Ka Wai Ola - Office of Hawaiian Affairs, Volume 8, Number 8, 1 August 1991 — Rights handbook receives rave reviews [ARTICLE+ILLUSTRATION]

Rights handbook receives rave reviews

By Christina Zarobe Assistant Editor It was opening night and to say the Native Hawaiian Rights Handbook and its editor, Melody Kapilialoha MacKenzie, received rave reviews is an understatement. Describing the eight-year project as an "amazing work," Gov. John Waihee led the praise at the June reception celebrating the book's publication and MacKenzie's dedication to the undertaking. "The book could not have eome at a more critical time," said Gov. Waihee. "1993 is just around the corner. In the days ahead, more than ever, we will have to deal with Native Hawaiian self determination." The handbook is a joint project of the Office of Hawaiian Affairs and the Native Hawaiian Legal Corp. (NHLC) Funding also has been provided by a variety of other organizations. At the time the project was started, MacKenzie was executive director of the Native Hawaiian Legal Corp. Law student Cynthia Lee, then a parttime law clerk at the NHLC, and fellow law students Gina Green and Elizabeth Fujiwara approached the organization with the handbook idea. Most chapters of the handbook were written by attorneys who either are, or were at one time, staff at the NHLC. MacKenzie creditstheaccumulated knowledge of many F>eople — for example, law students for drafting chapters or case summaries— and other attorneys for numerous reviews and editing changes. Topics range from Native Hawaiian Lands and sovereignty, securing land titles and natural resource rights to the ceded land trust, the Hawaiian Homes Commission Act and religious freedom.

A classmate of MacKenzie's at the University of Hawai'i law school, Gov. Waihee lauded both the soft-spoken attorney and the handbook's researchers for tackling a "complex area." He noted that days after graduating from law school MacKenzie began working for Native Hawaiian rights. The publication is proof that years later she has not strayed from the critical issue nor has the work ended, he said. "I think one of the hallmarks of this book is that even as it is being distributed there is a need for a new chapter." In response, MacKenzie answered, "I assure you that we are already thinking about a supplement." With her mother seated next to her, MacKenzie signed copies of the handbook as the reception began. Her belief in the project and its objectives are evident in the handbook's introduction whieh she wrote. "In the American tradition, people are supposed to stand up for their rights. This book is intended to help Native Hawaiians do just that," MacKenzie wrote. "A true measure of a society's vitality and

spirit . . . is its ability to protect, and even honor, diversity." Another speaker paying tribute, OHA chairman and trustee Clayton Hee, pointed out to the audience that MacKenzie's name — Kapilialoha — ean also signify what the handbook represents whieh is to persevere at a work of love. "I ean recall that Melody was one of the brighter beacons we looked to for advice," Hee remembered. Yet while the handbook is a landmark for Native Hawaiian rights, Gov. Waihee urged elected officials, judges, reporters and others to leam the rights of Native Hawaiians. "I think it is equally important that the book will make a contribution into the larger community as well," he said. Retired Hawai'i Supreme Court Chief Justice William Richardson has known MacKenzie over the years since he selected her as a law clerk. As litigation and issues concerning Native Hawaiians arose, it was MacKenzie who was the "guiding light," he said. "Melody has made a contribution to this state that very few will realize." Copies of the Native Hawaiian Rights Handbook may be purchased for $25 softbound from the University of Hawaii Press, the UH Bookstore and major loeal bookstores. Mail orders may be placed with University of Hawaii Press, Order Dept., 2840 Kolowalu St., Honolulu 96822. Add $2 for the first book for postage and handling and $1 for eaeh additional book.