Ka Wai Ola - Office of Hawaiian Affairs, Volume 7, Number 4, 1 April 1990 — ʻAha ʻOpio spots still open [ARTICLE+ILLUSTRATION]

ʻAha ʻOpio spots still open

The Office of Hawaiian Affairs through its Education-Culture Division will host the third annual youth leadership conference, " 'Aha 'Opio O OHA" June 18-23, in Honolulu. Seventy-five Hawaiian high school juniors statewide will be selected to participate in a week of program activities. The activities will reflect Hawaiian concerns such as ecology, Hawaiian history, native rights and alternatives lifestyles. Activities will include the election process, government organizations, introduction of bills and lobbying for issues. Students will have the opportunity to explore ieadership roles, values and to meet officials involved in government processes. The 'Aha 'Opio (OHA's Youth Legislature) seeks to provide Hawaiian high school students with hands-on experience in developing leadership skills in public speaking, parliamentary procedure and group political interaction. The 'Aha 'Opio recognizes Hawaii's own eultural heritage. What makes this program especially Hawaiian is that the students will se!ectissuesof current e^neem and debate what impact they

have on the Native Hawaiian community. Special cultural sessions will cover altemative lifestyles, Hawaiian language, ho'oponopono (eonflect resolution) and Hawaiian values. Students will visit important historical sites and various state agencies. Meetings are scheduled with state legislators. Applications to participate may be obtained through junior clc>ss counselors at the high schools or by calling the OHA Education-Culture Division at 946-2642. All applications should be returned to OHA no later than April 16. Selection interviews will be held in late April. There will be an island-wide orientation meeting in May for students who will participate in 'Aha 'Opio O OHA. Members of the conference planning committee are: Hinano Paleka (Kamehameha Schools), Kauila Clark (West O'ahu Employment Corporation), Walter Kahiwa, Jr. (Honaunau School), Sabra McCracken (County of Kaua'i), Paula DeMorales, Don Romero (Wai'akea High School), and Kathy Romero (Ka'u High School).

Graphic designer Momi Cazimero will be given the prestigious O'o award by the Hawaiian Business/Professional Association in a special ceremony at the Willows restaurant on April 18.