Ka Wai Ola - Office of Hawaiian Affairs, Volume 23, Number 10, 1 October 2006 — Selfish attack [ARTICLE]

Selfish attack

I am a high talking chief from Sāmoa and a recent visitor to Hawai'i. I was shocked to see the attack on Clarence Ching published in this newspaper, in the section with messages from

the OHA trustees. This selfish message was written by Trustee Rowena Akana (August, KWO). I ask, what is your motive behind this attack? Is it just to create controversy and raise the anger of the people, regardless of whether what you have written is wrong? I have known Clarence "Ku" Ching since he visited me at my home in Savai'i, Sāmoa, many years ago, doing work on behalf of his countrymen of the nation of Hawai'i. I have seen and understand his sincerity towards joining with other Hawaiians in the struggle to retain and save the Hawaiian cultural heritage and, most of all, the spiritual mana of your land, especially Mauna Kea. Clarence Ching, as a true Hawaiian working to save Hawai'i, deserves the strength, encouragement, support and blessing of the OHA trustees, instead of this rock throwing. We have a saying in Sāmoa: "take no notice of a blind that is being dropped at the back of the fale." I say to Clarence, all the attacks must be behind you. You are beyond criticism. Your ancestors will travel with you, and God will prepare you and those receiving you. Ia manuia le malaga. Down with the Akaka Bill. I speak as a proud Sāmoan nahonal when I say that you will never build a strong nation by asking the occupiers for permission to do so. It is very right that there are strong Hawaiians standing against this bill. I /aasiliifiti īauo īaumasaosili Mausautele Tevaga Leilua Galuvao Moelagi Savai'i, Sāmoa