Ka Wai Ola - Office of Hawaiian Affairs, Volume 21, Number 11, 1 November 2004 — Community workshop costs should be within community's reach [ARTICLE]

Community workshop costs should be within community's reach

Recently, I have seen several ads for various events, mostly conferences and workshops coordinated by one or more non-profit organizations created for the betterment of the conditions of Native Hawaiians and/or for the broader community. However, I am struck surprisingly at the cost of attendance, anywhere from $50-$200 or more, whieh puts many Native Hawaiians and other loeal residents at a financial disadvantage. Moreover, I do not see justifiably how non-profits ean charge such fees, yet hold these functions at expensive hotels, e.g., the Sheraton Waikīkī, or the Convention Center. What we need is government support and funding for community centers in every moku (district) and perhaps eaeh ahupua'a (subdistrict). School cafeterias, classrooms and pavilions, whieh are commonly used for events, are inadequately equipped and inappropriate. Centers should be located alongside government offices and public buildings such as libraries and satellite city halls. Easier access may also encourage residents to participate in government affairs.

A community board ean operate these centers and appoint volunteers to maintain them, reducing operating costs, allowing non-profits to host their events either for free or at a significantly reduced cost. Community centers should serve as a pu'uhonua (plaee of refuge) where people may connect with family or become more involved in loeal events, not our shopping malls and nightclubs. This may also deter crime as well. Having community centers may instill pride among residents because they will then have a plaee to meet to discuss matters close to home, or to practice their culture without restraint. With the revival of cultural events such as Makahiki, a plaee that serves to unify the community and host visitors is imperative. Dear readers, take this message with you and lobby our government officials to make this possible. R. Kealoha Kaliko Honolulu , O'ahu

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