Ka Wai Ola - Office of Hawaiian Affairs, Volume 19, Number 10, 1 October 2002 — ELECTION 2002 ʻŌlelo nā mono- Candidates Speak General Election [ARTICLE+ILLUSTRATION]
ELECTION 2002 ʻŌlelo nā mono- Candidates Speak General Election
77? e views and opinions expressed in the Eleeiion 2002 candidates forum are of the individual KuSfi|Kj^KCA|£aM^^H candidates and do not necessarily reflect those of the Office of Hawaiian Affairs.
Iwas born in Honolulu to Ann VIaiy Amoy Aiona and John Pā Aiona, and was raised on the WaimānaloHomestead. The lease whieh was received in 1940 is now held by my sister3 Haunani. I graduated from 'Iolani School for boys and then from the University of Hawai'i where I received my B. A. and VI. A. in sociology. After spending awhole year on aFulbright grant doing VIaori research at Auckland University3 I attended seminaiy at the Church Divinity School of the Pacific where I received my master in divinity degree. While teaching religion, sociology and Hawaiian studies at Leeward College for 29 y ears, I also served for 22 years on the State Board of Education, where I championedHawaiian causes and interests in the D.O.E.
During the early years of the Hawaiian Renaissance I was deeply involved with my active brothers and sisters — Francis Ka'uhane, the late Georgiana Padeken, Pae Galdeira, Gard Kealoha, Doug Ng, Alvina Park and othars — as we challenged the Hawaiian Homes Commission to put more lessees on Hawaiian Home lands, e\fen if the lands were not developed. Our activism is seen as having some bearing upon the eventual establishment of OHA. Today Native Hawaiian rights and entitlements are being dangerously challenged. OHA must present a united front as the leader in protecting and upholding our alii trustentitlements and federal benefits, recognizing that what affects we indigenous people benefits all Hawai'i's citizens.
Though we may not all agree upon the passage and ramifications of the Akaka Bi 11 in Congress, it is my belief that this is an important vehicle for all Hawaiians to accomplish and achieve what we seek: justice and respect for our Hawaiian rights and institutions. I seek no political power but dedicate myself as a team player to prioritizing the most important and achievable goals and working with fellow trustees to form a unified pol icy-making team, eliminating leadeiship struggles and building a strong, stable organization withmusele. OHA cannot do all things for all people, but must make hard choices as to where to put its energy and influence. ■
As the most senior member of the Board of Trustees senmng three consecutive terms, I believe I have the historical knowledge necessaiy to deal with some of the most critical issues facing OHA today. 1 . Loss of ceded land revenues 2. Legal challenges to our Trust 3. Federal recognition 4. Negotiations with the State on a ceded land settlement While there are other challenges that we must address atOHA, those listed above are the most critical. AsHawaiians, the indigenous people of our lands, what we face today is no different than what occurred over 100 years ago. We are still fighting off assaults on our culture, rights to our lands and racism. Only now, we are being called racists because we want to protect our entitlements. Times have not changed mueh, people are still the same and greed is still the motivation behind the move to relieve us of whatever entitlements we have left. The only thing thathas changed is the sophistication used to manipulate us and the law. The future of OHA and other Hawaiian trusts are certainly atrisk. Hawaiian leaders will have to work together and use whatever resources that are necessary to protect existing Hawaiian Trusts. It is my opinion thatin these critical times for
OHA and all Hawaiian trusts, it is veiy important to have experienced leadership to help steer our eanoe. The unresolved issues of a permanent revenue stream for OHA and the failure of the Legislature to address the Suprarne Court of Hawaii's directionto them to "fix" Act 304 by defining what ceded land revenues constitute revenue for OHA was devastating to our Public Land Trust. For the fiist time in OHA's 22 year histoiy we have had to use our principal in\''estments to fundprograms and operations. In 1991, OHA's trust assets totaled $11 million. In 1993, our negotiating team settled with the State, on a partial settlement of approximately $129 million for back due payments owed to OHA from ceded land revenues. In 1999, as chair of the OHA Board, our invest~ ments had grown to nearly $400 million. In today's market OHA's assets are worth considerably less. As a trustee who has always believed that the needs of our people should eome fiist, the following are some of the programs that I have initiated: 1. FANNIE MAE Loan Commitment of $135 million for home loans for ALL Hawaiians. This is a partnarship between the Office of Hawaiian Affairs, FANNIE MAE, Bank of Hawaii and First Hawaiian Bahk to provide low
interest loans to all Hawaiians for home ownership. 2. The purchase of Quality Hom.es/PreFabricated Housing. OHA recently bought halfownership to this manufacturing plant whieh ean produce homes that are steel constructed for approximately $50,000 eaeh. This home loan program now adds a new dimension to OHA' s commitment to home ownership. 3. Hawaiian Registry Program. The Hawaiian registry will not only show proof of Hawaiian ancestry, but sports a new look as a photo I.D. 4. $350,000 commitment to annual scholarships for higher education. 5. Kupuna Health Program identifying elderly who are not covered by existing programs. For more information on my accomplishments please see my web-site at www.rowenaakana .org In the next few yeais, because of the ehallenges we face, experienced leadeiship will play a key role in our ability to deal with these issues as they present themselves. I am very grateful to the Hawaiian eommunity for having believed in my devotion and ability to lead, and for their continued support throughout my years at OHA. I am asking for your support again on November 5th, election day. Mlahal o iā ' oe . ■
Immediate family: Wife, Jacqueline K., daughtars, SarahK. Triplett, and Chrissy K. Gove, grandchildren Christopher K. Little and Mlakena K. Gove. Thare is an urgent need today for the Native Hawaiians to eome together. The possible passage of the Akaka Bill will necessitate our need to eome together to form a political entity whieh
will tend to the needs of our people in a planned and organized manna:. I strongly feel that with my experience in establishing organizations for specific purposes will help us progress towards meeting the needs of our people. As a kupuna, I have worked with numerous groups including OHA itself I was one of the original nine trustees. I have served as a mem-
ber of the Hawaiian Constitutional Convention, worked with young people in the eanoe clubs, served with the Hawaiian Civic Clubs, the Kamehameha Alumni Association, the Aloha Festivals, and others. MIy ability to work with people is established. BENHAM continued on page 9
Darrow K. Aiona
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Roy 'Ilikea Eenham
