Ka Wai Ola - Office of Hawaiian Affairs, Volume 23, Number 10, 1 October 2006 — BOYD POKI MOSSHAN [ARTICLE+ILLUSTRATION]

BOYD POKI MOSSHAN

It has been four fast years since I was elected for the first time to the Offiee of Hawaiian Affairs. I ran specifi-

cally to improve the image of OHA and preserve the legal status of Hawaiians from attacks in the courts. I also expected resolution of ceded lands issues with the state and the involvement of OHA in progressive, innovative and responsible initiatives benefiting all Hawaiians and thus all Hawai'i. My goals were in part reached but not all accomplished, and so I am seeking re-election as trustee from the island of Maui. When we met as a board for the first time. I advised the other trustees that although we had to be poliīicians to become trustees, now we needed to be trustees, not politicians. The board has eome together during this time and worked for the betterment of Hawaiians rather than making a spectacle of itself. I am pleased to work with my fellow trustees, and though we don't all agree on everything, we have eome a long way and have accomplished mueh. I worked for these four years to achieve a legal shield for Hawaiians against the people suing us and Kamehameha Schools and alleging racial discrimination while seeking to dismantle all Hawaiian programs. We managed to defeat

challenges against OHA from non-Hawaiians and from Hawaiians demanding that only 50percenters receive any OHA benefits. We now await a decision in the Kamehameha case that itself could affect the future existence of all Hawaiians, and so the importance of having a team of trustees at OHA who have the education and experience to understand the legal issues and ramifications of complex litigation. As soon as I began work as a trustee I became involved in the ceded lands issue with the state. As a retired judge. I have a working knowledge and understanding of the history, law and factual basis for discussions with the administration at its highest levels and have the experience of these four years to rely upon as we press forward. Increasing the annual revenues to OHA from $9 million to $15 million and utilizing this extra for the benefit of our people was achieved after years of work. Hereafter, additional amounts will be sought based on the foundation laid over these past four years. Though federal recognition was almost achieved, the opposition from our own Hawaiians collaborating with the Twigg-Smith plaintiffs unfortunately contributed to our loss in Congress for this round. I believe only recognition ean secure a legal basis for our continued existence and identity as a people within the United States. Any arguments to the contrary must either seek withdrawal from America or complete assimilation into a one size fits all. Neither of these extreme positions holds any promise for our future and our grandchildren. We thus need to continue to look at alternatives whieh we ean apply to securing recognition such as the creation of an entity, a government, or perhaps a corporate structure whieh will represent all Hawaiians and work to help them by focusing on their many and real needs. Over the past four years, OHA's trust fund has increased from $300 to $400 million. We are presently on the verge of involvement in affordable housing for Hawaiians and the homeless who don't qualify for Hawaiian Homes. $1 million was just provided for homeless accommodations in Wai'anae. We are looking at investments in communications, industry and real property, and have purchased thousands of acres of land to preserve them for the future. I firmly believe that what is good for Hawaiians is good for all Hawai'i.