Ka Wai Ola - Office of Hawaiian Affairs, Volume 24, Number 9, 1 September 2007 — Dividing ourselves [ARTICLE]

Dividing ourselves

I read with great soitow the fullpage ad concerning the Kawaihae artifacts, published in the August edition of Ka Wai Ola. Many did not agree with Hui Mālama and the reburial of the precious artifacts of Kawaihae. From the case's publicity and our talking stories, we understood that Hui Mālama was not always acting in good faith or with the agreement of all the groups or of all the Hawaiian people. Mr. Ayau was sanctioned for liis refusal to cooperate, spent time in jail, a settlement was reached and the objects were returned to the "proper" authorities. As a highly intelligent people, we read, share, talk story and know what is happening among our people. All do not have to be in agreement, but we agree to disagree, around the table, face-to-face, with ha'aheo. Ho'omana'o, and let us not do tliis to ourselves. 'Ohana do not divide and conquer, for it is only ourselves we divide and they who conquer. The public airing of our kūkae and pilikia shakes the veiy foundation of who we are as a people. Ho'opono, on bent knees. Nothing means more than who we are, and we are 'ohana kahi. 'Onipa'a, i mua, i hope 'a'ole. Bobi Olmos Arnold Honolulu, O'ahu

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