Ka Wai Ola - Office of Hawaiian Affairs, Volume 14, Number 3, 1 March 1999 — In perspective [ARTICLE]

In perspective

Some of the faces have changed but it seems like the same in-fight-ing and bickering continues among OHA trustees. Is it any wonder that more and more beneficiaries are disillusioned with OHA? As a Hawaiian, I feel the responsibility to be informed on issues eoneeming our people. And yet all I see is people calling eaeh other names, pointing fmgers just like their counterparts at the legislature and in Washington, D.C. I realize that before we Hawaiians reach a eonsensus on the many issues facing us, there must be a dialogue and inevitable disagreement. But where is the ALOHA? Aioha makes our people special, yet it is rareiy displayed toward eaeh other. Instead, meetings and gatherings are held and commentaries are wntten to air "dirty laundry" or display laek of emotional control. While all this bickering is going on, a growing disproportionate number of Hawaiians: (1) are incarcerated: (2) are addicted to drags and tobacco; (3) abuse aleohol; (4) are afflicted with diabetes; (5) are homeless. E.C. Josiah Makakilo See LETTERS on page 3