Roy Benham, a former OHA Trutee, speaks with Chair Apoliona. - Photo: Lisa Asato

Looking back,
looking ahead

From grant giving to caring for the land, attendees
react favorably to the State of OHA address

By Lisa Asato, OHA Publications Editor

The fifth annual State of OHA address was warmly received by attendees who came away with messages ranging from bracing for challenges to Hawaiian programs, to getting involved in making positive changes. Some appreciated that the speech by Office of Hawaiian Affairs Chairperson Haunani Apoliona highlighted community programs that are benefiting from OHA grants.

“I think it was such a wonderful speech because she gave so much information about what they're doing, and I understand now where they're coming from and what their platform is,” said Abbie McGurn of Alu Like Inc.'s kūpuna program in Nānākuli. “I think it's just great.”

In a Dec. 17 speech at St. Andrew's Cathedral in Honolulu, Apoliona laid out three premises – that Native Hawaiians: can share with others its knowledge of
caring for the environment, are on the “threshold of critical decisions” such as holding a nation-building convention in 2008, and “must seize the moment and stop grumbling.”

“We must do our homework because before too long, we will be in the formative stages of re-establishing a Native nation of our choosing,” Apoliona said in a speech broadcast live on KKNE AM940 and taped for 'Ōlelo television. Attendees included state and city lawmakers, OHA Trustees and staff, community leaders, members of the Royal Order of Kamehameha I, and students from Ke Kula Kaiapuni 'o Ānuenue Hawaiian language immersion school.

“I like what she said – 'No grumble,' said Windward O'ahu Sen. Jill Tokuda, laughing. “I think that's something we can all learn from – that we do have to be more involved.” Tokuda said she hoped the message would resonate even beyond the Native Hawaiian community. “We have to be more proactive about securing Native Hawaiian rights, entitlement programs and services,” said Tokuda, chairwoman of the Agriculture and Hawaiian Affairs Committee. “It's about protecting and preserving something we want to leave behind for our future.”

Former OHA Trustee Moanikeala Akaka, who served from 1984 to 1996, said she was pleased to hear OHA is giving more funds to the community, and that OHA now holds title to Wao Kele o Puna, a lowland rainforest once marked for geothermal drilling. “It's very nice to see OHA embrace that whole situation,” said Akana, who was arrested multiple times in the early 1990s while fighting to save the Hawai'i Island rainforest.

But Akaka didn't care for the “stop grumbling” statement, saying it didn't acknowledge realities like the high price of gas, homelessness on beaches, and the high cost of living. “One has to look at things from a holistic standpoint,” she said.

For Roy Benham, a former Trustee from OHA's inception in 1980, a highlight of the speech centered around the opposition that Hawaiian programs will continue to face in the courts and at a possible Constitutional Convention in 2010.

“That's why we need the Akaka Bill,” Benham said. “Then we could continue those (programs) that we are doing for the Hawaiian people.”

In a 20-minute speech, Apoliona also said:

• The Akaka Bill passed the U.S. House in October, and Senate action is pending.
• “Probably the most critical decision we face” is organizing a Native Hawaiian government
• If a Constitutional Convention is held Native Hawaiians must get involved – vote, run for delegate, organize – to ensure its voice is heard. OHA is a creation of the 1978 ConCon.
• OHA increased its annual budget to $42 million, with 70 percent of expenditures going directly to program services.
• In 2007, OHA Board of Trustees approved millions in grants and board initiatives to support community programs.

At the end of the speech, Apoliona sang from the pulpit the third verse of Hawai'i Pono'ī, the state song, as the congregation slowly rose to its feet. “Hawai'i pono'ī, e ka Lāhui ē, 'o kau hana nui, e ui ē,” she sang, finishing with the spoken words, “Those true to Hawai'i, the Hawaiian people, your great duty is to prevail.”

In the spirit of the New Year, KWO asked attendees of the recent State of OHA address:

What should OHA's New Year's resolution be for 2008?

Ke'eaumoku Kapu

Native Hawaiian Historic Preservation Council, volunteer

The resolution for the Office of Hawaiian affairs for me is to focus on a lot of the ongoing problematic situations based on our historic preservations – sites, iwi kūpuna, those kinds of issues. It's been a long tremendous battle to protect and preserve those kind of things.

Donna Lei Smythe

'Ahahui Ka'ahumanu, president

I think they should continue on the path that they've been going in reaching out to the community. I think they're doing a wonderful job with that – and, they should continue to benefit the beneficiaries.

Keoki Donner, 17

Ke Kula Kaiapuni 'o Ānuenue, student council member and football player

OHA does a lot for our football team and our athletic teams. OHA supports them 100 percent, and I want to thank them 100 percent for their support. Keep up the good work, and pretty much just help Hawaiians that are out there on the beach and continue to support Hawaiian immersion.

Brendon Lee

Kawaiolaonapukanileo choir, member

For '08 I would love to see OHA renewing their state-chartered mandate to promote any Hawaiian cause whether OHA agrees with it or not. I don't feel OHA currently does that; they pick and choose depending on what the Board of Trustees want to defend, if you will, and not to portray or support any and all Hawaiian causes.

Ola Kipapa, 20

Precision Sound, stagehand

I think their New Year's resolution should be to help the homeless Hawaiians to find places to stay so they have a chance to make something with their life.