Ka Wai Ola - Office of Hawaiian Affairs, Volume 27, Number 10, 1 October 2010 — JOSEPH LEWIS [ARTICLE+ILLUSTRATION]

JOSEPH LEWIS

1. With the many issues surrounding our Native Hawaiian community, I would not single out one to be greater than the rest. However, I believe the eommon factor that impacts all the issues facing our kanaka is the disconnect between the Office of Hawaiian Affairs

and the beneficiaries they serve. Fact: Most Hawaiians don't know what is OHA's purpose of existence. As Trustee, I will assure OHA has a greater direct presence in the community, through meetings, forums and community service, while ensuring that voices are heard and timely, yet diligent action is taken. Through this initiative, help will be given where it is due. Kanaka who are not able to complete and further their high school education will progress, makua and their kamali'i who are homeless will be housed, and the rate of kanaka who are imprisoned will be reduced substantially. OHA has the financial wherewithal to make a positive difference in empowering our Hawaiians. These funds need to be utilized to assure the current statistics are changed. One-third of all homeless in Hawai'i are kanaka. Over 30 percent of those incarcerated in Hawai'i are kanaka. Only 12 percent of Hawaiians who graduate from high school receive bachelor's degrees. These are just a few statistics noted on OHA's web site. They are recognized, but yet we ponder on "what is being done?" Now is the time for unity ! E Ho'olōkahi Kākou! 2. The Native Hawaiian Government Reorganization Act should be enacted into law by Congress. As it relates to OHA, it is imperative that OHA continue to ensure that native Hawaiians are prepared and educated about the process detailed in the Akaka bill. Quite frankly, the fate of OHA should be determined by the newly created governing entity, if and when enacted into law. 3. With the passage of the Native Hawaiian Government Reorganization Act, a process and venue for appropriately resolving the ceded lands revenue matter will be provided. SEE LEWIS ON PAGE 6

LEWIS Continued from page 4

In the unlikely event that the Akaka bill is not vetted and voted upon by Congress prior to adjourning session in October, then and only then, do I believe OHA needs to be more aggressive in attaining the funds due from ceded lands. It is my hope that with the new incoming State Administration, we will be able to speed resolution of this issue and that OHA assets will grow accordingly. Now, as a Trustee, I will be directly involved with engaging the community, as our beneficiaries must be included in the decision making process at the Office of Hawaiian Affairs. The Hawaiian people need a voice, we need someone who will listen. I stepped up because it is time our young Hawaiians take center stage and engage in the decisions being made at OHA. Greater transparency and accountability must be noted as to where the current revenue that was collected by OHA is going and how is it being used to benefit the community.