Ka Wai Ola - Office of Hawaiian Affairs, Volume 5, Number 9, 1 September 1988 — Our Readers Write. [ARTICLE]

Our Readers Write.

Dear Kenny: Just a short note to tell you how mueh I enjoyed the article you wrote on one of our former Imi Ho'ola students, Dr. Laverne Kia. It was great! As the program has continued now for 16 years it gives me "ehieken skin" to see graduates return here to practice. Mahalo nui loa! Nanette Judd Program Coordinator, Imi Ho'ola Program

Editor: It has often been said that the Hawaiian vote is very strong, if they'd only go to the polls to cast their vote. A lot of us Hawaiians ean really make a difference if we'd only get off our okoles and start supporting our Hawaiian candidates who are merely trying to serve their communities instead of just taking a back seat to everything and grumbling.

The victory process for some seems to stem from the backing of these ethnic groups for their own kind. We all know that's been going on for years. It's been proven successful for everyone else except the Hawaiians, some of whom prefer acting like the a'ama crab — instead of giving you a boost up and out of that pail, they'd rather drag you down with them. It matters not what your blood type is or what party you belong to. As long as the nationality is the same, they're going to vote for you. You may not have mueh upstairs, but that's minor. Getting you elected is the main thing. Of course, there are

some drawbacks to that rationale. Sometimes the incompetents get in, do a lousy job, yet are reluctant to step down. Other times they get reelected. But, whatever your feeling, do vote; carefully, and with a firm purpose. If you feel the need for change, let's see it. Mahalo, McWarren Mehau, Hilo