Ka Wai Ola - Office of Hawaiian Affairs, Volume 9, Number 7, 1 Iulai 1992 — Power to the people [ARTICLE+ILLUSTRATION]

Power to the people

By Rowena Akana Trustee-at-large

As election time rolls closer and closer, eaeh of us should take personal time to reflect on what exactly it is we are looking for in a leader. More than ever, this presidential election year seems to be crucial as we think about the pressing social needs of the American people

and even more so the needs of the Hawaiian people. This year however, there is a difference. There is a feeling of independent thinking among those taking part in political campaigns. People from all walks of life are choosing to support individuals rather than poliheal parties. Here in Hawai'i, we have found that maybe Democrat or Republican is not the only option available. Maybe party line is no longer viable to enact positive change for the Hawaiian people. There is a need to look at eaeh candidate and what they stand for, what programs they support for Hawai'i and whom they support for president.

There is a wave moving across this nation in support of Ross Perot for president. People from both sides of politics are joining together to look at this individual and saying, "What is it that he is offering that the other two candidates laek?" It's a great question, one that we must answer on an individual level. It's also one that will have a profound effect on the next four years of this nation. It is great to see people dropping their standard party lines to consider an individual for a change. Perot is an individual who stands for change. As Hawaiians, we need to think for ourselves what it is we need to make life better for our people and then exercise our voting rights to put the right people in a position to make change. How appropriate that America's Independence Day is here. It is the perfect time to ask ourselves what "independence" means to us as Hawaiians. This is an incredible year and we must take action to mark the path of change for our people. The wave toward change and independent thinking is already in motion across this nation. Perhaps one of the most important areas in whieh we ean make a difference is right here at home with the loeal political scene. As Hawaiians we need to lpok critically at loeal races throughout the state, as well as OHA. We

need to be critical of who candidates are, who supports them, who contributes to their eampaigns, who they represent and most importantly, will they represent the needs of the people? When it comes to the OHA races, we need to recognize that it might not be a standard "politieian" who will best represent the needs of the Hawaiian people, but, rather, multi-talented people who ean bring professional business skills to the diverse areas needing attention. By voting wisely for future leaders, we ean help to mold the image of our and our children's future. As we begin to be exposed to these loeal hopefuls, let our hearts and minds be full of substantive questions. We should press these people to answer to the needs of the Hawaiian people. If they are who they elaim to be, they should proudly answer the questions. If they are not, they will most likely hedge on the questions and this will be our answer. Be bold and brave in your examination of our loeal candidates for all offices. Power to the people is no longer a phrase, but onee again a reality. This eleehon year will truly mark a time for the people of this nation to decide the future path we take. So, power to you, my friends, stand up and be counted, for now, like never before, your vote will make all the difference.