BENHAM from page 8 One of the most pressing needs of our people is identifying ourselves. We need to know specifically who we are and where we are. We need to take a census in order for us to contact as many of us as possible. When our entity is formed, we'll ha\fe our own census department whieh will be expanded as we determine. With such an inventory, we will contact eaeh registrant for their input into our plans to hold a Constitutional f/Ieeting to draft an entity whieh we will take out tothe community before ratification. We must have the manaco of as many of us as possible. OHA ean be of mueh assistance inthis effort. We need to accomplish this in order to preserve the benefits we are now receiving and to be instrumental in managing existing and future programs for our Hawaiian people. No, we will not be signing away our right to
independence, that ean never be eliminated. It is the inherent right of every indigenous people. This entity under the cognizance of the U.S. is a first step, not the end. We will achieve experience in governing oumelves and will be able to say to the world that3 yes, we are organized and are proceeding on the path to sovereignty if that is what the majority of our people want. It has always troubled me that the OHA Trustees are still chairpersons of various eommittees. The arrangement was started by the original trustees because at that time we had no staff. Now that the office is well staffed, those committees shouldha\''e evolved into operating departments of OHA. The primary functionof the operating departments wouldbe to aeeomplish goals set by the trustees in consultation with the Hawaiian people. Trustees should not be committee chairpemons. OHA has recently developed a strategic plan with input from its
beneficiaries. It will be primarily the function of the Trustees to assure its propar implementation. Contact with the beneficiaries by Trustees will facilitate aeeompli shing this responsibility. The OHA Trustees will have to work together to accomplish this and assure that the goals represent the needs of the majority of our people. This is no easy task but it ean be done. The census will help. Regarding our negotiations with the State re ceded land revenues, our path should be keeping all options open so that when our entity is formed, the negotiations will be accomplished by that entity whieh will independent of the State of Hawaii. Hopefully3 the entity will represent more of our people than OHA. Finally, there are members of the OHA Board with whom I ha\' e worked and for whom I have deep respect. I believe we ean work together for the ultimate good of all our people. ■ | Miehael Hanohano\^ ^
T T T hy do you want to be an OHA I /I / trustee? It's a matter of involvement. Every Hawaiian, no matter of blood quantum, should get involved in affairs dealing with the Hawaiian people. If not, in years to eome we might lose what is due to our race. The Native Hawaiians will suffer if we don'tget involved now. What qualities wouM you bring to the posi - tion ? Over 33 years I have been working with the Hawaii county poliee department; I worked as a poliee officer and now as a motor vehicle control inspector, taking care of the west of the Big Island in that job capacity. I am also a Hawaiian Homesteader for over 30 years involved in cattle ranching and crop farming. Due to my aforementioned experience in life, the two qualities I feel I bring to OHA is that I
am not afraid to work and in my type of work you leain to use eommon sense, whieh a lot of people in public office laek. What do you consider the most important issue confronting OHA and/or Hawaiians? The most important issue I feel facing OHA and the Hawaiian people is not the past but the present. We as Hawaiians must fight for whatis owed to us. The lease payments from all Hawaiian lands should go into a special fund for the Hawaiian people so that they ean really get affordable housing and land where all the infrastructure is in plaee and notgivenraw land and wait years for improvements. What past / current experience demonstrate your commitment to the Hawaiian community? I have been in the Hawaiiancommunity all of my life. I live in Waimea on the island of Hawaii. f/Iy wife and myself have been
involved and are still active with the youth and kupunas on our island. I will not list the different organizations that we helped start or that we are involved with being that we getinvolved from our hearts and not for notoriety. As an OHA trustee, how would you resolve those concerns? In being an OHA trustee no one pemon ean resolve any issue or concerns. It takes the efforts of all the trustees. The trustees and the Hawaiian people must eome as one to resolve any concerns. īfyou could only accomplish one goal as an OHA trustee, what would it be? As stated previously before, anything canbe accomplished. The OHA trustees and the Hawaiian people must become one powerful unit. Then, and only then, we as Hawaiians ean move forward and obtain goals. ■
£ k Voice For The Younger Genaration! " /\ I would like to thank the Office of -Z \^Hawaiian Affairs (OHA) for the opportunity to address all of you. f/Iy name is Adrian Kamalaniikekai Kamali'i. I am a 2000 graduate of the Kamehameha Schools. I am currently ajunior atHawaid Pacific University, studying poliheal science. I was raised in Waiehu and Kahului on the island of VIaui, and atthe age of 1 4 lefthome to become a boarding student at Kamehameha. During my senior year at Kamehameha, I contacted Kumu Hula Vicky Holt Takamine to see how I could become active in the hui (group), "īlio'ulaokalani Coalition. I hadarranged for a meeting withher and gathered other students at Kamehameha who were also interested. Soon after, I had started 'īlio'ulaokalani Youth Coalition (IYC). Onee established at Kamehameha, I made it a priority to take IYC to schools throughout the state. Since its ineephon, IYC has covered an
array of issues. In VIarch of 2000, IYC helped to launeh the newly formed grassroots political party, "Aloha cĀina." During the next legislative year, IYC became actVe in the legislative process and lobbying for bills of various issues with regards to education, the environment, and the preservation of the Hawaiian culture. In February of 2002, I ended my term as president of "īlio'ulaokalani Youth Coalition to become the elected president and Chief Officer of the newly formed group, Hui Hocoulu, ine. This group advocates the importance of education for our c6pio Hawai'i by learning the ways of our kūpuna. Hui Ho'oulu, ine. is now in its de\'elopment phase, and has large plans and venues to introduce our 'opio Hawail to various educational actVities. If granted the opportunity to become an OHA trustee, I will advocate and if necessary fight the battle to fmd and acquire supplemental funding for education and cultural/educational
programs. Hawaiians cannot wait until the state improves its educational system, nor tolerate its laek of socioeconomic care for Hawaiians. This will allow Hawaiian children educational opportunities that the state public education system does not. The outcome of this would stimulate Hawaiians to take an actVe part in OHA's outreach and thereby improve access and openness to OHA. VIy main eoneem and goal would be to make OHA more aggressive in its efforts to reclaim ceded lands and ceded land revenues to make OHA's budget more operationally effective to serve more Hawaiians. On September 12, 2001, the Hawai'i Supreme Court dismissed OHA's lawsuit against the State of Hawai'i. That case addressed the basis of negotiating ceded lands claims. VIy goal and priority will be to rekindle and settle negotiations in spite of KAMALI'I continued on page 10
CANDIDATE5 WĒTFFSTV7TTTT1WĪI>EĒĒĒĒ^ 'ōleio nā moho - Candidates Speak
The views and opinions expressed in the Election 2002 candidates forum are of the individual candidates and do not necessarily reflect those of the Office of Ha waiian Affairs.
