Ka Wai Ola - Office of Hawaiian Affairs, Volume 1, Number 2, 1 September 1981 — Economic Development [ARTICLE+ILLUSTRATION]

Economic Development

Although we do not all define "eeonomie development" in the same terms, most of us agree that prevailing eeonomie eonditions suggest a need for change. We are wary but hopeful about the Reagan administration's plans for an eeonomie uplift, and we wonder how eaeh of us will be affected by the changes. Change in itself does not require radieal innovations; many times it requires only a renewal of the old ways. Within the traditional cultural values of the Hawaiian people, there exist the essential ingredients to enact these changes. Those concepts and values of Kōkua, Laulima, Alu Like, Lōkāhi and 'Ohana, of whieh we are proud, provide the foundations for social and eeonomie survival in this era of ever-increasing uncertainty. Gathering guidance from your mana'o, the Eeonomie Standing Committee has taken steps to address your concerns. With the launching of the Business Assistance Program, Hawaiians now have a concrete means to pursue their desires to own and operate their

own businesses. The program brings interested Hawaiians in direct touch with the business world, providing the contacts and ideas necessary to increase their chances for success. There are five O'ahu consultants from the financial and business sectors. These individuals have aided 31 clients providing their expertise and personal attention on a voluntary basis. Client needs extend from market research assistance to assistance in raising capital. OHA recently expanded this service program to the neighbor islands. The service has been established for the Hilo, Kona, Maui, Kaua'i and Moloka'i areas. The Board of T rustees recently approved OHA's participation to jointly underwrite a pilot entrepreneurship program with four other Hawaiian organizations. For more information, contact the office at 548-8960 or your island community information specialist. In addition, your Committee has provided fourteen grants to various individuals and organizations seeking to start/expand/continue their own business endeavors. In perpetuating this attitude of Hawaiians helping Hawaiians, our work has only begun. The Committee eontinues to pursue numerous proposals, ranging from a papaya plantation, a Hawaiian cultural market plaee, and affordable housing. In addition, the Committee is exploring the feasibility of esta- , blishing credit unions, financial aid programs, food and agriculture co-opera-tives, and Hawaiian business exchanges.

Kealoha

Benham