Ka Wai Ola - Office of Hawaiian Affairs, Volume 21, Number 1, 1 Ianuali 2004 — What price paradise? [ARTICLE]

What price paradise?

These headlines on the front page of the Ad.vertiser tell us that the military is in control of these islands: Hawai'i military gets $772 million. Money included for Stryker, C-17 projects. Rites mark Kaho'olawe transfer. Ceremony 'returns island' to Hawaiians.

Marines won't train in Waikāne. 'Exhaustive' study determines area unsafe. The main subject is LAND. This island is very important to the federal government, whieh is using this land as a target or to practice warfare with other countries. What of our precious land and the oeean? The people have to realize that this is their 'āina and it needs to be cleaned up by the military who uses and abuses it. Hawai'i military gets $772 million, and none to elean up areas that they have acquired for their exclusive use. Congressman Dan Inouye, you have done a great job bringing more jobs for this island. But nothing for cleaning our house. The Akaka Bill: We have to start somewhere to let others know that we Hawaiians do exist in these islands. Onee the bill is signed and approved, then we all ean sit down and "talk story." We ean disagree — but agree to doing things that are pono. This bill is like a horse race, whatever horse gets ahead is the winner. The big picture in the Akaka Bill is land. Remember, the State of Hawai'i has their own constitution and the Hawaiians had their constitution by their government, too. Lucy Akau Waimānalo OHA reserves the right to ed.it all letters for length, d.efcimatory anel libelous material, anel. other objectioncible content, anel. reserves the right not to print any submission. All letters must be typed, signed anel. not exceed. 200 words. Letters cannot be published unless they are signed anel. include a telephone contact for verificcition. Send letters to Ka Wai Ola o OHA, 711 Kapi'olani Blvd.., Ste. 500, Honolulu, HI 96813, or email kwo@oha.org. ■