Ka Wai Ola - Office of Hawaiian Affairs, Volume 13, Number 8, 1 August 1996 — ʻŌpio learn political leadership Hawaiian style [ARTICLE+ILLUSTRATION]

ʻŌpio learn political leadership Hawaiian style

By Kelli Meskin

Native Hawaiian students spent one week of their summer vacation learning the arduous task of writing and proposing laws through OHA's leadership development program, 'Aha 'Opio o OHA. They went in armed with idealism, aggressive enthusiasm and the Hawaiian culture. "Before this 'aha I didn't think of government stuff and

leadership, it didn't dawn on me to write up bills," said Chariya Tseu, this year's elected 'Aha 'Opio konohiki (attorney to the governor).

The 'Aha 'Opio program is an annual handson experience in leadership development for 60 Hawaiian high school juniors. The 'ōpio learn puhlie speaking, parliamentary procedure, understanding the electorial process, drafting bills and resolutions, debate and how to use the political jargon spoken in the legislature. Hawaiian teens ffom all over the state, and one student from Alaska, participated in this year's 'Aha 'Opio program. These 'ōpio are urged to exercise the responsibility of government with the knowledge of their culture and Hawaiian values of lōkahi, 'ohana, po'okela (excellence), ho'omau (perserverance) and more.

"Now I know what goes on in the legislature," said Ashley Anuheaokalaua'e Teixeira, this years 'Aha 'Ōpio kia'āina hope (lieutenant governor). "Before, I was totally clueless." Teixiera has been to other Ieadership conferences and said that 'Aha 'Opio was different because of

the aloha and the spirit that was present. Through 'Aha 'Ōpio she says she now knows how complicated the Legislature is. Lily Lyons, 'Aha 'Ōpio kia'āina (governor) for 1993, opened this year's program with the theme "E mau ana ka wai 'ōlelo, e ola ke kalo" (In the continuance of the language, the kalo shall sustain life). The theme is a reminder of this year's dedication to the Hawaiian language and Hāloa, the first ancestor of the Hawaiian people. "'Aha 'Ōpio changed my life significantly," said Blake Cherry, last year's 'Aha

'Opio Kia'āina (governor),at the opening ceremon„ and advised the new 'ōpio to "remember always who you are

and that you're a representative of your family.". One thing smdents will never forget is the stress that takes plaee when trying to instill change among a group of decision makers. The 'ōpio in the House of Representatives learned the political shuffle of passing bills in packages when pressed for time. 'Opio representatives were worried about having enough time to make sure all the bills were addressed, and, most of all, making sure their bills were passed. "Every minute counts in there" said Myron Perreira, an 'Aha 'Opio representative from Honoka'a high school on the Big Island. They had to extend their session by 15 minutes. Throughout the week, Hawaiian words, values and histo-

ry are woven into everything they learn, so they ean incorporate Hawaiian culture into their daily lives. "We learned how to be Hawaiian and how to be ourselves," Pūnohu said. "More than anything it was an emotional strain." The Final Results After the session was over the kia'āina (governor) reviewed all the bills and signed the ones she was in favor of and vetoed the ones she was not. In the OHA Board room the three officers, Jennifer Pūnohu, the kia'āina (governor); Teixiera, and Tseu, (Helene Otake, konohiki - attorney to the lieutenant gov-

ernor was absent) discussed strong and weak points of bills passed. However, the linal eall was up to Kia'āina Pūnohu.

"The Legislature's going to read these and I think it should be heard," said Pūnohu after a discussion to veto H.B.125 regarding legislative dress. It was passed. The bills that pass the 'Aha 'Ōpio legislative process are submitted to the Legislature the following year. Senators and representatives review the bills, and if one sparks their

interest they may submit a similar legislation to the Legislature to become a law. Pūnohu, Teixiera and Tseu plan to eome back next year as alumni of the ' Aha 'Ōpio program and volunteer their knowledge and services. As far as pursuing a political career some 'ōpio said they would indeed, others weren't so sure. "We'll just have to see how it goes," Pūnohu said. "I don't know where I'H be in five years." After this program, some 'ōpio felt more

open to a variety of options for their future and some became more confident in their current goals.

"I don't think it matters if we go into government or not because a lot of people want to go into medicine and other areas," Pūnohu said. "Most everyone's going to eome back to Hawai'i and that will help by having prominent Hawaiians in the community.

'Aha 'Opio o OHA Officers Kia'āina 'Ōpio - Governor Ms. Jennifer Punohu Kia'āina Hope - Lieutenant Governor Ms. Ashley Teixeira Kalaimoku - Attorney to the Governor Ms. Chariya Tseu Konohiki - Attorney to the Lieutenant Govemor Ms. Helene Otake \ > \ mr / ^ President of the Senate Mr. Jason Kaiawe Speaker of the House Ms. Sarah Tahauri

"We learned how to be Hawaiian and how to be ourselves," — JenniferPūnohu

'Aha 'Opio bills signed by the Kia'āina 'Ōpio on Thursday, July 11, 1996:

House Bills H.B. 101 Relating to |:he size and facilities of Hawaiian immersion clas: ooms HJ3. 109 Relating to Hawaiian home lands qualifications H.C.R. 110 Relating to Koa furniture for the Legislature RB. 113 Prohibit aleohol in public state parks - HB. 115 Relating to the need for Moloka'i fishponds to be exempted from state regulations HB. 116 Relating to having a school for pregnant teens providing normal eunieulum as well as classes in mothering . HB. 117 Relating to the firearms licensing HLB. 119 Relating to construction of observatories beyond the stated limit .... ;. '■■•;. ;■■ .: : ' ••■■•■ ' HLB. 122 Relating to Hawaiian cultural electives H.B. 125 Relating to the state legislative official dress code HLB. 132 Relating to Hawaiian home Iands HB. 136 Relating to more money for foster children

Senate Bills SB. 201 Relating to the wc)amation of Bernice Pauahi Bishop Museum 'ōiwi remains S.B. 205 Relating to Hawaiian activities that require a certain percent of Hawaiian blood to participate S.B. 206 Relating to the establishment of Hawaiian language and culture classes in public high schools S.B. 208 Relating to preserving historical areas along the Hāmākua Coast SLB. 209 Relating to amending the Hawaiian Homes Commission Act S.B 211 Relating to aid for the district of Hāna, Maui, to get advanced life support amhulanee service SJB. 212 Relating to thorough training courses for all security guards in the state of Hawai'i S.B. 214 Relating to the increase of the age for obtaining a license for firearms and for foreign officials/nationals S.B. 219 Relating to tax credit in lieu of rent for ceded lands 63 bills were submitted to the 'Aha 'Ōpio Legislature, 21 bills were passed.

Keolu Smith gives testimony to the Land and Natural Resources Committee.

Kina'u Young gives a candidate speech at the political rally while Leah Heen, a candidate on the same slate lis-

(From left to right) Helene Otake, Chariya Tseu, Ashley Teixeira and Jennifer Pūnohu are sworn into 'Aha 'Opio office.