Ka Wai Ola - Office of Hawaiian Affairs, Volume 20, Number 6, 1 Iune 2003 — Increased visibility in D.C. fosters understanding of critical Hawaiian issues [ARTICLE]

Increased visibility in D.C. fosters understanding of critical Hawaiian issues

By Manu Boyd Trustees and administrative staff of the Office of Hawaiian Affairs, led by OHA Chairperson Haunani Apoliona, head for Washington, D.C. this month to continue efforts in urging Congress to officially recognize Native Hawaiians as indigenous with the right to self-determination. In January, the OHA board unanimously voted to support the intent of S.344, known as the Akaka Bill, expressing the policy of the United States regarding its relationship with Native Hawaiians. In May, the board again unanimously supported the intent of the "marked up" version of S.344, allowing OHA the flexibility to comment on future amendments to the bill. The latest version of S.344, known as the Akaka-Stevens Bill, has gained sponsorship by Alaska Senator Ted Stevens. Activities during the June visit are being coordinated, in part, by OHA Washington, D.C. Bureau Chief Martha Ross, whose D.C.based office opened in February. Briefings are scheduled with the Hawai'i Congressional Delegation and other members of Congress and their staff. In addition, OHA officials will dialogue with community groups including the Kamehameha Schools Alumni Association - East Coast Region and the Hawai'i State Society of Washington D.C. whieh collectively count more than 300 members. On Sun., June 8, three days prior to the official Kamehameha Day holiday in Hawai'i, a lei draping ceremony at the Capitol Rotunda statue will bring Hawaiians and supporters together in solemn tribute to our ali'i. "Hawaiians and those who aloha Hawai'i, our traditions and history, will gather at the shores of the other oeean in the shadow of our nation's capital to commemorate the legacy of Kamehameha, the 18th century warrior and indigenous leader, who united the islands and established the governance and political structure of Hawai'i," said Chairperson

Apoliona. "This simple act of recollection and tribute at the Capitol will serve to renew the mission and vision of indigenous Hawaiian leaders of the 21st century and focus our energies toward unifying Hawaiian governance and advancing Hawaiian self-determination," she said. Last month, OHA representatives attended a national forum on the goals and aspirations of the indigenous peoples of the United States. The two-day event brought together Alaska Natives, Native Americans and Native Hawaiians under the banner of "Strengthening U.S. Democracy: the Future of SelfDetermination." Held at the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History, the forum was convened by the Alaska Federation of Natives, the Council for Native Hawaiian Advancement, the National Congress of American Indians, the Office of Hawaiian Affairs and other organizations committed to indigenous self-determination. "Native Hawaiians, as islanders from a Pacific homeland and indigenous peoples of the United States, have a distinct tradition and culture as well as a dynamic and powerful eeonomie and political future. As indigenous people of the United States move forward to advance indigenous issues and self-determina-tion, Hawaiians must and will be vital participants. The May forum provided Native Hawaiians the opportunity to reinforce bonds and renew relationships with Alaska natives and American Indians, in the face of the nation and in the eyesight of the Congress," Apoliona said. "The forum gaveindigenous people a ehanee to mutually celebrate our communitybased successes in education, health and eeonomie development programs that in eombination are critical elements to promote well-being and quality of life in our native communities across this country, Apoliona concluded. ■