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Adrian Kamali'i
KAMALI'I from page 9 the September 12th decision. In recent years OHA has obtained a disrep~ utable image because of disagreements between trustees. Personal agendas and vendettas need to be put aside and Hawaiians put first. OHA needs to become an entity that fights for
Hawaiians and not with Hawaiians. We need to move forvvard, Hawaiians are in desperate need of help and advocacy. OHA has great potential to "Ho'oulu Lāhui," (increase and preserve the Hawaiian nation - Kalākaua's mission) and that should be of utmost importance. I have made a conscious decision to be a can~
didate for a position that directly benefits my people. I ask you all to please support my efforts to gain one of three seats for the Office Of Hawaiian Affairs Trustee At~Large. Vote for change! For more information please visit www.adriankamalii.com. E kū'ē a holomuae nā Hawai' i! Mālama e nā Hawaici. ■
Oswald K. Stender was born on October 8,1931 and was raised by his tutu wahine and tutu kane in Haucula on the island of Ocahu. He graduated from The Kamehameha School for Boys in 1950 and from the Univemity of Hawai'i at Klānoa in 1958. He worked at the Hawaiian Electric Company (1949-1951); served in the U. S. f/Iarine Corps (1 951 -1954); then worked at the Estate of James Campbell (1958-1972); and the Grosvenor Estate (1972- 1974). After leaving the Grosvenor Estate, Oz (as he prefers to be called) returned to the Campbell Estate and served first as their Chief Executive Officer (1974-1988) and then Senior Advisor to the Trustees from 1 988 until 1 990. He was later appointed to the Trusteeship of the Bernice Pauahi Bishop Estate and served until he ten~ dered his resignation in 1999. He is serving as a trustee or director for Cash Assets Trust, Pacific Capital Assets Trust,
Hawai'i Tax Free Trust, Hawaiian Electric Industri.es and Grace Pacific. He currently serves in a number of tax exempt, charity, and non-profit org anizations such as USS VIissouri Memorial Foundation; 'lolani Palaee; 'lolani School; Helping Hands Hawai'i; Queen Lili'uokalani Children's Center Advisory Board; Mutual Housing Associationof Hawai'i; and Pacific Housing Corp., among others. Oz currently is a real estate broker/consultant and is vice president of American Land Company. He lives in Mlaunawili withhis wife, Ku'ulei (also a graduate of Kamehameha Class of 1 950). He has two children and three grand~ children. He would like to serve as an OHA Trustee because he feels strongly that aside from the legacy left by Princess Bernice Pauahi Bishop, OHA is the only organization that ean serve the broader Hawaiian community. Oz brings with him not only a wealth of knowledge that he has
gained through his many experiences in the business community but also his love for the Hawaiian people. One of the most important issues facing OHA, in his opinion, is the need to restore eonfidence in the organization among both its Hawaiian community and the broader eommunity. He feels that the newly elected board of trustees must coalesce amongst themselves, bring closure to the ceded lands issue, deal with the Rice vs. Cayetano challenges, and better serve the needs of our Hawaiian people. Asked to gVe only one goal he would like to accomplish as an OHA trustee, Oz stated that he would like to see the OHA trustees appoint an advisoiy board whieh would consist of OHA's constituents as well as the broader Hawaiian community to deal with issues that affect our people today as well as those issues that Hawaiians will face in the future. ■
The survival of our Hawaiian culture has been a struggle. As outsiders would arrive to these islands with their own views, some wouldlabel Native beliefs "pagan" and "inferior." Such arroneous thinking would lead to the illegal overthrow of the Hawaiian Kingdom, as well as an outright effort to eradicate the culture itself. Yet, throughout the ehallenges, our kupuna would hold fastto their eultural beliefs and retain many of our values, eonvictions and practices. Today, new challenges seeking to eliminate the Office of Hawaiian Affairs, the Department of Hawaiian Homelands, and even our traditional gathering rights, threaten our people and culture. The Supreme Court decision repealing Act 304, also delivered a heart-rending blow to our people. The Legislature's refusal to deal with its legal obligation to Hawaiians on this issue has added further insult to injury. Such attacks pose a threat of irreplaceable consequence to the Hawaiian culture and, sub~ sequently, to an extraordinary treasure to all of Hawaici and the world. The challenge for the Office of Hawaiian Affairs will be to deal with the current assaults on our rights and existence, while simultane~ ously fulfilling our obligation to advance our people and culture.
