Ka Wai Ola - Office of Hawaiian Affairs, 1 January 1984 — CHAIRMAN'S COLUMN [ARTICLE+ILLUSTRATION]

CHAIRMAN'S COLUMN

Joseph Kealoha

As we begin the new year, it is natural to look back at the previous 12 months to see how well we aehieved our goals and aspirations. If we are wise we will profit from both our successes and failures. The OHA record for 1983 is one of whieh we are proud. Despite severe financial restraints, resulting from a depressed economy and the State Administration's unwillingness to allot OHA its full entitlements, we ean point to a number of concrete achievements. These include the Maui land settlements through whieh hundreds of acres of disputed land worth millions of dollars were awarded to Hawaiian families. In the field of eeonomie development, OHA was instrumental in securing financing for groups and individuals seeking to become self sufficient. The Office played a key role in both the Native Hawaiians Study Commission and the Federal-State Task Force on the Hawaiian Homes Commission

Act. A special grant to Bishop Museum assisted in the publication of the Mary Kawena Pukui book of Hawaiian proverbs and poetic sayings. Projects such as the OH A-sponsored Crime Conference, a support program for Lunalilo Home residents, participation in revival of the Makahiki and efforts to gain Hawaii's admission into the South Pacific Games demonstrate a wide range of activities in the culture and human resources areas. In addition, our "Comprehensive Services for Hawaiians" project is conducting an inventory of all services in the state in order to identify gaps in services needed by Hawaiians. The OHA-funded Halau Likolaulani O Hawaii is an exciting pilot educational project in whieh pre-school youngsters are taught the Hawaiian language and Hawaiian culture by Kupuna. The Office also established the position of Kupuna Coordinator to work with the State Department of Education, Hawaiian organizations and

the Hawaiian elderly. We launched our Population Survey/Needs Assessment Project, designed to provide a reliable estimate of Hawaiians by blood quantum and to identify appropriate activities for OHA. OHA produced a mutli-projector slide presentation on Hawaii's ceded lands, continued its land monitoring and advocacy programs and fought for legislation favorable to Hawaiians in the Legislature. In order to protect the entitlement of our beneficiaries, OHA filed suit against the state in an attempt to secure our share of a Molokai sand mining settlement. It was a busy year . . . and a productive one. We are looking forward to even greater achievements in 1984 as we work toward our goal of improving the conditions of the Hawaiian people. On behalf of the Board of Trustees, may 1 wish you and yours a healthy, happy and successful new year. Hauoli Makahiki Hou!