Ka Wai Ola - Office of Hawaiian Affairs, Volume 5, Number 6, 1 June 1988 — Mai Wakinekona [ARTICLE+ILLUSTRATION]

Mai Wakinekona

By Larry Kamakawiwo'ole Federal Liaison Officer

Firm Support by Hawail Team

Federal legislation affecting native Hawaiians continues to get firm support through a united stand by Hawaii's congressional delegation. First, the 01der Americans Act passed the Congress and was signed into law by President Reagan.

More recently, H.R.5, the major Federal elementary and secondary education bill, also passed the Congress and was signed into law by the President. Representative Daniel K. Akaka was a co-sponsor of the bill and Senators Daniel K. Inouye and Spark M. Matsunaga were conferees. Briefly, the Act authorizes the extension for five years of all of the major Federal elementary and secondary education programs, including those for disadvantaged students, bilingual study, adult education and remedial programs as well as block grants for direct assistance to state and loeal education agencies. The Act calls for spending at least $7.5 hillion in the next fiscal year starting Oct. 1. Some of you have asked who will receive the monies specified for Hawaiians in Federal legislation or who is qualified to apply for one of the grants expressed in the Act. For answers, let us look at the legislation. There are three native Hawaiian provisions in the Act. • Title IV — Gifted and Talented Children Program. • Title IV — Education for Native Hawaiians. • Title V — Drug Education in the Schools and the Communities. The fact that there are expressed Hawaiian provisions in the Act does not necessarily mean that Hawaiians do not qualify for other provisions therein. In addition to monies earmarked specifically for native Hawaiians in Hawai'i, the State of Hawai'i is eligible for allotments and/or block grants for direct assistance to state and loeal education agencies and community-based organizations. Hawaii's institutions of higher education may also be eligible for education grants. Gifted and Talented Children's Program Purpose: To identify and meet the special educational needs of gifted and talented students in public and private elementary schools. Definition of these students are those who excelled in aeademics, including art and leadership capabilities. Focus: The economically disadvantaged students. Appropriations: $20 million nationally for the fiscal year 1989 and such sums as necessary for fiscal year 1990 through 1993. Who may apply: State and loeal education agencies, colleges and universities, or other public and private agencies and organizations, including Hawaiian native organizations (those primarily serving and representing native Hawaiians and

recognized by the Governor of the State of Hawaii). Education for Native Hawaiians There are five programs under this title: 1. Native Hawaiian Model Curriculum Implementation Project. Purpose: To implement the Kamehameha Elementary Education Project (KEEP) in certain public schools. Appropriations: $3 million for the fiscal year 1988 and such sums as necessary for fiscal years 1989 through 1993. Who may apply: The Kamehameha Schools, Department of Education and the University of Hawai'i. 2.Native Hawaiian Family-Based Education Centers. Purpose: To develop and operate a minimum of 11 of these centers throughout the state. Focus: Research and development in early childhood education. Appropriations: $2.4 million for the fiscal year 1988 and such sums as necessary for fiscal years 1989 through 1993. Who may apply: Native Hawaiian organizations. 3. Native Hawaiian Higher Education Demonstration Program. Purpose: To provide scholarships for colleges and universities, counseling and supportive services and college preparation and guidance counseling. Appropriations: $1.4 million for the fiscal year 1988 and eaeh year through 1993. Who may apply: The Kamehameha Schools. Additionally, the Schools shall also receive grants to offer graduate school scholarships to native Hawaiians ($750,000 for eaeh fiscal year from 1988 through 1993). 4. Native Hawaiian Gifted and Talented Demonstration Program. Purpose: To establish a native Hawaiian talented and gifted center to address the special needs of these elementary and secondary school students. Appropriations: $1 million for eaeh fiscal year 1988 through 1993. Who may apply: University of Hawai'i at Hilo. 5. Native Hawaiian Special Education Program. Purpose: To address the special needs of elementary and secondary handicapped students through research, evaluation and related activities. Appropriations: $1.5 million for eaeh fiscal year 1988 through 1993. Who may apply: State of Hawai'i or native Hawaiian organizations. All of these grants are awarded by the Secretary of Education. On Federal legislation affecting native Hawaiians in Hawai'i, there has been a growing eoneem of those native Hawaiians living on the mainland who feel strongly that Federal assistance earmarked for Hawai'i Hawaiians should also be targeted for Hawaiians in other states. Although the position bears merit, it may have to wait until research is done on the objective conditions of

Hawaiians in the U.S. In conclusion, as the Hawai'i congressional delegation stands united in supporting Federal legislation affecting Hawaiians, so must Hawaiian leaders and communities onipa'a in seeking Federal assistance in order to establish a basis for selfdetermination and self-sufficiency.