This is my vision and my kuleana: Our People — OHA needs to arase any doubt that we are indeed the agency for Hawaiians by increasing our efforts to create and implement programs. We must also effectV ely inform our people of the existing programs and services that OHA currently provides. Our Culture — In addition to improving the condition of the Hawaiian person, it is also incumbent on the Office of Hawaiian Affairs to perpetuate and protect the larger scale of the Hawaiian culture. OHA Administration — A competent and efficient administration is key to the success of any organization. It is essential that we have the best people doing the best work, as ourbeneficiari.es deserve nothing less. OHA administra~ tive staff shouldhave a familial interaction with othar Hawaiian trusts, and federal, state and non~profit agencies that provide public ser~ vices. We should never lim.it our scope simply to our own offerings, but maximize our means by sharing in the available resources being offered by others. Eeonomie Autonomy — It is time for OHA to minimize our reliance on the State by developing other sources of revenue to fund our programs. OHA's unique tax status provides an excellent vehicle with whieh to develop income-generating projects. Land īnvestments — In today's current mar-
ket climate, having our entire portfolio in stocks and bonds is simply not fiscally prudent or culturally appropriate. The cultural and ancestral eonneehon between the Hawaiian people and their 'āina also bestows a value on land that transcends monetaiy gain Polkieal Autonomy — In order to protect our assets and the services we provide ourpeople; it is time for OHA to separate from the State. In addition to protecting our rights, governance powers, and programs, this move would also help in building OHA into a model for our ulti~ mate goal of a Sovereign Hawaiian Nation. "Building a Beloved Nation" — The Office of Hawaiian Affairs has always been intended as a transition to a Sovereign Hawaiian Entity. As we Hawaiians pumue recognition in the fed~ eral and international arenas, it is important for us to realize that being "recognized" in and of itself does not build a nation. By doing all the things mentioned in this vision, OHA will not only protect and maxi~ mize its resources to better serve our people and culture, but also develop the governmental infrastructure of nationhood. The formation of OHA into this model will help the lobbying efforts of recognition, as well as provide an amiable implementation process onee such recognition is attained. www. waiheeoha.com ■
ELECTIDIMED02 'ōie/o nā moho - Candidate& $p&mk
The views and opinions expressed in the Election 2002 candidates forum are of the individual candidates and do not necessarily reflect those of the Office of Hawaiian Afiairs.
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John Waihe 'e IV
T T T hy do you want to be an OHA 1/1/ trustee? I want to be an OHA tmstee because I want to serve our people in a capacity that will enable me to support and strengthen our ongoing quest to provide for andprotect the general welfare of all Hawaiians. When I was young3 my parents taught us to learnand value all things Hawaiian. My father was a model ehampion of Hawaiiana. He played Hawaiian music3 spoke and taught Hawaiian language. He encouraged us to explore Hawaiian culture and to incorporate Hawaiian values into our lives. I learned to develop and cultivate a deep sense of Aloha for our people, our cultural heritage, andmembers of society who share the same vision, values, and spirit. What qualities would you bring to the posi - tion ? I am a son of former OHA trustee, Mlanu Kahaialii. Like my father, I am dedicated to the cause that all Hawaiians are desenHng of all the benefits, privileges, opportunities, and support that will empower us as a nation to develop, grow, improve, and strengthen our lives. I am a eommon and simple man with simple ideas. I am a good mediator and have the ability to
bring groups together and engage in dialogue that will aide in the development of mutually beneficial resolutions for all participants. I have an adaptive works tyle preference, whieh enables me to be flexible and ad.just as needed to complement the overall mission of the board. Basically, I have the ability to administer and/or minister; manage or work to help meet the needs of our people. What do you consider the most important issues confronting OHA and/or Hawaiiam ? I believe that one of the mostimportantissues conffonting OHA and Hawaiians today is the ceded lands trust. Both OHA and the state of Hawaii needs to reaffirm its commitment to fulfi.ll their trust obligations to the Hawaiian people with respect to ceded lands. There cannot be, must notbe, should not be any need to eompromise that trust or trust relationship. There needs to be a complete and thorough in,''entory of all ceded lands. The state is obligated to ensure that ceded lands and its re\'enues are set aside for the benefit of Hawaiians. What past/curient experiences demonstrate your commitment to the Hawaiian community? I have participated in a number of demonstrations and programs that have been dedicated to
the promotion, perpetuation and presen'ation of Hawaiian culture. I have also used my business activ ities as a vehicle for sharing the truth about the status of na po'e o Hawai'i; our history, our language, our lifestyle, our music, and our aloha. I recently resigned from my position as a department manager to run for public office to serve my people. As an OHA trustee, how would you aeeom - plish one goal as an OHA trustee, what would it be? If I am elected, I will develop strategic partnerships at the loeal, county, state and federal government levels to bring about swift resolutionto the ceded lands debate. I will ensure that financial obligations related to the ceded lands trust are fulfilled by developing measurable accountabilities that are designedtomonitor the activities of those who are responsible, and implement programs that will provide better educational, training, and job opportunities for Hawaiians. I will strive to increase funding for Hawaiian health care, so that we ean mālama our kupuna and our families who cannot afford to pay for Medicare. I will work with the state to develop swift resolution to the ceded land issues and bring about a reasonable compromise that will be mutually beneficial and practical for all. ■
