Ka Wai Ola - Office of Hawaiian Affairs, Volume 1, Number 1, 1 Iune 1981 — OHA: Beacon of Light for All Hawaiians [ARTICLE+ILLUSTRATION]

OHA: Beacon of Light for All Hawaiians

by Senator Milton Holt

Three years ago, great individuals signed a state constitutional amendment whieh created the Office of Hawaiian Affairs. This moment served as a beacon of hope to thousands of Hawai-

ians who have been frustrated by the inaction of the American government in recognizing and rectifying the wrongdoings that led to the fall of Queen Lili'uokalani. OHA eame as a joyous end to the darkness. For many years, the Hawaiian has struggled for eeonomie and educational opportunity without the assistance of a government agency directly accountable to him. Now the Hawaiian has OHA. But, we must remember that the Hawaiian is still not saved. The Hawaiian oftentimes is forgotten by the progressive American society and finds himself an exile in his own land. Of course, the Hawaiian is lauded as a great entertainer, a great water sportsman, a great lover, and a natural aristocrat, royally blessed. But these consoling myths do not

eoneeal the plight of the Hawaiian and his struggle for social justice. Even with the difficulties of today and tomorrow, there is hope that the Hawaiian will find salvation from social injustice. There is hope that one day every Hawaiian will be a college graduate. There is hope that one day no Hawaiian will have to stand in the unemployment line. And there is hope that one day every Hawaiian family will own its own home. This dream of salvation is founded on the belief that the Hawaiian will one day control his own destiny. That day is here. We now have OHA. OHA is the only agency in Hawaii that is capable of bringing the Hawaiian dream to life. With proper leadership and guidance, its potential is unlimited. Now is the time for all Hawaiians to exercise their right and fulfill their responsibility to eaeh other. Now is the time for all Hawaiians to collectively ehannel their energies towards a eommonly agreed upon goal. Now is the time for all Hawaiians to follow the trails of opportunity up the mountains of success. Go forward with OHA. Imua, OHA.