Ka Wai Ola - Office of Hawaiian Affairs, Volume 16, Number 12, 1 Kekemapa 1999 — AKAKA [ARTICLE+ILLUSTRATION]

AKAKA

Debate importaiit to success of reconciliation efforts

Senator Daniel Akaka explained his view of the reconeiliaūon process in a letter circulated Nov. 8. "This is the message Sen. Akaka would like to share with eaeh and everv

member of the Hawaiian eommunity," said Paul Cardas, press secretary in the senator's Washington office. "It is a message from friend to friend, whieh is why he chose to open with the tradi-

tional Hawaiian address, "na hoaloha, welina me ke aloha pumehana" or 'friends greeted with warm aloha'." A petition endorsing points raised in the letter will be circulated at the public meetings. Following are excerpts from his message:

^ ^ WELCOME this opportunity to discuss the reconciliation process with you. Over the past several months, I have received a number of inquiries regarding the meaning of reconciliation. What did I mean by "efforts of reconciliation" when I authored the Apology Resolution? My concise response is that reconciliation is a means for healing. ReconciUation is an ongoing process between the federal

government and the Native Hawaiian people to resolve a wide array of issues. "I have three objectives I would like to share with you regarding the reconciliation process. The first is to establish permanency to this continuing dialogue. I am working to establish an office within the Department of the Interior to focus on Native Hawaiian issues.

the estabhshment of an office will b ring continuity to the federal government's working relationship with Native Hawaiians. My second objective is to help Native Hawaiians and the federal government establish a framework for addressing longstanding issues such as self-determi-nation and ceded lands. My third objective is to take maximum advantage of the time left under the Clinton Administration to focus on actions that will b better the social and

eeonomie conditions of Native Hawaiians. "Reconciliation efforts were never intended to be unilaterally determined by the federal government. Rather, reconciliation is am evolving, continuing process based on dialogue between the federal government, Native Hawaiians and Hawai'i's congressional delesiation. I cannot emnhasize

enough the point I that reconciliation is I a continuing and I evolving process, I the outcome of I whieh will be deterI mined by HawaiI ians. I "This is why I 3 have repeatedly statI ed reconciliation I should not be I viewed as one parI ticular issue or a I narrowly defxned 9 process. Reconcili3 ation is a continuing | process that

involves the resolution of a multitude of issues. While the reconciliation process may eventually address such issues as reparations, eeonomie empowerment and self-determination, the process should not be limited to specific outcomes or issues. Again, the outcome of the process will be determined by the Native Hawaiian community working together with he federal government.

/ / he magnitude of this process I makes it imperative for Native I Hawaiians to imua, to move forI ward an to contribute individually I and collectively to meet the ehallenge of working together to provide a better future for Native Hawaiians. Throughout this process, diversity of views and hvely debate are healthy. We must debate, and on occasion, disagree, free of rancor. We must listen to and respect one another as we eome together as a people to determine our rela-

tionsnip witn tne rederat government. Reconciliation entails a commitment and a shared responsibility on the part of Native Hawaiians and the federal government to improve understanding and provide a better future for Native Hawaiians. We have the wisdom to rise above our differences and to reach a eommon understanding of what is bet for our people. Mr. Berry and Mr. Van Norman are coming to Hawai'i to liste.n and

learn. The outcome of these public consultations depends largely on what the Native Hawaiian community shares with them. I could not ask for two individuals;s more willing to listen to the Native Hawaiian community. I am confident that the outcome of these first efforts of reconciliation will be another positive step forward in providing a better future for Native Hawaiians. Kūlia i ka nu'u. Let us reach for the best together." ■

"Mr. Berry and Mr. Van Norman are coming to Hawai'i to listen and learn. The outcome of these puhlie consultations depends largely on what the Native Hawaiian community shares with ^hem."