Judge Boyd P. Mlossman (Ret.) is a candidate for the Mlaui office of OHA and has been a resident of Mlaui for over 30 years. He was born and raised on O'ahu, the son of Richard and Katherine Kalāhui MIossman. He is married to the former Mlamalee Mlaile Kaiaokamalie of Ulupalakua, Mlaui, and has seven children and seven grandchildren. His roots run deep in Hawai'i not only from his Hawaiian ancestors who were indigenous to the land of his birth, the land whieh they onee called their own, but also from his English, Scot, German and Portuguese heritage, for whieh he is appreciative. Judge MIossman served his entire career in county and state government working in both the executive and judicial branches of government. His latest quest to expand his experiences to the legislative branch in a quasi legislative office rounds out his service to his community and now the people of Hawaii. He believes his experience ingovernment andthe courts will be invaluable to helping OHA successfully achieve its goals to maintain and protect the trust, its corpus, and its beneficiaries, the Hawaiian people. Judge MIossman was educated at the Kamehameha Schools, the United States Air Force Academy, and the George Washington
Univemity School of Law. He has been educated in academics and also life itself and has eounseled hundreds in his calling as a Bishop and Stake President in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. His experience in mediation and arbitration has also helpedresolve disputes in a wide variety of s ituations. With this background he hopes to bring a calming influence to OHA and to assist the trustees in resolving issues both from a legal as well as moral and human perspective . The most important thing OHA ean do is to offer the people of Hawai'i and the beneficiaries a responsible, respected, competent board of good reputation that ean be effective as a body in meeting its responsibilities. To accomplish this, the trustees must be willing to work together for a eommon purpose and be able to listen more and demand less. His community service has included leading organizations such as the Oentral Mlaui Hawaiian Civic Club, Nā Kai 'Ewalu Canoe Club, the Kamehameha Day Parade Mlaui, the Kamehameha Schools Parents Mlaui, Kamehameha Alumni Mlaui, Mlaui High School PTSA, Pukalani Elementaiy PTA, LDS Church Mlaui, Olowalu Cultural Resen'e, the Boy Scouts
^ of America Mlaui, and also sendce on boards to include the Polynesian Cultural Center, Mlaui Electric Advisory Council, and CEO Advisory Council Kamehameha Schools, among others. As aresult, he has been involved in numerous issues affecting the Hawaiian people and has worked extensively with them in a variety of situations. Besides the objective of improving the image of OHA by bringing more respect, credibility, and unity to OHA, Judge MIossman is most eoncerned about addressing and defending Hawaiian entitlarnents and established rights against efforts to take from Hawaiians the little they have left. Ceded lands revenues and the associated legal issues present a problem but are not insurmountable with some new input and willingness to negotiate. The Akaka Bill needs to be passed and in plaee as an additional defense to the numerous law suits being filed against Hawaiian entities; however, should Congress not act favorably, an OHA board capable of retooling this bill will be necessary. Finally, OHA's role for Hawaiians eannot ignore Hawai'i's people; therefore, OHA must go forward with reason and truth and bring to all of Hawai'i a stabilizing influence for the good of Hawaiians as well as all Hawai'i. ■
CAIMDIUATE5 !!!!E3ixEEĪĪC8^B3EĪS^MBBIII^. 'ōl&lo nā moha - Candidate& Speak
The views and opinions expressed in the Election 2002 candidates forum are of the individual ^ candidates and do not necessarily reflect those of the Office of Hawaiian Affairs. ^ | Wilmont Kahaiali 7 | ^
w hy do I want to be an OHA trustee After six yeare as an aide to two different OHA trustees3 the most recent stint in 19982002, I am aware of the issues that OHA and Native Hawaiians face and feel I ean offer solutions as a member of the board of trustees. Wha t qualities do you bring to the position? Mueh of my adult life has been spent studying Hawaiian history, especially in the areas of politics and sovereignty, to gain insight into the ehain of events that stripped Hawaiians of their birth rights and to reverse the many social, eeonomie and political wrongs many Hawaiians suffer today. I have experience in running a successful fishing business (Mlarine Supply and Exchange), being fiscally responsible, problem solving and interacting positively with othem and treating individuals who may not agree with me with dignity and respect. What is the most important issue facing OHA ? My highest priority is securing the ceded lands ineome owed to OHA in order to fund health, education, social, eeonomie and Hawaiian cultural programs that ean improve the quality of life for all Native Hawaiians. It is unthinkable that OHA programs could be discontinued for laek of funding when the State is obligated by its constitution's Chapter X to furnish funds for the betterment of Hawaiians and
7 with the existing revenue stream from ceded lands . What past experience demonstrates your commitment? For decades, I have actively participated in numerous organizations dedicated to Hawaiian causes: ♦ Friends of Kamehameha Schools, formed in 1964 to oppose the Land Reform Act and other attempts to reduce KS assets or its ability to educate as many Hawaiian children as possible. ♦ Aloha Association 1 972 pursued reparations from the federal government. ♦ Congress of Hawaiian People. Helped form this group and produced a 1 982 history report published as " Politics , Hawai 'i Sandalwood Trees and Hope ." ♦ Oouneil of Hawaiian Organizations, produced Hawaiian Cons titutions Granting Laws, Land Divisions and Awards as a rebuttal to the 1983 Native Hawaiian Study Commission report findings that Hawaiians were not entitled to compensation for loss of their sovereignty, land or culture. ♦ Western Pacific Fisheries Mlanagement Council, between 1976 and 1986, worked to preserve marine resources in the Pacific. Produced reports on the status of marine populations to protect them from excessive hamestmg. ♦ Commission for the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands, commissioner, 19781980. ♦ Queen Lili'uokalani Children's Center Advisoiy Council member, 1 978-1988.
