| "Kau Inoa" registration launched |
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At the traditionally auspicious hour of midday on Jan. 17, the 111th anniversary of the overthrow of the Hawaiian Kingdom, Hawaiian community leaders gathered near the downtown Honolulu statue of Kamehameha I to symbolically become the first to “kau inoa” (sign up) in the process of building a new native governing body.
Kau Inoa launch participants
Twenty-seven Hawaiian leaders representing a broad spectrum of the community — including the alii trusts, civic clubs, royal societies, homesteaders and elected officials — participated in the ceremony that launched the “Kau Inoa” registration drive. Organizers of the drive hope to eventually register at least 100,000 Native Hawaiians who are willing to participate in the shaping of a new Hawaiian governing entity. According to Census 2000 figures, there are approximately 240,000 Hawaiians in Hawaii and more than 160,000 across the continental United States.
Registration is open to Native Hawaiians living anywhere in the world. There is no blood quantum requirement, but Hawaiian ancestry must be verified by records such as a birth certificate or by previous verification through programs like Hawaiian Home Lands or OHAs Hawaiian Registry and Operation Ohana.
Remaking history The Kau Inoa launch ceremony was held in front of a red-and-gold festooned Aliiolani Hale, the former seat of the Kingdom’s legislature and the spot where Sanford Dole announced the coup against the monarchy in 1893. Returning to the site that “witnessed the demise of Native Hawaiian governance,” OHA Chairperson Haunani Apoliona said at the event, “we gather together to refocus, renew and reaffirm our commitment to Native Hawaiian self-determination.”
In welcoming participants to the signing ceremony, Native Hawaiian Legal Corp. Director Mahealani Kamauu said, “Today, we build upon the good works and the strong foundation of a great and loving people. Let us be grateful for our strong spirit, a sacred gift from our kupuna. Let us heed that spirit, as we continue to move along the immutable path toward full restoration of our nation.”
Vicky Holt Takamine addresses the gathering
Lt. Gov. James “Duke” Aiona was among the first group to sign registration forms produced after several months of planning by broad-based community working groups. Other participants in the signing ceremony included Robert Awana, chief of staff for Gov. Linda Lingle; Kamehameha Schools CEO Dee Jay Mailer; Hawaiian civic club leader Charles Rose; OHA trustees; kupuna Auntie Malia Craver and Auntie Genoa Keawe; state Rep. Ezra Kanoho; First Hawaiian Bank Senior VP Corbett Kalama; retired Judge Walter Heen; royal society members; and Kumu Hula Vicky Holt Takamine, president of the Hawaiian-rights political action group the Ilioulaokalani Coalition.
Takamine expressed the coalition’s support for the Kau Inoa effort, but, acknowledging a nearby group of about 20 protesters voicing opposition to the process, she also cautioned that “in order to assure maximum support from the broader Hawaiian community, we must be assured that this process is not controlled or influenced by any government agency.” Takamine called on “independent observers” like the League of Women Voters to ensure a fair process.
Community council to guide process The Kau Inoa registration drive is part of an ongoing process aimed at the formation of an elected body to represent Native Hawaiians. Decisions about the next steps in that process will be made by an advisory council of Hawaiian community leaders representing a broad diversity of perspectives on Hawaiian self-governance. That council is now in the process of being formed.
Dancers representing the Ilioulaokalani Coalition offer a hula.
Speaking at the registration kick-off ceremony, OHA Administrator Clyde Namuo stressed that the agency will not seek to “call the shots” or control the advisory council’s decision-making process. As an example, he pointed out that the Kau Inoa registration records will be kept by the organization Hawaii Maoli, a nonprofit arm of the Association of Hawaiian Civic Clubs. Speakers at the event were especially careful to point out that this process is independent of the “Akaka-Stevens” federal recognition bill before Congress, and will go forward regardless of whether or not the bill is passed.
Community activist Lela Hubbard — considered one of the OHA’s fiercest critics — also participated in the registration launch, and urged members of other “dissident groups” to sign up as well. “I think that the dissident groups — and I’m part of the loyal opposition to the Akaka Bill — need to sign on to this enrollment,” Hubbard said. “Because that will bring us to where we can kukakuka, we can argue our issues among ourselves, and that is what will build a strong nation.” |
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