Ka Wai Ola - Office of Hawaiian Affairs, Volume 23, Number 8, 1 August 2006 — Hawaiian governance Q&A [ARTICLE]

Hawaiian governance Q&A

As the aboriginal indigenous people of Hawai'i, 'Ōiwi Hūwūī'ī or Native Hawaiians have the inherent authority to reorganize themselves into ū governing entity. Hawaiians' ability to organize ū politicol body is not necessarily dependent upon the passage of o federol or stote low, but on the Hawaiian electorate. This is not something new, as 560 Amehean lndian and Alaska Native groups have organized their governing entities without first seeking the recognition of that entity by either federal or state governments.

The creation of a Native Hawaiian governing entity representative of all Hawaiians will provide 'Ōiwi Hawai'i wīth greater control over their destiny. It is up to Native Hawaiians and the culturally diverse communities of Hawai'i to move forward together.

1 . Why should Native Hawaiians participate? 0ur assets and heritage are under attack. By forming a native nation, we will have a collective voice and greater political strength to protect land and trusts. It is our kuleana to do everything we ean to preserve and perpetuate our culture for future generations. 2. Why is OHA leading the charge on nation building? OHA is a state agency and owes its allegiance to the State of Hawai'i. When OHA is spending state general fund revenues, it needs to operate as a state agency and, as such, must comply with varT ous state laws and regulations. When OHA operates as a trust, its allegiance is to its beneficiaries. OHA believes that creating a Native Hawaiian Governing Entity will help to better the conditions of oll Hawaiians. Further, OHA has the resources to fund this effort. 3. How will the community get involved in this process? Eaeh of the steps that have been outlined calls for the

establishment of an oversight committee or a commission. Members of the Hawaiian and non-Hawaiian community who are interested in serving on these boards or committees should contact OHA. A list of these committees will soon be published in Ka Wai Ola and other publications. 4. What is the role of the Native Hawaiian Governing Entity? Onee the organic documents have been created, ratified by registered Native Hawaiians, and implemented, the officers and elected leaders of the entity will begin, if they choose, to identify and negotiate the use of assets for programs to better the conditions of aboriginal indigenous Hawaiians. The success of this process will require the support of the governor and approval from the Legislature. 5. Are Hawaiians living on the continent going to be involved in this process? Yes. OHA is committed to involving oll Hawaiians in the process regardless of where they reside. Hawai'i is the homeland of oll Hawaiians.

6. How many convention delegates are to be elected? The number of convention delegates to be elected will depend on the apportionment plan. The apportionment plan will determine the number of convention delegates based on the total number of eligible Hawaiians (1 8 years old andover). 7. What's going to happen at the convention? At the constitutional convention the elected delegates will have an opportunity to hold hearings and to create and debate the various organic documents whieh eventually will be offered to the Native Hawaiian voters for ratification. The process is not pre-determined, and we expect that oll types of governance models will be debated. 8. Is this another way of getting federal recognition for Hawaiians? In reviewing the proposed steps in the process, the last step indicates, "lf appropriate, move for federal recognition." The ehoiee to pursue or not to pursue federal recognition should be left to the Hawaiian voters. If the

convention delegates include a provision in their organic documents that federal recognition should be pursued, and if this provision is ratified by the Hawaiian voters, then that step would be appropriate. 9. How long is all of this going to take? It is difficult to determine exactly how long the entire process will take. We expect that registration, development of the apportionment plan, and elections will take approximately 12 months. The convention should take approximately two months, and ratification will probably take another two to three months. 1 0. How ean I participate? The first step is registering with Kau Inoa. Onee you are registered, you will be eligible to participate in the eleetion of convention delegates or to run as a delegate if you choose. If you are registered with Kau Inoa, you will receive information through the contact information you provide at registration. The information will explain how to participate in the eleehon of convention delegates or run as a delegate. Visit the OHA website, www.oha.org, to obtain additional information on Kau Inoa. □