♦ Sovereignty Advisory Council, appointed by the Governor in 1994. ♦ Hawaiian Sovereignty Elections Council, appointed by Governor in 1996 ♦ Native Hawaiian Advisory Council Treasurer. NHAC focuses on traditional water rights of Native Hawaiians and how they ean affect contemporary water allocation including Waiāhole Ditch. ♦ Kahea, The Hawaiian Environmental Allianee, current treasurer and advocate for the preservation of the fragile Northwestern Hawaiian Is lands. As a trustee how do you resolve these eon - cerns? As a start, seek clarification of why the 13th, 14th, andl5thU.S. constitutional amendments designed to protect slaves, was applied to remove protection of Hawaiian rights? We are the descendants, or heirs, of the estate created by our Hawaiian forebears who lived in the Hawaiian islands prior to 1778, and nota racial class as is being charged. Further, thare is the question of the manner of Hawaid's annexation and its legality. īf only one goal is possible what should it be? Secure all the assets and ineome due to Native Hawaiians and protect them inperpetuity so they ean generate ineome to benefit current and future generations of Hawaiians. Mlahalo nui loa. ■
Aloha kakou. The Carpenter family proudly traces its Hawaiian roots to 1801 and to the unions of Kai-o and Kaha'ionakolo at Kōloa, Kaua'i, as well as Papapa and Kamalu Lono from Kalapana, Hawai' i. I grew up on O ' ahu, as the second son of Vemon Carpenter of Texas and Louise Pōmaika'i Kakelaka of Honolulu. I attended Kamehameha and Roosevelt schools and graduated from the United States MIerchant MIarine Academy in New York. Earned: a B.S. degree in MIarine-MIechanical Engineering; Coast GuardLicense as a MIarine Engineer, and Commissioned Officer in the U S Navy Reserve. MIy wife, the former Olan Peltier, and I have been blessed over 44 years with four wonderful children and 1 1 beautiful mo'opuna. Why do I want to be a trustee for OHA? To advocate for the "betterment of all Hawaiians" to assure provision of coordinated services delMered to all Hawaiian Communities, with emphasis on health, education, economics and housing. Further, to provide policy-making direction and funding
efforts to maximize resources to benefit the greatest number of Hawaiians and Native Hawaiians. What qualities do I bring to this position? Proven leademhip that ean be effectively used to benefit the Hawaiian people gained through knowledge and experience in government, legislative and administrative capacities as: ♦ Interim OHA Trustee and former Administrator forOHA. ♦ State Senator and County Councilman, and ♦ MIayor of Hawai ci County. What are the most important issues eon - fron ting OHA ? 1 st — The protection of all of OHA assets including: ♦ Immediate collection of years of unpaid debt owed to OHA for its lawful pro-rata share of Ceded Land Trust Revenues from State of Hawai'i, ♦ Entitlements and othar legislative or eongressional acts of law, ♦ Enforcement of all legal contracts, and ♦ OHA Corpus or investment portfolio;
2nd - To coordinate and help develop a solid education plan to compliment and ensure continuity of education of Hawaiians at all levels - through public or private institutions; 3rd - To support, strengthen and coordinate resources to perpetuate the Hawaiian language andculture andto adequately care for our aging kupuna; 4th - To support and encourage mortgage fmancing development programs to ensure all Hawaiians ean live in dignity in their own homes; 5th - To advocate, in conjunction with international models of self-determination, a nation building effort through coordination, participation andeducation withinthe Hawaiianeommunity. 14 hat experiences show commitment to the Ha wa iian e om m uni ty? As OHA Administrator, directed extensive meetings with Hawaiian communities to assess statewide needs to set priorities; participated CARPENTER continued on page 13
ELECTI0N2D0£!
The views and opinions expressed in the Election 2002 candidates forum are of the individual candidates and do not necessarily reflect those of the Office of Hawaiian Aff airs.
[?]
Dante Keala Carpenter
CARPENTER from page 12 with Habitat for Humanity to help build homes in Anahola, Kauai; served as founder and past president of ihe Hawaiian OKie Club of Kah; and, presently serve as a delegate to cAha Hawaici 'Oiwi (NHC). How would I resolve Hawaiian concerns?
The three most essential responsibilities of an OHA Trustee are advocacy policy~making, and financial & budget planning. A Trustee's main function is quite simply to help make resolution possible through advoca~ cy by ensuring any government agencies' responsible for services are equally available to Hawaiians What would be my primary focus as a trustee ?
To develop an Advocacy Action Agenda whieh ean begin implementation immediately as well as for ihe long term, in conjunction wilh an OHA Master Plan. Trustees would become better advocates by encouraging community participation at open meetings, hearings and seminam in all major communities ofthe state; to see and hear first~hand Hawaiian concerns regarding heallh, education, housing, eeonomics or nationhood status. ■
It is a privilege for me to representthe voice of ihe Hawaiian people by running for ihe seat of Trustee for ihe Office of Hawaiian Affairs. Many issues face ihe Hawaiian people; I feel it is my duty to provide a solution to those issues and to give a voice to ihe people of Hawai' i. As a candidate for Trustee on O'ahu, I bring: Leadership — As a Command Sergeant Mlajor withthe United States Army, I achieved ihe highest rank possible as a non~commis~ sioned officer.
Honor — I am a veteran of ihe Korean and Vietnam wars. Concern — I am part Hawaiian wilh ihe greatest eoneem for ihe future of ihe Hawaiian people. Two important issues facing ihe Hawaiian people is ihe native Hawaiian right to self~ governance and the right to protect ceded lands. In ihe course of history it has been proven that we (Hawaiians) as indigenous people have not been extended ihe legal and political status that we deserve.
