Ka Wai Ola - Office of Hawaiian Affairs, 1 Kepakemapa 1983 — The South Pacific Games [ARTICLE]

The South Pacific Games

Late in August, buoyed by the excitement and enthusiasm generated by the Oahu Makahiki Games, the Office of Hawaiian Affairs' Delegation to the South Pacific Games, left optimistically for Apia, Western Samoa to propose Hawaii's entry into those Games. Apia Park was the site for the 7th South Pacific Games, sometimes known as the Pacific 01ympics. Prior to leaving for the Games, the Delegation, headed by Trustee Tommy Kaulukikui, drafted a proposal in consultation with Pacific island leaders and specialists to allow the entry of Hawaii as represented by people of Hawaiian ancestry. It was made known that Hawaii's entry as a State, whieh means that everyone living here for more than four years could compete, would not be welcomed. Most of the Pacific island members of the South Pacific Games Council are small nations or territories and believe that the competition would be unfair if mainlanders or college trained athletes could enter under Hawaii's banner. The Hawaiian delegation's proposal was written to provide the Council with various alternatives so that Hawaii could become part of the Games while

easing any fears. On Sunday, September 4th, Trustee Kaulukukui, joined by Trustee Moses Keale, met with the Council and the proposal was officially received. lmmediate reaction was given by the Tahitian (French Polynesia) and the Solomon Island delegations when they stood up in support of the proposal. At that moment, unofficially, it was estimated that Hawaii had the support of five groups out of nineteen, and what was needed was a simple majority. As the matter was deferred, this allowed the delegation time to begin to sort out the international politics and to start an intensive lobbying effort. The idea behind the entry of Hawaiians seemed simple. It was based upon our cultural/ethnic links and the sharing of Hawaii's athletics. Matters became more complicated, especially when the Maoris of New Zealand presented their own proposal for membership. lt became apparent that there was more opposition to the Maoris' entry than to the Hawaiians. However both proposals were linked together because both sought entry to the Games. The strong opposition to the Maori application was based upon

their domination in the British sports of rugby union and lawn bowling. It was feared that no one would be able to compete with them in these sports. Meeting with individual Council members and teams or their general managers proved to be the best way for the Hawaiian delegation to convince people of our intentions and good-will. After talking (and their initial reaction was always "You're too big! ") many groups began to see that our intentions were to find mutual benefit and sharing through sports and not to dominate the Games. They were able to realize that mutual cultura! and ethnic links are strong and that Hawaiians share many problems and dreams of other Pacific lslanders. While the lobbying effort continued, the Hawaiian delegation was able to watch many of the different games offered and evaluate the competition and the coaching. There are several sports in whieh Hawaiians may be able to compete well, but there are many, such as soccer, lawn bowling, rugby and net ball in whieh we will need practice, coaching and experience. In fact, a puz.zling question to our delegation while watching the Games was "Where are the teams, the players, the organization in Hawaii?" Before the Games concluded, both proposals were taken up again in meetings. At that time, due to the lobbying

effort, there were fourteen nations/territories in support. The remaining five were the predominant gold medal winners, except for Tahiti (French Polynesia) and Western Samoa. However, as the original proposal called for only Hawaiians and Maoris, whieh is what most wanted, it was felt that sanctions against the South Pacific Games might be levied for racial discrimination. Although most delegations, managers and teams wanted to have only Hawaiians in, they could not find the means to do so within their charter. A final effort was made through a new draft amendment to allow Hawaii and New Zealand in if their athletes ean trace ancestry to an inhabitant of their islands prior to incorporation. If this amendment ean be done legally, it will pass the hurdles or political status (only nations and territories are allowed in the present charter) and racial discrimination (anyone who had an ancestor in Hawaii before U.S. incorporation could compete: Hawaiians, Chinese, Haoles, Japanese, etc.) The Couneil asked that the matter be taken up for a vote after consulting with attorneys during the next meeting on Rarotonga, Cook lslands in Spring of 1984. Upon leaving Faleolo Airport, the delegation was told to prepare a rugby team!