Ka Wai Ola - Office of Hawaiian Affairs, Volume 21, Number 5, 1 May 2004 — Hawaiian nation idol or Hawaiian nation idle? [ARTICLE+ILLUSTRATION]

Hawaiian nation idol or Hawaiian nation idle?

Aloha mai kākou. Isn't it amazing how the media ean capture the attention of keiki to kūpuna through "reality type" shows such as the "American Idol" and others. Do we need a media plan to get more Hawaiians excited about the creation of a Hawaiian nation? What's it gonna be folks...the "Hawaiian Nation Idol" or the "Hawaiian Nation Idle?" My own sense is that Hawaiians, as a people, are on the verge of a form of unification unprecedented in the history of Hawai'i. Despite the naysayers, a political coalition of Hawaiians with a huge diversity of interest, backgrounds and philosophies are collectively meeting with a serious agenda aimed towards creating (by the principles of self-determination) the rebuilding of a legitimate Hawaiian Nation onee again. Whether or not there is federal recognition is not the criti-

eal element, but, whether there is the collective desire to perpetuate the culture, history and a plaee of Hawaiians for all time, is! Seemingly "idle" for over 100 years, a Hawaiian national governanee entity is inevitable and only a matter of time. Mueh hard work by many who are truly concerned with the future of Hawai'i will make it so! Many people who are part of my generation (1930's) are quite knowledgeable about Hawaiian history, culture and experienced in governance. It's imperative we pass on this knowledge to our future Hawaiian generations. How and when do we do this? The answer is here and now because perpetuating our culture for future generations is extremely important. I invite you to participate in the: • Native Hawaiian Governance

Coalition meetings held at the Honolulu Airport Conference Room. • Series of Visioning Conferences, (first in a series of visioning conferences to be held on May 5 and 6, 2004 at the Dole Cannery Ballrooms) entitled "Ka Nowelo Aupuni Hawai'i". • "Kau Inoa" process. "Kau Inoa" is the first step towards forming a new government; a list must be eompiled of those who want to participate in the establishment of a government. "Kau Inoa" forms are available at most Hawaiian organizations or you ean contact Hawai'i Maoli (Ph. 394-0050) to request forms. • Check out the OHA website, www.oha.org, for future meeting and conference dates. Today, at least, I'm asking those who have shown even the slightest interest in the future of Hawaiians

to reach out and talk to another family member, friend, co-worker, fellow bus rider, etc. and tell them something you know about the future of Hawaiians. If you need help in getting your message across tell them to eall the Office of Hawaiian Affairs (594-1888 or 5941921) for information and/or referrals to get them started in learning about things Hawaiian and the future of the Hawaiians. Start your conversation off with some "reality" show particular and then transition into the excitement of the creation of a Hawaiian Nation! You have an opportunity to play a part in "Participartory Democracy" now. Finally, as always, my staff and I invite your advice and counsel on the above or any other concerns within our purview. My OHA access numbers are: phone 5941854, fax 594-0210 and e-mail address - dantec@oha.org. A hui hou, mālama pono. ■

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Dante Keala Carpenter Trustee, O'ahu