Ka Wai Ola - Office of Hawaiian Affairs, Volume 2, Number 2, 1 Pepeluali 1985 — OHA Encouraged to Foster Eeonomie Growth [ARTICLE+ILLUSTRATION]

OHA Encouraged to Foster Eeonomie Growth

The Office of Hawaiian Affairs is encouraged to look into eeonomie development and the organization ean be the conduit for individuals and groups going into business. This was the observation made one day shortly following the opening of the 13th State Legislature by State Rep. Calvin K. Y. Say, chairman of the Committee on Water, Land Use, Development and Hawaiian Affairs. Ka Wai Ola had a brief chat with Say in his Capitol office one late afternoon and asked him about OHA and his feelings about the organization and the Hawaiian community in general.

Say was very serious and enthusiastic in responding to the inquiry, noting that he has always encouraged OHA to look into eeonomie growth. Before continuing, however, Say paused long enough to heap praise on Ka Wai Ola O OHA itself, noting he found it to be "a very good publication, very readable and wellorganized." He also enjoys the good selection of subject matters appearing in eaeh issue. "I want to see Hawaiians climb up the eeonmie ladder," Say declared. "There are funds available to make this happen," he noted, explaining that if these federal monies are not used, they go back to Washington D.C. "I want to see OHA pushing some of these eeonomie projects," he said. Say cited two organizations with eeonomie possibilities in referring to the Minority Enterprise Small Business lnvestment Company (MESB1C) and

Arcata, a high technology engineering firm dealing in eleetronics, computers and software among its many products.

He also feels OHA should get involved with the Small Business Administrafion (SBA) by helping interested Hawaiians get funding in going into business. "There are federal funds available here and if you ean qualify you ean get this funding," Say explained. In other observations, Say touched bases on: • Issues. "A lot of the issues are emotional but you must be objective."

• Agencies. "I've supported OHA, the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands and other Hawaiian agencies. I see these different agencies complementing eaeh other." • Concern. He is concerned that international situations will affect Hawaii more closely in the eeonomie arena. He noted that what happens economically in one corner of the world, no matter how far, will have some effect on Hawaii. • Culture. "I know this will be affected but it will be perpetuated down the line." Finally, Say had some kind words for the Native Hawaiian Legal Corporation in its work helping Hawaiians with land claims. "They have done a tremendous job in this area and they deserve a lot of credit." As for OHA itself, Say's assessment was that "OHA has a role to play in this society."

Rep. Calvin K. Y. Say.