Ka Wai Ola - Office of Hawaiian Affairs, Volume 10, Number 4, 1 April 1993 — Our readers write [ARTICLE]

Our readers write

To the editor: The Waimea Hawaiian Homesteaders' Association is requesting that clarification be made to a report on housing in last month's Ka Wai Ola O OHA. Stephen Morse and James Severson, both of OHA, were invited by Sonny Kaniho, Aged Hawaiians representative and a director of WHHA, to a meeting at the Kupuna Community Center, and of the Waimea Hawaiian Homesteaders Association (WHHA), held at DHHL's Kūhio Hale. Mr. Morse's visit with the WHHA was simply that. An individual member of WHHA had attended the WHHA portion of the meeting. He wore on his shirt sleeve a Ka Lāhui Hawai'i button. This was reported as Ka Lāhui being represented.

This was clearly a Waimea Hawaiian Homesteaders' Association meeting. Therefore, visible accessories wom are simply the personal items of that individual and not of the whole. Ka Lāhui Hawai'i is not a part of this WHHA activity, nor will the WHHA allow the usurpation of our efforts. The Waimea Main Street's president is a part of the WHHA board of directors, and the WHHA are active members of the Waimea Main Street. The WHHA is looking forward to working with OHA; however communication and news articles need to be made clear and precise. Your cooperation will be greatly appreciated. Lili'uokalani Ross President, Waimea Hawaiian Homesteaders' Association Waimea, Hawai'i

To the editor: During the Centennial eommemoration, a young Hawaiian man, Gerald Keli'ikuni'aupuni Carmack went AWOL from the U.S. Navy as a conscientious objector because he is "opposed to war and violence." It is fitting that Keli'i took this stand at 'Iolani Palaee when 100 years ago 162 sailors and marines ousted Lili'uokalani. He stated, "I joined the military impulsively, unconcerned with history or the morality of intimidation by force. Because of firsthand experience in the Gulf War, I now see the evil and underhandedness that permeates militarism. Through intimidation, people (and nations) are subdued (by) the military. "In the Gulf War, I was responsible for dumping tons of garbage into the oeean. I saw human beings crippled and killed. There is no evil greater than this. ... I realized I was ... on the wrong path. My moral convictions were out of synch with my physical circumstances. I felt powerless to change my convictions as I was alone in my beliefs."

A hearing was held March 1 1 in Wahiawa for Keli'ikuni'aupuni Carmack's conscientious objector application. I support him because his desire to work through peaceful means to advance the cause of justice for Hawaiians is honorable and desirable, and brings sensitivity and integrity to the Hawaiian nation that has captured the heart and soul of many Hawaiians; and honor to the U.S. military for its sensitivity and understanding of this unique situation. He has served to the fullest of his capacity and his inability in conscience to continue is the outgrowth of circumstances of history and the unfortunate darkness that engulfs so mueh of the greater American psychology. I think this young Hawaiian from a family of unquestioned military service deserves our support. Moanike'ala Akaka OHA Trustee, Hawai'i