Ka Wai Ola - Office of Hawaiian Affairs, Volume 18, Number 8, 1 ʻAukake 2001 — Kawaihāpai airfield [ARTICLE]

Kawaihāpai airfield

I'd like to thank Ke Akua and my ancestors for making this bill, HB1679 renaming Dillingham airfield as "Kawaihāpai airfield," a reality. Many thanks to Sen. Hanabusa and Rep. Magaoay for introducing legislation at both levels of state government. Also a heartfelt mahalo to those individuals and entities whieh sent in testimonies of support during the hearing process. This is part of a healing process whieh restores Hawaiian identity whieh was already in plaee prior to World War II when the U.S. Military acquired land for military installations. Despite forced eviction of Hawaiian families, desecration of cultural sites and geographical/environmental features during the construction of this airfield, the 'āina and its people lost their identity until now. This legislation is a ho'okupu to Ke Akua, nā kūpuna and the 'āina. Mālama pono. Thomas T. Shirai Jr. Mokulē'ia OHA reserves the right to edit all letters for length, defamatory and libelous material, and other objectionable content, and reserves the right to print on a space-available basis. The inclusion of a letter author's title is a courtesy extended by Ka Wai Ola and does not eonstitute validation or recognition of the writer as such. All letters must be typed, signed and not exceed 200 words. Send letters to Ka Wai Ola ,711 Kapi'olani Blvd., Suite 500, Honolulu, Hl 96813. Readers ean also email their letters to oha@aloha.net. ■