Ka Wai Ola - Office of Hawaiian Affairs, Volume 28, Number 7, 1 July 2011 — OHA's successful legislative session [ARTICLE+ILLUSTRATION]

OHA's successful legislative session

Success should not just be measured by what legislation an entity passes to fulfill its vision and mission.

bully engaging īn the lawmaking process will also spell success. This means being mindful of the effects of legislation and swiftly acting accordingly to ' the issues. This is what OHA did in 201 1 all to the benefit of its Strategic Plan. OHA presented nine

bills and one resolution to the Hawai'i State Legislature. Of the 10 measures, three bills passed. On paper, it seems anything under 50 percent is a failure. However, this statistic is misleading. Though the legislative process is not a complete parallel, if a Major League Baseball hitter had a .300 batting average, on the day this article went to press, that same player would be the 29th best hitter in all of baseball. OHA won more than lost, especially as worse defeat loomed. OHA has in plaee a highly competent Advocacy team. This portion of the whole and talented OHA organization is charged with surveying the lawmaking playground. Our Chief Advocate was then critical in her enduring, physical presence at the Legislature. Compound this with a CEO who has nearly four decades of experience in dealing with the Legislature, an astute COO, dedicated staff, vocal Trustees, and clearly OHA is on the right course. SUCCESS was found with the passage of the following: SB 1520 STATE RECOGNITION OF NATIVE HAWAIIANS A landmark measure

formally acknowledging that Native Hawaiians are the only indigenous people of Hawai'i and facilitates selfgovernance.

SB 2 PUBLIC LAND TRUST INFORMATION SYSTEM Now law, Act 54 requires DLNR to establish an inventory focusing on involved lands, titles and reporting any

inaccuracies. SB 101 HAND-POUNDED POI EXEMPTION OHA fought to uphold the traditional Hawaiian practice of pa'i 'ai. Nowlaw, Act 107 allows producers to forego a certified kitchen and permits if they meet certain conditions. HB 1176 /SB 367 INTERISLAND ENERGY CABLE REGULATION OHA opposed these failed undersea eahle bills as regulation was premature in light of environmental impact studies in their early stages. FROM OHA'S PACKAGE HB 400 OHA's BIENNIUM BUDGET Now law, Act 95 saw OHA's $5 million budget cut by just $200,000, or 4 percent, clearly a victory. HB 397 PROTECTING THE PUBLIC LAND TRUST A tightening of Act 176, this grants OHA a three months prior notification to any legislative session where puhlie land transfers are at issue for review purposes.

SB 986 HAWAIIAN DISCRIMINATION IN THE JUSTICE SYSTEM A task force will now seek to eliminate Hawaiian injustice within the criminal justice system. PROGRESS OF FAILED BILLS: AMOUNTS PAST DUE TO OHA A glaring issue lasting over 30 years, we are poised to bring about a monumental settlement that will fulfill the State's obligation to Hawaiians. CULTURAL IMPACT ASSESSMENTS The Executive Branch agreed to work with OHA on establishing rules in the face of development. TUITION WAIVERS AT UH OHA seeks to support a clear student total or dollar amount while collaborating with UH and the community. NATIVE HAWAIIAN RIGHTS TRAINING BY OHA Though most were supportive, legislators soured that such training be mandatory. Regardless, OHA is still moving forward on this issue by providing voluntary cultural training. The Governor has until July 12 to sign or object to the remaining bills, otherwise they heeome law. People are actually listening to OHA and we are influencing action. We are committed to improving our relationships with all branches of government where the bond becomes personal. We will stand tall whenever natural and cultural resources relating to Hawaiians are threatened or compromised. It is only then that OHA will deliver on its Strategic Results. ■

/ LEO 'ELELE V > TRUSTEE MESSSAGES "

Jūhn Waihe'e IV TrustEE, At-largE