Ka Wai Ola - Office of Hawaiian Affairs, Volume 31, Number 6, 1 June 2014 — Residency not important in governance porticipotion [ARTICLE]

Residency not important in governance porticipotion

To be Hawaiian is enough and should be the determining factor to participate in the nation-building process. I accept the notion that many Hawaiians living outside Hawai'i do not know what is transpiring in Hawai'i. I would also challenge that many Hawaiians who live in Hawai'i do not know what is transpiring in Hawai'i. If we are willing to inform and educate Hawaiians living in Hawai'i, why are we not willing to inform and educate Hawaiians living outside Hawai'i? I was born in Kukuihaele, Hāmākua District, Moku o Keawe, in the principal's cottage, the principal being my grandfather John Keoni Thomas, to my mother Pauline Kaleihinano Auna of Waipi'o Valley, daughter to Nellie Kaleiokahinano Nakagawa of Waipi'o Valley, granddaughter to Lily Kaeha Kaohimaunu Mahoe of Waipi'o Valley. My mother, wherever her feet were planted - in Hawai'i, Kansas, Germany, Georgia, Washington, New Mexico, Colorado, maintained her Hawaiian identity and love for her birthplace. My mother should not be denied her birthright as a Hawaiian to participate in this process. Let us be inclusive of all Hawaiians, no matter where they reside, nor question the circumstances or the decision on where they reside. Soulee Lester Kealohaonālani Stroud Honolulu, Hawai'i

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