Ka Wai Ola - Office of Hawaiian Affairs, Volume 17, Number 9, 1 September 2000 — Discussion Forum www.OHA.org [ARTICLE+ILLUSTRATION]

Discussion Forum www.OHA.org

ln August, the Office of Hawaiian Affairs launched a discussion forum at www.OHA.org. The purpose of the forum is to share different points of view on issues important to the Hawaiian community. In the few weeks since its ineephon, lively exchanges have begun on federal recognition, sovereignty and Forbes Cave. Divergent opinions have been posted by participants anonymously, using their real names or taking such online identities as Takspayr and Commoner. The forum is open to all. Participants ean access existing messages, post their own message or set up a new topic to be discussed. To enter the discussion, go to www. OHA.org.

Following are excerpts from the current online discussion: Sovereignty Anonymous, 8-7 I would like to know, in 1959, didn't the majority of the people in Hawai'i (non-white) vote for statehood? Was there an alternative to statehood on the ballot, like in Puerto Rico - Independent or Commonwealth? If so, why all this madness today? We are not going to accomplish anything with all the bickering going on between the various groups, organizations, clubs, etc. Why can't we all be ONE. It'll be very difficult to get anywhere in Congress under these circumstances. Akaka's bill is not the best, but who is going to eome up with another that will satisfy everyone? llie answer is NO ONE. Sovereignty Kawika Cutcher, 8-9 See, truth always wins in the end, my tfltū always told me this: if you don't like it here leave, because we no need any more foreigners telling us what is right, why they never fix where they are from. Peaee comes through truth.

Federal recognition Commoner, 8-6 All power comes from the people. The kingdom was installed by brute force by the conqueror Kamehameha against the will of many and was only possible with help from the civilized world (equipment etc.) and thus an unlawful thing already. Only an ignoramus wants to turn back time and be a slave of kings or ali'i. Federal recognition Anonymous, 8-13 The lolos we have living in Hawai'i. Justice for Hawaiians is simple, give back the monies, $140 billion in back rent, the ceded land trust, Hawaiian homes, and leave us alone. Then won't have to worry about all the lolos, overthrow descendants, Democratie Party etc. who have stolen all these years in the name of their god who does not even know them. Trustees unite now Willy Keoki Krammer, 8-10 Justice, freedom and equality on international level, ean be achieved for all Hawaiians, now, now, now...And health, prosperity, confidence, for all

Hawaiians. Search your souls trustees, your responsibility is to all Hawaiians now. Get it together and show you will really serve when needed. I hear these rumors everywhere though can't remember where. Forbes cave Kipikoa, 8-8 Why name this cave after the thief? These sacred artifacts were HĪDDEN for a purpose, and that purpose surely wasn't so they eoulel be stolen and put in a museum. Some even contend that these sacred artifacts were simply being hidden from the "Christians" of that day, as if it is ok to turn these sacred artifacts over to the "Christians" of today. What was hidden should stay hidden for that was the intention of those who did it. Sovereignty Takspayr, 8-4 The reason why proponents of sovereignty are having a difficult time gamering sympathy whieh would help develop a cohesive movement is because the kanaka maoli already have so many eeonomie and social benefits that other ethnic groups do not have.B