Ka Wai Ola - Office of Hawaiian Affairs, Volume 10, Number 4, 1 April 1993 — The Hawaiian Congress -- the time for justice is now [ARTICLE+ILLUSTRATION]

The Hawaiian Congress -- the time for justice is now

Clayton Hee, Chairman Trustee, O'ahu The recent centennial observance of the illegal overthrow of the kingdom of Hawai'i provides a great opportunity for the State of Hawai'i, through its legisla-

ture, to restore a significant measure of justice. The overwhelming emotion and participation of Hawaiians and non-Hawaiians alike testify to the desire and commitment to "right what was wronged" 100 years ago. The Queen's desire to

eompel the U.S. to restore justice to the nation of Hawai'i has not died, but has been restated resoundingly. I believe a Hawaiian Congress should be held to re-establish the nation through a democratic process that represents the most appropriate and reasonable approach to constructing a new Hawaiian govemment. No sub-

ject matter or issue should be restricted and all Hawaiians should be encouraged to run as delegates. I believe the Congress should convene in 1993 as originally proposed to the state Legislature. It should consist of 101 delegates

representing Hawaiian demography throughout the state, according to the "one man/one vote" constitutional principle. As Chief Elections Officer, the Lieutenant Governor should govem the eleeūon, I ensuring that it comply with estab-

lished election standards. Educational institutions, native groups, appropriate govemment agencies and public interest groups, such as the League of Women Voters and Common Cause, should all be involved to ensure a fair and equal process. The costs of the Congress should be shared equally by the state and private sector as eaeh

are obligated to Hawai'i's people, Hawaiian and non-Hawaiian alike. The timing of the Congress is critical. Govemor John Waihe'e was instmmental in establishing OHA; he has been unswerving in his dedication to his people. He is now Govemor of the State of Hawai'i. If we believe his presenee is critical to petitioning the state Legislature and the federal government to accept a new Hawaiian nation, the Congress must be held in 1993. Moreover,

if the outpouring of emotion and dedication, the momentum generated by January 17, 1993 is any indication, 1993 is clearly the year to convene the Congress. According to the schedule of the original HB 1992, by January 17, 1994, the 101st anniversary of the overthrow, the Hawaiian Congress would present the Governor the results of a direct referendum of the Hawaiian peo-ple-all Hawaiians will have a voice, not just the delegates. There are those who have denounced this proposal and those who presently elaim to be

sovereign. Without recognition and acceptance by the state and federal govemment as legitimate repositories for land and other entitlements, however, the resources will not be returned. Rather than oppose this proposal, sovereignty groups should participate in the Congress so everyone ean consider their views and vote

on them democratically.

"I admit the timetable is ambitious and mueh needs to be done. I believe the people are ready; they are tired of waiting. They will not wait for another anniversary or another 100 years."

The governing document produced by the Hawaiian Congress will not be perfect. What it will be is the beginning of a new nation, created by and for the Hawaiian people. Its flaws will be corrected at subsequent

Congresses, just as the state and federal constitutions have been amended. I admit the timetable is ambitious and mueh needs to be done. I believe the people are ready; they are tired of waiting. They will not wait for another anniversary or another 100 years. There's been mueh discussion at the Legislature about the ambitious time frame. That signals me that the Legislature is as serious about the issue of self-deter-mination as the people are. In the

final analysis, the Legislature may opt for a later date to eonvene the Congress. They may decide that additional steps should be added to the elections process and deliberations of the Congress. These decisions should only be made after exhaustive contributions are made by OHA and other interested Hawaiian groups and individuals. It ean and will be done. The Hawaiian Congress is long overdue and its concept, principles and goals are rational, reasonable and democratic.