Ka Wai Ola - Office of Hawaiian Affairs, Volume 26, Number 10, 1 October 2009 — OHA REPORTS TO THE COMMUNITY [ARTICLE+ILLUSTRATION]

OHA REPORTS TO THE COMMUNITY

By Aulani Apoliona OHA Lead Advocate for Kau Inoa and Community Outreach n response to requests from members of the Hawaiian eommunities for elarification and status on the Akaka Bill, OHA presented its OHA Reports to the Community briefing at various cities on the continent in August. The presentations began Aug. 14 at the Mainland Council of the Association of Hawaiian Civic Clubs' quarterly meeting in Fife, Washington, and continued with Califomia community meetings in Santa Ana on Aug. 26, Carson on Aug. 27 and Spring Valley/San Diego on Aug. 28. The fifth OHA Reports to the Community meeting was held at the Hawaiian Cultural Center in Midvale, Utah, on Aug. 31. The main section of eaeh presentation focused on providing clear and factual information about the Native Hawaiian Government Reorganization legislation, or NHGRA, also known

as the Akaka Bill. In addition, information on certain OHA programs, the U.S. Census 2010, OHA's Strategic Plan and OHA's Community Consultation Network was also shared with the community members. Further, in response to the request for more cultural information, OHA distributed copies of its " 'Ōlelo of the Day" CD and the OHA/ Ke Ali'i Maka'āinana Hawaiian Civic Club's research report, "Ali'i Diplomatic Missions and Other Business Related Travel to Washington, D.C.," to those who attended eaeh meeting. The additional feature at the Aug. 14 and 3 1 meetings was OHA's guest speaker, Analu Josephides, offering his "Papa Kuhikuhi Mo'okū'auhau" genealogy workshop. At the conclusion of eaeh meeting, attendees thanked OHA for providing clear information on the NHGRA legislation that helped clarify some misinformation and misunderstandings that have circulated in their communities. Many participants expressed enthusiasm in supporting the Akaka Bill and in staying connected. ■

BL www.oha.org/kwo

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OHAvisited several cities on the U.S. continentin August, holding OHA Reports to the Community meetings to provide updates and clarification on the Akaka Bill and more. OHA Trustee Boyd Mossman, back row, third from right, and OHA Lead Advocate for Kau Inoa and Community Outreach Aulani Apoliona, first row, fifth from left, meet with a group at the Hawaiian Cultural Center in Midvale, Utah. - Photos: Courtesy