Ka Wai Ola - Office of Hawaiian Affairs, Volume 20, Number 2, 1 Pepeluali 2003 — SELF-DETERMINATION [ARTICLE+ILLUSTRATION]

SELF-DETERMINATION

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OHA attorney Robert Klein, retired Supreme Court Justlce (center) moderated the panel of (l-r) Robert N. Cllnton, Esq., Julle E. Kitka, Loretta A. īuell, Esq., and Harry R. Sachse, Esq„ in a forum currently belng aired on 'Ōlelo Education ehannel 55.

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By ManuBoyd On January 7 and 9, the Office of Hawaiian Affairs hosted a legal "think tank" in Honolulu, bringing Native Amenean and Native Alaskan leaders and legal experts together to discuss Hawaiian self-determination and federal recognition. "This initiative supports OHA's

immediate focus on nationhood, a goal in the Office of Hawaiian Affairs Strategic Plan 2002-2007, adopted by the OHA board last year," said OHA Administrator Clyde W. Nāmu'o. "While we had these experts in Honolulu, we wanted to create a forum where the statewide community could hear their in-depth discussion on critical issues like self-determination and

federal recognition," he said. Thanks to the generosity of Kapi'olani Community College and attorney Robert J. LeClair, professor and department chair of the Legal Education Department at KCC, "Native Hawaiians and SelfDetermination: Nationhood and Governance Models" a 90-minute video panel discussion, was produced Jan. 8, and is currently airing

on 'Ōlelo Education Channel 55. This video is among more than 200 produced by LeClair, and is a speeial edition of "You and the Law," a consumer legal education series. Panelists included Robert N. Clinton, Esq., professor, college of law, Arizona State University; Julie E. Kitka, president, Alaskan Federation of Natives; Harry R. Sachse, Esq., Sonosky, Chambers, Sachse, Enderson & Mielke; and Loretta A. Tuell, Esq., Monteau & Peebles. Robert Klein, OHA general eounsel and retired state supreme court justice, moderates the informative and frank discussion with leading national experts regarding how the experiences of American Indian tribes and Native Alaskans may be useful to Native Hawaiians seeking self-determination. Think tank participants explored the concept of sovereignty, what is meant by "recognition" by the federal government, the proposed Akaka Bill, current court challenges to Native Hawaiian programs, and other major issues facing Native Hawaiians and all residents of the Islands. They also weighed the eeonomie and social impacts in many states where tribes have been recogSee PANEL on page 18

* PANEL from page 12 r '' V* * I, ' nized by , the federal government, whether legal approval of gambling is an inevitable result of "recognition." "We believe this videotape eontains a great deal of information for the viewer regarding some of the major issues that need to be resolved for the benefit of all people of our Islands," LeClair said. Followihg are air dates for "Native Hawaiians and SelfDetermination: Nationhood and Governance Models" through May on 'Ōlelo Education Channel 55: Fridays, 6:30-8:30 p.m. — Feb. 7; March 28; Apiil 18, 25; May 9. Saturdays, 7:30-9 p.m. — Feb. 8; March 29; April 19, 26; May 10. Sundays, 7:30-9 p.m. — Feb. 9: March 30; April 20, 27: May 11. Lurline McGregor, CEO/president of 'Ōlelo Community Television, expressed interest in running "Native Hawaiians and Self-Determination: Nationhood and Governance Models" on NATV Channel 53, the public access ehannel generally affiliated with Native Hawaiian issues. Schedule pending. ■