Ka Wai Ola - Office of Hawaiian Affairs, Volume 15, Number 7, 1 July 1998 — Beloved Niʻihau [ARTICLE+ILLUSTRATION]

Beloved Niʻihau

AS THE trustee representing Kaua'i and Ni'ihau, I would like to express what is in my heart. I was bom and raised on Ni'ihau so my aloha and concerns are deep. I was raised the old Hawaiian way. One perfectly mixed bowl of poi in the middle of the table and when everyone was pau eating, you kahi that bowl or get your ears puiled. I ean still hear my mother telling us not to be kāpulu. Our Saturdays were spent in the oeean picking limu, 'opihi, wana and hā'uke'uke for our dinner table. One Ni'ihau custom I recall and still practice is called 'ohana. Before my father went to work and before we went to sleep, the family gathered for 'ohana (Bible study).

Every Ni'ihau child learned to read using the Bible; this practice still continues today. We were taught memory verses to recite so we could stand up in front of people and speak with no shame. Mueh has been said lately regarding the pros and cons of building the missile pad on Ni'ihau. The issue has been discussed by just about everyone and everyone has positive Doints to make.

I recall my mother's words, "always watch what you say," so I am very cautious and try to examine the full picture. I have been in eontact with residents and former residents

of Ni'ihau to discuss and try to understand the Ni'ihau missile controversy. I have read the newspapers on the pros and cons of the construction of missile pads by PMRF and I have eome to one eonclusion. In my heart, when considering eonflicting values, I believe we must plaee the greater weight on the needs of the public who will be most immediately affected. Since December, no

work has been offered to the men of Ni'ihau. No cattle, no sheep, no charcoal. Everything has shut down, and even the precious Ni'ihau shell is scarce. With

this in mind, what right do any of us have to deny any father or husband the means to eam a living. Do we want to fight and force the people of Ni'ihau out of their homes? I think not! The decision on the future of Ni'ihau is in the hands of its residents. We should humbly suggest that a committee of experts monitor the environment and a team of doctors be sent to examine the residents monthly. The health and welfare of the residents should be our primary eoneem and we should do everything to ensure their continuing health and well-being. I would mueh rather see that Ni'ihau is given a ehanee to live. After all, it is my birthplace and I aloha the island. "I sought the Lord, and he heard me, and delivered mefrom all myfears." — Psalms 34:4 ■

" The health and welfare of the residents should be our primary eoneem and we should do everything to ensure their continuing heakh and well-being. " — Mo$cs Keale

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