Ka Wai Ola - Office of Hawaiian Affairs, Volume 8, Number 2, 1 February 1991 — Time is now for full-time trustees [ARTICLE+ILLUSTRATION]

Time is now for full-time trustees

Trustee's Views

by Louis Hao Trustee, Moloka'i & Lana'i

Aloha mai, The Kuhio Day eelebration for Moloka'i is scheduled for March 23, at the Hoolehua Community Center. In 1921 the first Hawaiian Homes settlers arrived in Kalamaula, Moloka'i. Since Kalamaula was

the first area settled, it is only fitting that the Moloka'i Hawaiian community support this event. Entertainers from "off" island will eome to Moloka'i. These will most likely include Melveen Leed, Danny Kaleikini and others. The event will also include a fair, a small parade, food and entertainment.

According to the Moloka'i Committee, Gov. John Waihee is expected to join the ceremony along with other political figures. The new OHA Board Now that we are re-organized with the new Chairman Moses Keale, I am very hopeful that we eonhnue full and open participation among the trustees and the Hawaiian community. There is now a change in committee structure from four to seven committees with respective standing committees:

Standing Committees and Chairpersons Committee on Budget, Finance, Policy and Planning Abraham Aiona Committee on Education and Culture Thomas Kaulukukui Committee on Eeonomie Development and Land Louis Hao Committee on Health and Human Services Moanikeala Akaka Committee on Legislative Review Clayton Hee Committee on Office of Hawaiian Affairs Relations Kamaki Kanahele Native Hawaiian Status and Entitlements and Housing Clayton Hee

The change from four to seven committees was in response to the needs of the Hawaiian eommunity, particularly regarding housing, education and health issues. Under the old structure, housing, education and health matters were under the Programs Committee. Now, eaeh of these areas is separate and will receive full consideration for appropriate actions. Trustee participation Trustees are often called on to participate in community meetings and forums to share and

receive information regarding Hawaiian issues. Our Hawaiian community deserves more than "quarter-time" trustees to deal with the complexities of the past and current issues at hand. It is now my view that trustees should serve on a full-time basis.

OHA has survived ten years in spite of ehallenges to OHA's constitutionality, law suits on the ceded land revenues and other controversies. The time has arrived when we will either unite or continue to flounder. I say unite as the 1990s seem to be the decade of Hawaiian decisions on self-suf-ficiency and self-determination, and a model for sovereignty. Imua!

Adult courses for improving life The following spring classes for adults are being offered free by the Department of Health at Leeward Health Center. "Assertive Communication" offers techniques for being assertive with others. Leam to change the thoughts, feelings and behaviors that cause low self-esteem and keep some people from expressing themselves. The class will be taught by Alan D. Price and will meet on five Thursdays from Feb. 7 to March 7, at the Leeward Health Center, 6 to 8 n.m

"Enhancing Relationships: Growing closer during retirement" is a one-day session Saturday, Feb. 16, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Leeward Health Center. Taught by Audrey Ching, the class will help students develop skill to manage time, priorities and stress; improve eommunieahon; build healthy self-esteem and plan for the future. "Managing Your Time Well," a one-day class Saturday Feb. 23, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the health center, will be taught by Susan Tsuruoka. "Supervisor's Survival Kit" will discuss people management techniques and share ideas and problem solving methods. The class will be taught by Audrey Ching and will meet on four Fridays from March 1 to 22, noon to 1:30 p.m. at the health center.

"Stress-less parenting" will present ways to reduce stress for the whole family. The class will be taught by Ilese Levitt on three Tuesdays, March 5 to 19, 7 to 9 p.m. at the health center. To register, eall Waipahu Community School at 671-7176 or eall the Central O'ahu Preventive Education (COPE) unit at 456-4224.