Ka Wai Ola - Office of Hawaiian Affairs, Volume 21, Number 2, 1 February 2004 — Kau Inoa Q&A [ARTICLE]

Kau Inoa Q&A

Why start this process now? The overthrow of the Hawaiian nation has been recognized as an illegal act by the United States, the State of Hawai'i and the international community. A process of reconciliation has begun, and the Native Hawaiian people have the opportunity to again assert their inherent right to self-determination. Today, the establishment of a new Native Hawaiian government is on the horizon and ean be achieved with the will and support of the Hawaiian people. Why is registration necessary? To form a new government, a list must first be compiled of those who want to participate in the formation or establishment of the government. If you do not sign up to vote or participate, someone else will decide the fate of Hawai'i Nei. Who ean register? Any Native Hawaiian living anywhere in the world may sign up. There is no blood-quantum requirement, but verification of Hawaiian ancestry is required through documents such as a certified copy of a birth certificate showing Hawaiian parentage, or through previous verification by programs such as the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands or OHA's Operation 'Ohana and Hawaiian Registry. "Kumu 'Ohana" or other means of legal verification will also be considered. Whal comes after registration? The next stages in the process will be determined by a broadbased advisory eouneil eomprised of a cross-section of Hawaiian community representatives. That eouneil is currently in the process of being formed.

How was the process developed? The Kau Inoa registration process was developed by broad-based community working groups, whieh drew upon previous work done by the O'ahu Council of Hawaiian Civic Clubs, Ka Lāhui, the Royal Order of Kamehameha's O'ahu chapter and the State Council of Hawaiian Homestead Associations. Is the enrollment tied to the Akaka Bill? No. The Kau Inoa process and the formation of a Hawaiian governing entity is being undertaken as a Hawaiian-community initiative completely independent of the Hawaiian federal recognition bill currently before the U.S. Congress. What is OHA's role? The Office of Hawaiian Affairs' role in this process is as a facilitator only, providing funding and logistical help. OHA's leadership intends to support, not direct, this community-driven effort. Who will be keeping the registration records? The repository for Kau Inoa registration forms and vital statistics records will be Hawai'i Maoli ine., a nonprofit arm of the Association of Hawaiian Civic Clubs. Where ean I register? You ean obtain a Kau Inoa registration form from most Hawaiian organizations, the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands, or OHA. You ean also download a printable registration form at www.oha.org. Contact Hawai'i Maoli at P.O. Box 1135, Honolulu, HI 96807; (808) 394-0050. ■