Ka Wai Ola - Office of Hawaiian Affairs, Volume 15, Number 2, 1 February 1998 — It must be the people's word, not the politicians' [ARTICLE+ILLUSTRATION]

It must be the people's word, not the politicians'

Editor's Nole: During her final weeks. Trustee Beamer handwrote her article andforwarded itfrom Queen's Hospital to the Ka Wai Ola staff. Herfamily has kindly consented to the publication ofthis, her last eolumn. ĪWO CENTURIES and 20 years ago, we were a stoneage people overwhelmed by the industrial age. Soon we became a minority in our own land. This is the reason we are always under-represented. The politicians have decided who we are and what we should be. They prescribed our role in life. Every people has rogues, takers and givers. The givers are

not recognized. The talent of the Hawaiians is ignored. In my 70

years, I have noticed the contributions of many Hawaiians, some whom I know, some whom I don't know. The contributions are not acknowledged. As I lay in my bed, a renowned Hawaiian physician eame into my room and said, "I'll do my best to make you well." I said, "You are quite revered, Dr. Clayton Chong." He responded, "We have many professionals. You know, they had a health conference at Kamehameha Schools and the main speakers were Senators Inouye and Akaka — there were no physicians or health practitioners. We must work harder to display our professionalism." Many Hawaiians have displayed the kind of professional-

ism he was talking about. These outstanding professionals eome to mind and I will acknowledge them here: • Peter Thompson in finance • George Kaluhiokalani of Fidelity Investments • John Kaupiko in utilities • Jimmy Cockett, hotel manager • Ramona McGuire, sportswoman We also have our mafia like every other ethnic group. We have preachers in small churches; the sick and the poor for whom we must care; artists and musicians; heavy duty maehine operators; writers and merchants; and many teachers. We have the Blossoms and the Jo

Lawrences, who work quietly; the Heens; and all those who support without fanfare. Erma Kaeek, 90, sweeps her yard every day and reads every Ka Wai Ola. She is irate with the board's decisions. What is my message in telling you all this? People must make decisions by census, a poll of eaeh individual, not through elected officials or self-appointed leaders. No longer should representatives make the decisions for all of us. The people, by census, must take over as is the trend nationally. The Department of Hawaiian Home Lands might distinguish among us, but we are all Hawaiians. Regardless of blood quantum, we are one people. This is my new year's hope for all of us. ■

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