Ka Wai Ola - Office of Hawaiian Affairs, Volume 15, Number 11, 1 November 1998 — LEADERSHIP [ARTICLE]

LEADERSHIP

"Until I went to work at the

Office of Hawaiian Affairs (1994-96), 1 believed the legislature's sincerity to better the condition of the native people. I believed so totally in the '78 Con Con whieh formed OHA that in 1993, 1 sent the daily newspapers a letter strongly critical of Mililani Trask and Ka Lāhui. I could see no reason for their distmst, fears and admonitions. Experiencing how OHA worked was painful. There were many similarities to the blatantly ineffectual Department of Hawaiian Home Lands, with its stalling, factionalism and blood quantum requirement. Tmstee infighting recognized the career politicians among them were intent upon keeping the focus on money rather than on the plight of a wronged and dying native population. I must apologize to Mililani Trask and Ka Lāhui. I understand their anger because I feel it too. Legislative hypocrisy is not meant to better our conditions. Tmstee Beamer is dead

and with her the push for major changes and scmtiny of practices and procedures. If anyone ean save OHA it is Mililani Trask, a leader who has proved she is incorruptible, dedicated See LE i i ERS on page 6

and sincere. I have total confidence in her ability to bring about an end to the injustices of 105 years. Marisa Plemer Hale'iwa

Letters From Page 3