Office of Hawaiian Affairs - "Kau Inoa" Frequently Asked Questions

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"Kau Inoa" Frequently Asked Questions

KAU INOA

HAWAIIAN GOVERNANCE REGISTRATION

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

› Why start this process now?

The current political climate is hostile toward Native Hawaiians. Legal challenges to Native Hawaiian rights and entitlements have escalated. Lawsuits against Native Hawaiian institutions such as DHHL, OHA, and KSBE challenging preference given to Native Hawaiians are widely publicized and well-known. In addition, legislation authorizing federal funds for programs serving Native Hawaiians is being threatened in the U.S. Congress. If we do not act now, over $95 million in federal funds supporting Native Hawaiian education, employment and training, health, housing, and community assistance may be lost. In addition, cultural assets such as iwi kupuna, cultural artifacts, and architectural sites currently protected under the Native America Graves Protection and Repatriation Act (NAGPRA) are at risk. We must protect Native Hawaiian assets and entitlements in order to build a better future for Native Hawaiians - forming a Native Hawaiian Governing Entity will help us defend against legal attacks.

115 years after the illegal overthrow of the Hawaiian Kingdom, it is time for Native Hawaiians, as the indigenous people of Hawai'i, to exercise their inherent human right to self-determination and self-governance. The self-determination process actually began decades ago, and it has gone through various changes and taken different forms. There are many individuals and groups in the Native Hawaiian community taking action to solidify Native Hawaiian rights through the establishment of a new Native Hawaiian governing body. Kau Inoa is the first broad, concerted effort of this kind with sufficient resources to include Native Hawaiians from all walks of life.

The establishment of a new Native Hawaiian government is on the horizon and can be achieved with the will and support of the Native Hawaiian people. Those who register in Kau Inoa will help shape the nation to come.

› What could a Native Hawaiian government do for its people?

Generally, governments protect members' rights and provide a means for social justice and security. Common services provided by a government include health care, education, economic development, social service programs, emergency services, and resource management and protection.

› Why is registration necessary?

To form a new government, a list must first be compiled of those who want to participate in the formation and establishment of that government. Native Hawaiians must register their names and addresses so that they may be contacted in order to be included in the process. Once registered in Kau Inoa, individuals will have a voice and a choice as to which issues the Native Hawaiian governing entity will address, what services it will provide and how it will function.

› How was the process developed?

The Kau Inoa registration process was developed by broad-based community working groups who drew upon previous work done by the O'ahu Council of Hawaiian Civic Clubs, Ka Lähui, the Royal Order of Kamehameha's O'ahu chapter and the State Council of Hawaiian Homestead Associations.

› Is the enrollment tied to the Akaka Bill?

No. The Kau Inoa process and the formation of a Native Hawaiian governing entity is being undertaken as a Native Hawaiian community initiative completely independent of the Hawaiian federal recognition bill currently before the U.S. Congress.

› What is OHA's role?

The Office of Hawaiian Affairs' role in this process is as a facilitator only, providing funding and logistical help for this community-driven effort.

› Who keeps the registration records?

The repository for Kau Inoa registration forms and vital statistics records is Hawai'i Maoli Inc., a nonprofit arm of the Association of Hawaiian Civic Clubs.

› What comes after registration?

The next stages in the Nation Building process have been drafted by a broad-based coalition of Hawaiian community representatives over a period of nearly two years. The steps outlined in the Ho'oulu Lähui Aloha: To Raise A Beloved Nation plan include appropriation of districts, election of delegates, the 'Aha - Nation Building Convention, ratification of the governing documents, and finally the formation of the government as dictated by the governing documents. Native Hawaiians registered in Kau Inoa would be eligible to run as delegates to the ‘aha, vote for delegates, ratify governing documents, and participate in the formation of the government.

› Who can register?

Any person of Native Hawaiian ancestry may sign up. There is no age, residency, or blood quantum requirement, but verification of Native Hawaiian ancestry is required.

› Do I have to live in Hawai'i to register?

No; Kau Inoa registration is open to Native Hawaiians anywhere in the world. According to figures from the 2000 census, there are approximately 240,000 Native Hawaiians in Hawai'i and more than 160,000 Native Hawaiians across the continental United States.

› What age do I have to be to sign up?

There is no minimum age to register in Kau Inoa. If a minor is able to understand what it means to Kau Inoa, s/he can sign her/himself. If the child is too young to understand, a parent, grandparent, or legal guardian can sign up the child.

› How do I verify my ancestry?

Ancestry may be verified in one of the following ways:

Individual has previously submitted ancestry verification documents to the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands, Kamehameha School's Ho'oulu Hawaiian Data Center, OHA's Operation Ohana program, or OHA's Hawaiian Registry program.
Certified copy of birth certificate(s), marriage certificate(s) and/or death certificate(s) indicating Hawaiian parentage.
Kumu Ohana or other legally sufficient methods besides those listed above.

› What if I need help verifying my ancestry?

For further information on how to verify your Native Hawaiian ancestry please contact Hawai Maoli at (808) 394-0050. You may also mark Box 4 in Section C of the registration form and initial to allow OHA to assist you.

› How long will the registration process last?

The Kau Inoa registration process is ongoing.

› Where can I register?

You can download a Kau Inoa form at oha.org, print it out, complete it, and mail it along with your Hawaiian ancestry verification document(s) to the official repository organization, Hawai‘i Maoli, at the address below: