Ka Wai Ola - Office of Hawaiian Affairs, Volume 25, Number 7, 1 July 2008 — Kau Inoa Q&A [ARTICLE]

Kau Inoa Q&A

By Nara Cardeaas Cūūiūiuūity Dutreach Specialist Conununity Outreach Staff eonhnue discussing Hawaiian governance at events, Coffee Hours and presentations all over the state. Here are our responses to some eonunon questions and concerns: lndependence vs. Federal Recognition Different groups have different misunderstandings - a kūpuna group we met thought Kau Inoa was pro independence and was concerned that registering in Kau Inoa might affect their U.S. citizenship and govermnent benefits. At the other end of the spectrmn some Internet blogs assert that because Kau Inoa is funded by OHA it is too closely tied to the state and not independent enough. In fact, Kau Inoa has no "stance" — it cannot, as it is simply a step in the nation building process. The fonn the Native Hawaiian governing entity takes will be determined by those who register in Kau Inoa. The Akaka Bill and Kau Inoa Another eonunon misconception is that Kau Inoa is really a registration for the Akaka Bill. The truth is that Kau Inoa and the Akaka Bill are completely separate. Even if the Akaka Bill were to pass through Congress and heeome law, the criteria for registration in Kau Inoa - one docmnent showing proof of Native Hawaiian ancestry - are different from the "roll" specified in the Akaka Bill, where registrants must trace ancestry to a Native Hawaiian who qualified for the Hawaiian Homes Act in 1921 or a Native Hawaiian living in Hawaii before 1893. The question of whether or not to move for Federal recognition of the Native Hawaiian govermnent will be decided by those registered in Kau Inoa, who would have to approve such a move.

Kau Inoa - then what? The steps in the Ho'oulu Lāhui Aloha: To Build a Beloved Nation plan were developed by more than 150 Native Hawaiian organizations over a period of two years. In very brief fonn they are: 1. Apportiomnent: how we are represented. 2. Election: we choose delegates to represent us at the nation-building convention. 3. Convention: where delegates create the organic documents for the new governing entity. 4. Ratification: Kau Inoa registrants approve the organic documents. 5. Fonnation of the new government. Do I need to join Kau Inoa now? Will it make a difference? YES. Remember that there are two purposes to the Kau Inoa registration - the first being simply to declare that you are of Native Hawaiian ancestry. It is important to stand and be counted in Kau Inoa, as there are proposals to remove Native Hawaiians from the U.S. Census. The second purpose of Kau Inoa is to declare intent to participate in forming a Native Hawaiian governing entity. Think of yom dream for a Hawaiian Nahon, whatever it might be - housing for all Hawaiians, a Hawaiian cemetery, a Hawaiian Department of Health, higher education opportunities for all Hawaiians - and how it might be possible. We need people registered in Kau Inoa now who ean and will make those dreams reality by doing the work of the Nahon onee it is fonned. If you have an opinion about Hawaiian Governance, please register. We cannot heal and move forward unless everyone comes to the table. In order for us to be successful, conununity input and participation are essential. A wise man onee said, "Empowennent is not in the ability to choose, but in making the ehoiee." If you have a eommenl or question you 'd like answered, contactus athla@oha.org. Betteryet, hosta CoffeeHour! Formore information orto schedule, eontactNara Cardenas at 594-0266 or narac@oha.org. I

HO'OULU LĀHUI ALOHA ■ TD RAISE A BELDVED NAĪIŪN