Ka Wai Ola - Office of Hawaiian Affairs, Volume 8, Number 1, 1 January 1991 — Joining the voyage of discovery [ARTICLE+ILLUSTRATION]

Joining the voyage of discovery

by Moscs Keale, Sr. Trustee. Kaua'i and Ni'ihau

The new year is always a good time to stop and reflect on the accomplishments of the past. The new year is also the appropriate time to plan for the future, to set goals and to set in motion tasks for the year and

beyond. betore we begin anything new or reattirm our commitments we should always stop and listen to the voices of wisdom. In December, we the trustees of the Office of Hawaiian Affairs began a new journey into the future. It was filled with a promise of new beginnings built on the accomplishments of the past. In a solemn ceremony at Kawaiahao Church we were given our charges by the people we serve. Let me share with you a few of the meaningful games of wisdom imparted to us that day. Kupuna Elizabeth Ellis reminded us that we eaeh eome from different backgrounds and different 'ohana. But now we enter into the OHA

house. She said that "In the house of OHA, there is no room for dissension, ego is set aside." We must work in harmony for the good of all the Hawaiian people. The Reverend Tyrone Rhinehart's message was more contemporary. He charged us to be aware of the suffering of our people and move quickly to address the fundamental issues of housing, education, health, and employment. But the most moving charge was that given by Nohealani Nihipali, youth governor of the Aha Opio O Oha. Allow me to quote directly an especially important part of her charges. "It is your task, those educated and skilled by the ha'ole, to carry on our traditions into the next generations. It is your task to improve the conditions of our people and restore the pride of our race. We must impress upon these generations that our future revival will depend on racial pride and not rivalries." "As Trustees, it is important that you work not for yourselves, but for the benefit of ka po'e Hawai'i. It is time for Trustees to actively participate within their Hawaiian communities and recognize those who struggle to make Hawai'i home." "Too long have our people struggled to survive . .

. . Who were these brave Folynesians who traveled great oeean distances and accomplished so mueh with so little? Where are their descendants to lead the canoes to the future? Will there be enough of Hawaii left for my mo'opuna? . . . The continuity of our nation of Hawaii is more important than the changes that have been imposed upon our people . . . we will discover together. We will lead the way . . . E Hawai'i Au! Ku Kanaka!" The responsibilities are ours, yours and mine. We shall carry the torch and light the way. As Unele Tommy Kaulukukui said in the conclusion of his address at Kawaiahao, "We must cooperate completely and work in harmony one with the other. There must be unanimity in our decisions and unity in our actions . . . It is cooperation and mutual eoneem that determines the overall success." As I have said in the past I will say onee again, eome join me in this voyage of great discovery. I need your help! Together we ean overcome all obstacles. With your prayers and positive energy we make ourselves whole! A i mana'o kekahi ediJo i pookela i waena o oukou, e pono no e lilo ia i kauwa na oukou. Na ke Akua e malama a e alakai ia kakou apau.