OHA is for ihe people and by ihe people. In saying this, issues facing ihe Hawaiian people will have to be solved by ihe Hawaiian people; and as a representative for ihe people, it will be my duty to convey their concerns and proposed resolutions to Hawaii's lawmakers and ihe pub~ lie at~large. I feel as a present member and past President of ihe 'Ohana Kauaua wilh over 3,000 membem, it is my obligation to all Hawaiians, including my extended 'ohana to represent ihem wilh the utmost dignity and pride. ■
Aloha, co Leona Mlāpuana Kalima ko'u inoa. I amgraduate of Sacred Hearts Academy and Brigham Young University, paralegal studies, and am the eldest of 15, MIother of four, grand~ mother of four. Only a Hawaiian ean tell you this: I am 62.5 percent Hawaiian, 25 percent Portuguese and 12.5 percent Japanese raise by my Chinese popo and ah goong. I am a haku ho"oponopono and have studied Conflict Resolution and MIediation. MIy intellectual pas~ sion is in geophysical sciences; astronomy, tsunamis, aurora borealis, earthquakes, hurri~ canes and other geophysical phenomenon. As a Trustee, I will work to do ihe following: (1) initiate programs and projects that will help improve the socioeconomic conditions of Hawaiians; (2) bring in ihe best legal experts to help OHA address ihe restoration of ihe ceded land revenues, legal challenges to Hawaiian entitlements and autonomy; (3) advocate for OHA to be a major sponsor of a Native Hawaiian Convention; and (4) support OHA's acquisition of a building complex for its central office that ean also be used by other Hawaiian organizations. I have a deep compassion and commitment to serve Hawaiians. For the past 7 years, I have been a full~time employee of OHA, so I fully
understand how ihe organization works inter~ nally and how it relates to external entities. I was also a candidate for OHA Trustee in 1994, and prior to my employment at OHA was involved in community service work wilh other state and non~profit entities. I was an outreach counselor for Salvation Army on Kaual after "Iniki. I facilitated a collaboratMe effort that started ihe Hawaii Alive project whieh address~ es math, science and computer literacy on Mloloka'i. MIy past and current experiences in Hawaiian affaim work have been diveme but always focused on bettering ihe conditions of Hawaiians. I am a primaiy plaintiff in Kalima et al vs. the State of Hawai 'i lawsuit that addresses ihe past claims of Hawaiian Home Land beneficiaries . I have spent many yeam working wilh ihe homeless, and sevaral yeam ago started a project to feed the homeless in Haleiwa. I have also made runs for House and Senate seats in my district. I have over ihe yeam been unafraid to stand ihe line wilh other Hawaiians in protesting various actions that have adversely affected Hawaiians. I recognize the data and live ihe statistics of ihe Hawaiian population. OHA mustnecessitate and augment programs that address: Kupuna medications, Food Banks, Homelessness, ihe heallh conditions of Hawaiians and mālama our
keiki. We must formulate diverse venues to open opportunities like National Hawaiian MIusic Awards and youth entrepreneumhip. I will implement three strategies to resolve ihe problems and concerns that affect Hawaiians: (1) initiate programs that uplift Hawaiians socially and economically; (2) using ihe Apology Bill as a basis, propose legislative action on ihe federal, state, loeal, and interna~ tional levels to secure Hawaiian claims, entitle~ ments, and self~governance; and (3) bring diveme groups of Hawaiians togethar for ihe purpose of lōkahi and presenting a united front on ihe major Hawaiian issues. As a Trustee is work diligently to establish OHA or ihe embodiment, as an autonomous entity, separate and apart from ihe State of Hawaii. Until OHA separates itself from ihe State, legal challenges to Hawaiian entitlements will continue. In addition, ihe State, despite all ihe advances we have made as a people, still controls most of our land and natural resources. We must stake our elaim to these resources and oki oumelves from State control and domina~ tion. We must build a holistic and strong future for our Hawaiian people and our culture. I humbly ask for your vote. God bless you and yours. Mlahalo. ■
CANDIŪATE5 'd>!elo nā moho - Candida tes Speak
The views and opinions expressed in the Election 2002 candidates forum are of the individual candidates and do not necessarily reflect those of the Office of Hawaiian Affairs.
[?]
^eriy^M^reemai^
Leona Māpuana Kalima
£ v"~"vhana means family and family is ■ Biever forgotten and never left Xfc^^behind. 'Ohana is all the Hawaiian families here at home and abroad ... "Ano'ai, my name is Orrin Kupau I am a can~ didate for the O'ahu seat. I hope to become the youngest trustee elected3 to effectively repre~ I M. Kēhaulani Rezentes
sent the mana'o of the offices younger benefi~ ciaries. Also3 to shed new light and new ideas on current and past issues. I am currently a NatKe Hawaiian business owner in the state of Hawaii and a director of a loeal non~profit organization. With numerous management positions in state and private
industry. I ean go on about myself and what I ean do, but, what we the Hawaiian people neednow is leaders with "ACTION"! So, please, remember on election day Kūpau for a "New OHA." ■
m \ "K T hy do you want to be an OHA I /\ / Trustee? I want to be a part of an organization whose sole purpose is to advocate for the best interest of the Hawaiian community and its people. I want to be a trustee so I ean assist our people into a new and more unified future. I want to be trustee so that all ceded land revenues are invested towards the Native people of Hawaii. I want to be an OHA trustee because I know that I ean do the job. What qualities would you bring to the posi - tion ? Leadership, passion, commitment, and advo~ cacy. I want nothing more than to fight for Native Hawaiians and to provide a positive future for this generation and the generations to eome.
What do you consider the most important issues confronting OHA and/or Hawaiians? Ceded lands, Federal recognition, Hawaiian based programs/charter schools, kupuna care, education, all alici trusts, and health care. What past/current experiences demonstrate your eom mi tment to the Ha waii an community ? Advocacy, I have never passed on an opportu~ nity to assist myNatKe Hawaiian people. I have had the opportunity to volunteer at the Bishop f/Iuseum, OHA, Punana Leo o Kawaiahao, and Center for Hawaiian Studies atthe University of Hawai'i - Mānoa. I am currently employed by Pono Kaulike īne. as a researcher where I am currently assisting in creating a ceded lands inventory of the Hawaiian Is lands. It is my eommitment to make sure that there is an accurate accounting of ceded lands and to use those rev~ enues to assist in the quality of life for all Kanaka Mlaoli.
As an OHA trustee, how would you resolve these concerns? Research the issues thoroughly, investigate legal alternatives with OHA attorneys and have the public involved. Holding forums within the Native Hawaiian communities/homesteads helps in keeping on the right track as well as hearing firsthand what it is that everyone wants and ways of achieving the goal . īfyou could only accomplish one goal as an OHA trustee, what wo uld it be ? Accurate CededLands Inventory. Ouralii left us lands to live and survive on, it is time we know where these lands are and make proper use of them. The Hawaiian islands are a limited land source and it is vital that all lands that were meant for Kanaka Mlaoli be inventoried and never sold. ■
Aloha Kākou! As a candidate for Trustee of the Office of Hawaiian Affairs, I believe that I ean make a difference in how the office carries out its responsibility to provide senmces for our people. I possess the diveme background in education and experience that will be helpful in addressing the complex issues that confront the Office. The biggest issue facing OHA is the protec~ tion and presarvation of programs benefiting our people. The legal issues facing OHA is just the first battleground. Others will follow. There have been many suggested solutions, however, in my discussions with our people, one thing is veiy clear. We must create an enti~ ty that is separate from any governmental eontrol. The real problem is who will create the entity and what will it look like. MIy position is that we should design a process that provides the opportunity for all of the people to participate should they elect to do so. We must be inclusive and no group or indi~ vidual should be excluded. OHA should pro~ vide the necessaiy funding to assure the success of this process. I plan to continue this effort as a trustee. I am a people pemon, having worked in the noble profession of providing senuce to othem.
