fact that cannot be denied is that "OHA is on the Move." We invite you to visit and share any information with us.