HO'OULU LĀHUI ALOHA - TO RAISE A BELOVED NATION

Twenty-five students of Nā Pua No'eau's 'Aha 'Ōpio Alaka'i program for young Hawaiian leaders, which is funded by OHA, presented their research on the Hawai'i Superferry, drugs and drug rehabilitation, and GMO kalo during a June 20 visit to OHA. - Photo: Chantelle Belay

Facing future – young leaders share their knowledge

By Capsun M. Poe / OHA Governance Hale Policy Advocate

What is a Native Hawaiian teenager to do during summer vacation? Some may get a summer job, others may go to summer school, still others may use the time for traveling. There is at least one other option taken by some of Hawai'i's next generation of leaders: to be a part of Cohort Two of Nā Pua No'eau's (NPN) 'Aha 'Ōpio Alaka'i (AOA). On Friday, June 20, 25 haumāna and five chaperones from across Hawai'i nei descended upon the Office of Hawaiian Affairs in Honolulu to present their research to OHA Trustees and staff at an event organized by OHA's Education Hale. These presentations were a recap of those made at the Native Hawaiian Education Association conference earlier this year at Windward Community College.

After being greeted with the traditional sound of the pū, AOA participants performed an oli, presented maile lei to Trustees Walter Heen, Robert Lindsey and Boyd Mossman, and adorned maile lei on portraits of ali'i in OHA's boardroom. OHA's Education Director Hau'oli Akaka started the day off by sharing an essay he wrote to obtain a scholarship when he was a senior in high school. In this recently rediscovered gem, Hau'oli recalled his dream of wanting to perpetuate Hawaiian language and culture.

AOA haumāna gave presentations in three groups of about eight students each. First up was the “Hawai'i Superferry – the modern double-hulled canoe” group, who included a history from 2003, detailed community concerns, weighed pros and cons of the service, and explored its developmental impact. While taking no side in the ongoing Superferry debate, they stressed that “education is empowerment” and they hoped their presentation would allow others, especially youths, to make an informed decision on how they feel.

The Substance Abuse group provided comprehensive information including common names, risks, associated behaviors, effects, usage statistics, drug history and other tidbits on ice (crystal meth), marijuana, cocaine, crack, heroin (morphine), and predatory drugs (club drugs). They ended this gloomy news with a comparison of Western vs. cultural approaches to rehabilitation suggesting that cultural approaches are more successful, providing some hope that Native Hawaiians who may engage in substance abuse will be able to overcome those challenges and lead healthy lifestyles for themselves, their 'ohana and their friends.

Finally, the Genetic Modification group provided riveting statistics on just how prevalent GMO (genetically modified organism) consumption is in the U.S. (up to 90 percent of corn and 81 percent of soy is genetically modified). They explored the topic through historical, scientific and cultural lenses. While some group members feel genetic modification is bad, as a whole, the group's focus was on sharing the knowledge without “trying to convince others” how to feel about it.

Trustees Heen, Lindsey and Mossman listened intently to each of the presentations and asked thought-provoking questions of the student presenters. It was clear that all three Trustees were impressed with how the students eloquently answered their questions and those of others in the audience, including OHA staffers from different Hale. While all students consulted books, articles and studies, some groups also conducted personal interviews and site visits.

After the presentations and question-and-answer session, one group ended with an impressive (and original!) slam poetry performance, written by two of their members. The day ended with fellowship and 'ono mea 'ai Hawai'i. Nā Pua No'eau's 'Aha 'Ōpio Alaka'i program is funded by the Office of Hawaiian Affairs.

Hawaiian Governance (HG) Policy Advocate Capsun Poe reminisces that he and fellow HG staffer Kailene Nihipali first met at 'Aha 'Ōpio o OHA (as it was called when it was run by OHA) 11 years ago. They have now come full-circle by working with NPN on several presentations.

Coffee Hour Corner

The purpose of a Coffee Hour is to encourage open conversation about Hawaiian Governance efforts, centered around Kau Inoa and the Ho'oulu Lāhui Aloha: To Raise a Beloved Nation plan. Here are some questions posed at recent Coffee Hours – discuss amongst yourselves:

Q: How will the monarchy play a role in the new Native Hawaiian government?

A: This decision will be made by the delegates elected to represent Kau Inoa registrants at the 'Aha (nation building convention), who will create the organic documents dictating the functions and form of the Native Hawaiian Governing Entity. Hawaiians registered in Kau Inoa will then have the opportunity to approve or disapprove of the monarchy's role, if any, when the organic documents are ratified.

Q: Say someone commits a crime, will they be held to Hawai'i state/United States federal law?

A: Again, the delegates elected to the 'Aha will have to decide what role the Native Hawaiian Governing Entity (NHGE) will have in dealing with crime, and the relationship of the NHGE to the current justice system.

If you have a comment or question you'd like answered, contact us at hla@oha.org. Better yet, host a Coffee Hour! For more information or to schedule a Coffee Hour, contact Nara Cardenas at 594-0266 or narac@oha.org.