I am a professional manager, developing those skills through education, training and work experience. I sarved 25 years withthe Hawai'i County Poliee Department retiring as a Captain. I worked as a Program MIanager/Division Director of the Hawai"i County Eeonomie Opportunity Council. I served with the Office of the Federal Public Defender as an Im'' estigator. I sen'ed in the Army during the Korean War. I have a BA in Social Science and an AA in Poliee Science. I graduated from the FBI National Academy, the Secret Sen'ice Dignitary Protection School, the American MIanagement School and the Grantsmanship Center. I sen'ed as a recruit school training instructor. I eonducted coumes at both the Hawai'i Community College and Hilo College I am a Video Producar on "Olelo and current~ ly sen'e as alternating host of a 30minute show. I am a grants writer, administrator and consul~ tant. I serve as a grants review panelist for the ANA (Administration for Native Americans) in Washington D. C. I serve as a consultant for Development Associates. For the past 31 yeam, I have been involved in the efforts to better the conditions of our Hawaiian people. I am the founder of the
Hawaiian Civic Club of Laupahoehoe. I am currently the President of the Association of Hawaiian Civic Clubs. I had the privilege of being the Project Coordinator for the presen'ation of the Ulupo Heiau. I servedas the editor of the newsletter for the Association of Hawaiian Civic Clubs. I am one of the founders of the Kawaihae Canoe Club. I was the President of the Mloku 0 Hawaici Canoe Racing Association and Hawaiian Canoe Racing Association. I also served as the President of Ha Hawai"i and as the Chairperson of the 'Aha Hawaici 'Ōiwi (Native Hawaiian Convention). I am committed to preserve and ehhanee the assets of OHA, while identifying ways to increase the revenue stream. I am very disturbed that the funds due to the office from the ceded lands revenues have been tangled up in the leg~ islature. I will do my part to convince the leg~ islature and othem that as a matter of fairness this obligation should be paid in a timely manner. Itis my ferventhope, that after examining my background and my objectMes, you will fmd me worthy of your support and will encourage your 'ohana and friends to vote for "Rose for OHA." Aloha. ■
[pi FrTini\i?nn? I Wiieio nā mono -■ Cantiicia ies Spemk ,jSSSS^ST3n
The views and opinions expressed in the Election 2002 candidates fbrum are of the individual candidates and do not necessarily reflect those of the Office of Hawaiian Affairs.
Orrin Kupau
Charles "Kale Loke" Rose
Aloha Mai Kākou! I am MIarion Heen Shim and I'm asking for your vote in ihe coming eleehon. Hawai'i is my home; it is the native land of my ancestors. I was born on O'ahu, raised in Kaimuk'i and cAiea and educated in the public schools. We were a family of nine. Our parents Jeanette Kahuoi Hanapi and Ernest Nālani Heen raised us to be trustworthy and honest and to care for eaeh other with e\'eiy available resource. Our larger family of lawmakers, edu~ cators and jurists instilled in us a strong and enduring community conscience and a deep sense of appreciation for public sendce. I have always believed that in perpetuating these qualities and values, we strengthen our community and ourselves. I am blessed wilh seven children, Neumann, Sri, Dari, Dana, Pono, Sy and Liko Martin, 24 grandchildren and two great grandchildren. Our 'ohana connections span all of Hawaii. I have worked as an OHA Trustee Aide;
Director, Laniākea Center, YWCA; Executive Secretary, Commission of ihe Status of Women; Administrator, Mloanalua Gardens Foundation; Courtroom Clark, First Circuit Court. I have served as Volunteer Chair, Alu Like O'ahu Island Center; Ex~officio member, Alu Like, ine.; v ice~president, YWCA O'ahu Board of Directors; Facilitator and Organizational Consultant, Legal Aid Society; Director, Hawai'i Government Employees Assoc. Board. The next four to ten years may well be ihe most critical in all of OHA's brief history. It is time for a change in leadership! Hawaiian bene~ ficiaries, indeed, all in Hawai'i deserve trusted leaders who communicate responsibly, listen attentively, ihink critically and clearly, and speak concisely; skilled facilitators who ask ihe relevantquestions that enable others to seek and discover appropriate solutions; and advocates who are fearless, but accountable. MIy stance on Major Hawaiian issues: The Akaka Bill: I favor passage, but am open to dialogue wilh ihe Bill's opponents.
OHA, DHHL and Hawaiian Entitlements : OHA's constitutional and statutory responsibili~ ty is to defend against pending legal challenges. Trustees must do this! OHA's Loss of Ceded Land ineome: Hawaii's constitution firmly establishes ihe State's oblig~ ation to native Hawaiians. OHA must assertVe~ ly parsuade ihe Legislature to enact legislation that gives "life" to ihe constitutional right of native Hawaiians to benefit from ihe ceded lands trust, and to provide for some interim ineome. OHA's mandate to "better ihe conditions of native Hawaiians and Hawaiians: Having been a member of OHA's Strategic Planning Core Group, I fully support implementation of OHA' s Five~Year Plan, its goals and continuing eommunieahon wilh beneficiaries. I offer to bring all that I have learned from life to ihe position of Oahu Island Trustee, and if you electme I pledge to work selflessly, so that, together, we may share in ihe benefits that OHA has been entrusted to provide. ■
CA l\l D I □ A.Ī h 5 'ōl&io īiā moho ' Candldate& Speak
The views and opinions expressed in the Eleeiion 2002 candidates forum are of the individual candidates and do not necessarily reflect those of the Office of Hawaiian Affairs.
^Marion^Heen^iim