Ka Wai Ola - Office of Hawaiian Affairs, Volume 14, Number 3, 1 Malaki 1999 — Commentary [ARTICLE]

Commentary

As a Native Hawaiian and a former trustee for seven-and-a-half years, l would like to comment on the Board of Trustees' actions since the first of the year. 1 . The new organization headed by Chair Rowena Akana has been positive. Trustees' placement in positions of trust and committees reflects their knowiedge and experience. It's unfortunate that some trustees do not want to participate more fully in OHA's business. 2. I appiaud the appointments to the Entitlements Committee. Chairman Akana, Trustee Mililani Trask and Trustee Clayton Hee understand the problem of negotiations with the state. No other trustee is as familiar with these concerns as Trustee Hee who headed this committee when he chaired the board from 1991 to Oct. 1997. The addition of former DHHL Chairman Kali Watson to the team will help tremendously. Kali's legal background and experience were definitely a plus in the $600 million DHHL settlement with the state. 3. One thing bothers me. I understand Hā Hawai'i is asking for a $ 1 .9 million grant for a ConCon whieh the board cannot in good conscience make to a group chosen by approximately 10 percent of Hawaiians eligible to vote. The board's Committee on Governmentai Affairs and Sovereignty should take the lead in anv sovereignty hearings and make recommendations to the board. The OHA board is the only elected body representing Hawaiians. Your statutory powers under Chapter 1 0 make you whoIly responsible. Mahalo and aloha pumehana, Abraham Aiona Kahului

Editor's note: In a letter on Hā Hawai 'i last month, Vernal Pe 'a Lindsey wrote, "The bruddahs who control the process camefrom Kalālaua 's Mason group. They asked Abraham Aiona who drew up and implemented the plan, not the state orfederal government." Former trustee Aiona has informed Ka Wai Ola that he had no idea why his name was used in eonneetion with the plan. He denies any involvement in this matter.

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KA LEO KAIAULU