Ka Wai Ola - Office of Hawaiian Affairs, Volume 21, Number 4, 1 April 2004 — Nation visioning conference set for May 5, 6 [ARTICLE]

Nation visioning conference set for May 5, 6

£ a Nowelo Aupuni Hawai'i: Delve Into the I'ossil)ilities" is the theme for the A^L~first in a series of conferences on Hawaiian nation building, and is scheduled for Wednesday and Thursday, May 5 and 6 at the Dole Cannery Ballrooms. Registration will be at 7 a.m., and the conference will run from 8 a.m.-5 p.m. on both days. The purpose of the conference is to eontinue important community discussions on what a new Hawaiian government might look like. "The Office of Hawaiian Affairs is just one of many Hawaiian community organizations helping to spark discussions on forming a new Hawaiian governing entity," said OHA Administrator Clyde Nāmu'o. "We encourage this kind of creative thinking among community groups, families, schools, anyone. What kind of government Hawaiians will form is really up to the will and commitment of the people. This is by no means an easy task. The eoncept of visioning inspires creative discussion that

focuses on an end product rather than the process of how to get there," said Nāmu'o. The two-day conference is designed for anyone remotely interested in the subject matter. Whether or not you've "been to the table" before, all are encouraged to attend and participate in this important discussion. Ka Nowelo Aupuni Hawai'i will focus on two areas of nation-building: economics and national territory (land). Activities on the conference itinerary include speakers, panel discussions, facilitated group sessions, kūkākūkā and community building. Outcomes of the two-day conference will be summarized and will be available to the puhlie. The fee of $20 includes conference materials, eontinental breakfast and luneh for both days. Capacity for this first-in-a-series conference is limited, so register today by calling OHA at 808.594.1888 or visit online at www.OHA.org. ■