Ka Wai Ola - Office of Hawaiian Affairs, Volume 22, Number 9, 1 September 2005 — Whither Hawaiʻi: Wake-up call or death knell? [ARTICLE+ILLUSTRATION]

Whither Hawaiʻi: Wake-up call or death knell?

Aloha kākou. Recently the vast Hawaiian community was jolted when the 9th U.S. Court of Appeals ruled that Kamehameha Schools' Hawaiians-only preference policy violated federal civil rights laws. Reaction to the ruling ran the gamut from frustration and anger to disappointment and tears. Emotions were definitely high, and talk on the issue permeated every conversation. Unity rallies statewide involved over 15,000 supporters and showed just "how close to home" the issue has hit Hawaiians and Hawaiians-at-heart. Yet Hawaiians today may still be unaware there is an insidious attack by others to the very existence of Hawaiians and our culture. Indeed, there are those who wish to trample us out of existence as an identiliable people under the guise of a "color-blind" America. We Hawaiians are accused of being a "race-based" people according to their lawsuits in federal courts that cite our efforts as being contrary to the tenets of the U. S. Constitution. In practical fact, we are "that close" to annihilalion as a people and eulture. How many more attacks ean our Hawaiian community withstand before we are left with nothing? The short answer is two. The loss of the Arakaki

vs. State lawsuit pending in federal court and another potential rejection by the 9th U. S. Court of Appeals. Moreover, notwithstanding the gallant and continuing efforts by Hawaiian individuals at the World Court and the United Nations, Hawaiians as an indigenous people need to be recognized by the United States of America as well. Practically speaking, the Akaka Bill (S. 147) is the only vehicle available to Hawaiians to shield our inherent right as an indigenous people to initiate a process that creates a puhlie forum to discuss forms of governance, including independence. No other prominent national or international vehicle has been developed since the illegal overthrow of the Hawaiian govemment over 112 years ago. Ever heard this adage? "In the game of "Kāmau," when in doubt, play your trump!" Well, like it or not, that trump is the Akaka Bill. On Sept. 6, 2005, a cloture motion to force a vote on the Akaka Bill will be considered when the U. S. Senate reconvenes. Cloture is a Senate process to curtail debate and cause an expeditious vote to be taken. The cloture petition filed by Senator Akaka and 16 other senators of both parties prior to Congress' summer recess assures the bill will be among

the Senate's first order of business in September. This emeial Senate vote will bring on a large wave of reaction no matter whieh way the vote goes. While there are many things that could go awry, I'm optimistic and convinced that the passing of the Akaka Bill is critically needed to protect the Hawaiian culture and its people against "race-based" legal challenges. Ironically, those who allege the Akaka bill is race-based are themselves coming from a race-based perspective. It's interesting to note that Hawaiians never had a word for racism until racists introduced it. So, how ean the average Kanaka Maoli make a difference, no matter how small? First, pay more attention. Second, learn all you ean about Hawaiian issues - there are so many opportunities to be better informed. Third, if you don't know where to start, eall the Olīiee of Hawaiian Affairs at 594-1888 and tap into the expertise our agency has to offer. If you're into surfing the Web, information relating to Hawaiian issues is virtually endless. For starters, go to www.nativehawaiians.com to leam more about the Akaka bill and how you ean make a difference. Being informed on the issues that

are important to Hawaiians today will empower you and those with whom you share your mana'o. It doesn't mean you automatically heeome an activist, but it doesn't stop you from being one either. Hawaiians are intelligent people and the more we unify, the stronger the mana becomes. Finally, when we as Hawaiians ignore or choose to snub the current Hawaiian issues that are upon us now, we are actually encouraging the dissolution of Hawai'i and all that it entails. Doing nothing is not a ehoiee anymore! The future of Hawai'i, Hawaiian culture, and our Hawaiian people is in our collective hands and we all must participate. The "how" is up to you and the "when" is now! I hope you agree - this has been the loudest wake up eall yet! Participatory democracy is not easy, but it has never been more important than now. Whither Hawai'i? I mua ever forward! As always, my staff and I invite your comments on the above or any other concerns within our purview. My OHA access numbers are: phone 5941854, fax 594-0120 and e-mail address - www.dantec@oha.org. A hui hou, mālama pono. O

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Dante Keala Carpenter

Trustee, O'ahu