Ka Wai Ola - Office of Hawaiian Affairs, Volume 7, Number 1, 1 January 1990 — Chairman states OHA position on Home Lands [ARTICLE]

Chairman states OHA position on Home Lands

Chairman Thomas K. Kaulukukui, speaking at the December meeting of the OHA Board of Trustees, brought up several points regarding the position of the Office of Hawaiian Affairs concerning Hawaiian Home Lands. OHA, he said, has taken a position that it will do everything possible to pare down the waiting list and not increase it. OHA took the lead in the governor's task force study of the Home Lands program. OHA put up $50,000 to fund the study whieh, among other things, looked at ways benefits to homesteaders could be increased. And OHA was represented on the task force. The present plebiscite (or referendum) on the single definition is an OHA vote similar to the one held last year he said, and this plebiscite will not affect Hawaiian Home Lands. Trustees, on their travels throughout the state, have constantly reminded people the legislature had mandated another vote this year, Kaulukukui said, and the trus-

tees also mentioned. the coming plebiscite during the draft Blueprint informational meetings. "Our po'e Hawai'i must be made aware that this referendum is the same one they voted for last year and that they have plenty of time to eall in for further information or explanations when they receive the ballots," he said. (Voter information telephone numbers are on this page.) Kaulukukui noted that part of the Hawaiian Homes Commission Act reads that amendments to increase the benefits to lessees of Hawaiian home Iands may be made in the (Hawai'i) constitution, or in the manner required for a state legislature, but the qualification of lessees shall not be changed except with the consent of the United States. Some Native Hawaiians, the chairman said, especially those on homesteads, have been misled into believing that just because they are homesteaders, and have 50 percent or more Hawaiian blood, the ineome and proceeds from the 5f trust should go to them. He said, "All Native Hawaiians are entitled to the benefits of the 5f trust." "OHA's goal is to increase benefits to all Native Hāwaiians, including homesteaders when OHA receives its 'back due' rents from ceded lands." Kaulukukui said, "The purpose of the trust is reflected in the motto: 'For the betterment of all Hawaiians.' " There are no residence requirements, he noted, tied to trust ineome benefits. He continued, saying, "Our keiki's future is in the hands of the people participating in this plebiscite. I urge every OHA voter to return the ballot."

Neighbor lslands Hotline l-800-442-VOTE 1-800-442-8683 Office of Hawaiian Affairs Honolulu — 946-2642 Office of Hawaiian Affairs Liaison offices, 8:30 to 4:30 Monday through Friday Kaua'i — 245-4390 Maui — 244-4219 Moloka'i — 553-3611 Hilo — 961-7349 Kona — 329-7368