Ka Wai Ola - Office of Hawaiian Affairs, Volume 24, Number 11, 1 November 2007 — Federal Office of Hawaiian Relations to create notice list [ARTICLE+ILLUSTRATION]

Federal Office of Hawaiian Relations to create notice list

By Lisa Asatū Publicatiūns Editur The U.S. Office of Hawaiian Relations is compiling a list of Native Hawaiian groups in order to better notify them of proposed federal actions, including reburying Native Hawaiian remains, eleaning contaminated lands and protecting historic properties. Currently, notice of such actions is only published in the Federal Register, "and nobody really knows about an action until the last minute, until the bulldozers are going through the property," said Ka'i'ini Kaloi, director of the Office of Hawaiian Relations, whieh is part of the federal Interior Department. Individuals, families or groups applying for inclusion on the Native Hawaiian Organization Notification List must certify in writing that they: serve and represent the interests of Native Hawaiians, have expertise in Native Hawaiian affairs, have a primary and stated purpose to provide services to Native Hawaiians, and want to be on the list. The certification must be signed and dated by the leader and include a valid U.S. mailing address where notifications will be sent. Topical or geographic areas of interest may also be

noted. Nonprofit or other status is not required, Kaloi said. After five years, listees must renew their membership. Certifications should be sent to: Ka'i'ini K. Kaloi, Director, Office of Hawaiian Relations, 1849 C Street, NW., MS 3543, Washington, D.C. 20240. The list, whieh will be activated Nov. 26 and published at www.doi.gov, intends to help the federal government comply with notification and consultation requirements under U.S. laws such as the National Environmental Policy Act, National Historic Preservation Act, and the Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act. The creation of the list does not imply federal government-to-government recognition, Kaloi said. "This list is merely a tool to help people who are seeking to be caretakers to take care of the land," he said. Sample application forms will be sent to groups that have expressed interest in the list in the past, including participants in last year's puhlie meetings in Hawai'i. For more information or to request a sample form, contact Kaloi at Kaiini_Kaloi@ios.doi.gov or 202-513-0712. The sample form will also be available online at www.doi.gov by Dec. 1. E3

Ka'i'ini Kaloi, director of the U.S. Office of Howoion Relafions, calls fhe lisf "a fool fo help people who are seeking fo be caretakers to take care of the land." - Photo: KWOArchive