Ka Wai Ola - Office of Hawaiian Affairs, 1 September 1983 — West Hawaiʻi Advisory Council [ARTICLE]

West Hawaiʻi Advisory Council

One of two Advisory Councils on the Island of Hawaii, the West Hawaii OHA Trustee Advisory Council is eomprised of concerned community leaders from Kamuela to Miloli'i, who meet quarterly with the Hawaii Island Trustee Piilani C. Desha. Members of the West Hawaii Advisory Council are: Pat Asing, President, Waimea/ Kawaihae Association, HHL; Kaipo DeGuiar, Kauikeaouli Canoe Club; Mary Spinney-Green Rancher; David Harrington, Consultant; Sam Hook, Historian; Herb K. Kane, Artist; Sonny Kaniho, Rancher/Farmer; Julia Kaupu, Miloli'i representative; Lily Kong, Hawaii County Eeonomie Opportunity Council; Florence Lerback, Native Hawaiian Land Trust Task Force; Tommy Miles, Historical Researcher; John Spencer, Kahoolawe Ohana; Kealailani Salinas, Kai O Pua Canoe Club; and Leon K. Sterling, Jr., Kona Hawaiian Civic Club. Some of the issues and concerns facing the Advisory Council and Trustee are:

Concerns: 1 . The need for a general policy eoncerning burial caves, historical sites, and other subjects pertinent to our Culture, Traditions and Customs. 2. The need for OHA to review all publications on Hawaiian history and Na Mea Hawaii and to take action on labeling such as "fact" or "fiction." 3. The need for a viable alternative for the Hawaiian youth, to prison, welfare, and/or a total dependence on others; i.e., the Armed Services. 4. The need to better communications with OHA and the community. 5. The need for all Hawaiians to know and participate in the democratic process. 6. The need for Social and Eeonomie self-sufficiency for Hawaiians. 7. The need for accountability, through an audit, of the Department of Transportation. 8. The need for accountability by the Department of Land and Natural Resources, of the ceded lands, revenues and natural resources.

Issues: 1. Proposed Kamoa Point State Historical Park, 2. Keauhou Caves, 3. Lands of Ka-pu'a, 4. Bishop Estate lands in Kona, 5. Development and speculation in the West Hawaii area, 6. Kukailimoku Village, 7. The exploitation of Hawaii's sealife. The Advisory Council's purpose is to provide an up-to-date report on activities whieh OHA is undertaking and to discuss and submit recommendations for consideration to OHA, in behalf of its beneficiaries.