Ka Wai Ola - Office of Hawaiian Affairs, Volume 22, Number 2, 1 February 2005 — Are we mākaukau -- prepared -- for the long path toward self-determination? [ARTICLE+ILLUSTRATION]

Are we mākaukau -- prepared -- for the long path toward self-determination?

January 2005 marks 112 years since "political change" impacted Native Hawaiians and Hawai'i, as remarked in 1917 by Queen Lili'uokalani when she said, "I could not turn back the political change." In 2005, Native Hawaiians in Hawai'i and away from our shores ean turn the "political change" in a direction to advance rather than recede. The world will not stand still, Queen Lili'uokalani knew it, our ancestors knew it and we know it. In 2005, Native Hawaiians will face choices. Exercising ehoiee is not a simple step, but it is a deliberate one and will most certainly define us going forward. Our choice(s) for self-determination and "politieal change," guided by enlightenment and discernment, will be like the razor's edge, like the blade of pili grass: a delicate balance requiring diligence and spiritual strength. A century of preparation, layer by layer, sacrifice by sacrifice, plan by plan, commemoration by eommemoration, protest by protest, election by election, measure by measure, speech by speech, 'ohana by 'ohana and pule

by pule, lives. In 1993, another layer of foundation was laid in Public Law 103-150, the Apology Bill, signed by President Bill Clinton Nov. 23, 1993, wherein Section 1 . Acknowledgement and Apology states: "The Congress (1) on the occasion of the 100th anniversary of the illegal overthrow of the Kingdom of Hawai'i on January 17, 1893, acknowledges the historieal significance of this event whieh resulted in the suppression of the inherent sovereignty of the Native Hawaiian people; (2) recognizes and commends efforts of reconciliation by the State of Hawai'i and the United Church of Christ with Native Hawaiians; (3) apologizes to Native Hawaiians on behalf of the people of the United States for the overthrow of the Kingdom of Hawai'i on January 17, 1893 with the participation of agents and citizens of the United States, and the deprivation of the rights of Native Hawaiians to self-determination; (4) expresses its commitment to acknowledging the ramifications of the overthrow of the Kingdom of Hawai'i, in order to provide a proper foundation for rec-

onciliation between the United States and the Native Hawaiian people; and (5) urges the President of the United States to also acknowledge the ramifications of the overthrow of the Kingdom of Hawai'i and to support reconciliation efforts between the United States and Native Hawaiian people." In 2000, another layer upon the foundation of the Apology Bill was added: "From Mauka To Makai: The River ofJustice Must Flow Freely: Report on the Reconciliation Process Between the Federal Government and Native Hawaiians," prepared by the Department of Interior and the Department of Justice, Oct. 23, 2000. In Recommendation 1 - Federal Recognition, the report notes, "It is evident from the documentation, statements and views received during the reconciliation process undertaken by Interior and Justice pursuant to Public Law 103-150 (1993), that the Native Hawaiian people continue to maintain a distinct community and governmental structures and they desire to increase their control over their own affairs and institutions." "For generation, the United States has

recognized the rights and promoted the welfare of Native Hawaiians as an indigenous people within our Nation through legislation, administrative action and policy statements to safeguard and enhanee Native Hawaiian self-determination over their lands, cultural resources, and internal affairs . Congress should enact further legislation to clarify Native Hawaiian's political status and to create a framework for recognizing a government-to-government relationship with a representative Native Hawaiian governing body. The determination on precisely how and whether a Native Hawaiian governing body should be recognized is a task that Congress should undertake in consultation with Native Hawaiian people." This task has been underway since the 105th Congress. The 109th Congress has begun. Mākaukau kākou? E ō e na 'ōiwi 'ōlino, nā pulapula a Hāloa mai Hawai'i a Ni'ihau, a puni ke ao mālamalama. 2/48 ■

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Haunani Apoliona I Trustee, At-large