Ka Wai Ola - Office of Hawaiian Affairs, Volume 26, Number 2, 1 February 2009 — Kau Inoa hits 100,000 registrants [ARTICLE]

Kau Inoa hits 100,000 registrants

One hundred thousand Kānaka Maoli have placed their names in the Kau Inoa registry! This historic milestone is something to be celebrated. But it isn't over - our goal for 2009 is to register another 100,000 of the 300,000 Hawaiians worldwide who have not yet placed their names. Here, OHA Community Outreach Specialist Nara Cardenas offers a look at Kau Inoa registration. Who is registered in Kau Inoa? Kau Inoa registrants eome from the six major islands (except Ni'ihau), all 50 states, Puerto Rico, Guam and 16 eountries: Australia, Belize, Brazil, Canada, Chile, England, France, Germany, lapan, New Zealand, Norway, Philippines, Sweden, Tahiti and the United Arab Emirates. They also serve in the United States Armed Forces stationed all over the world. About one-third of Kau Inoa registrants are under 18. The Kau Inoa repository is kept in strict confidence by Hawai'i Maoli, the nonprofit ann of the Association of Hawaiian Civic Clubs. WHY KAU INOA? • A Native Hawaiian Census: One of the difficulties faced by a displaced people is keeping track of everybody. We cannot and should not count on anyone else to handle this important task. • Protect Hawaiian rights and entitlements: The upcoming U.S. Supreme Court case is one in a series of cases

that have eroded Hawaiians' right to self-determination and threatened the millions of dollars in federal funding that provide loeal agencies with the resources they need to serve our people's unique needs. • Perpetuate our way of life: A strong, unified voice will help us to perpetuate our beliefs and practices by advocating for our rights on issues such as iwi kupuna, Hāloa and 'ōlelo Hawai'i. • Heal the past: We must eome together to address our history, what we believe to be justice and how to achieve it. • Stand up, be counted, be confident in our abilities as Hawaiians. If you are of Hawaiian ancestry and you have not placed your name, take the first step. Kau Inoa! Kau Inoa IS ... • A registration of Native Hawaiians regardless of blood quantum, age or plaee of residence. • The first step in the process of building a Native Hawaiian governing entity or nation. Kau Inoa is NOT ... • In favor of any model of governanee (i.e., federal recognition or independence). • An organization (i.e., a nonprofit or a government). What do I need to register? You may fill out a registration fonn and be entered into the Kau Inoa repository

without any documents. If you are already registered with the state Department of Hawaiian Home Lands (as a lessee or as an applicant on the waiting list), the Kamehameha Schools' Ho'oulu Hawaiian Data Center, or OHA's Operation 'Ohana or Hawaiian Registry and indicate your consent, your ancestry ean be verified through these agencies. The fastest way to verify your ancestry is to send a photocopy of your birth certificate listing that you are Hawaiian with your registration. If your birth certificate does not indicate that you are Hawaiian, you will need to provide a copy of your birth certificate along with copies of birth, death or marriage documents linking you to your Hawaiian ancestor. Kau Inoa registration opportunities Kau Inoa registration events are subject to change without notice. For the most up-to-date registration information, please eall Aulani Apoliona, Kau Inoa Lead Advocate, at 594-1912. • February 13-15, Friday through Sunday: Waikele Kmart • March 6-8, Friday through Sunday: Mililani Wal-Mart • March 26, Thursday: Ward Centers Download the registration fonn at kauinoa.org. For address changes, name changes or questions about your registration, contact Hawai'i Maoli at 3940050 or kauinoa@hawaiimaoli.org. ^

HO'OULU LĀHUI ALOHA ■ T0 RAISE A BEL0VED NAĪION