Ka Wai Ola - Office of Hawaiian Affairs, Volume 22, Number 1, 1 Ianuali 2005 — Legal challenges to Hawaiian programs and skyrocketing home prices a harsh reality [ARTICLE+ILLUSTRATION]

Legal challenges to Hawaiian programs and skyrocketing home prices a harsh reality

Aloha and Hau'oli Makahiki Hou. The year 2005 has arrived and this year portends to be a banner year for Hawaiians nationwide as we regroup with Sen. Akaka and see his bill finally reach the Senate floor for debate. That's what we have been seeking for more than four years now: a hearing on the merits, a vote and the opportunity to have a decision from Congress regarding the future of Native Hawaiians and their very existence. Every program that selects Hawaiians as the beneficiaries funded by the government is in jeopardy. Thus, the need for us to understand where we stand as a people, to see the big picture and be blinded by anger, misinformation, unreal expectations and a hardened position of "all or nothing." The needs of Hawaiians are many and deep. Our recent visit to Hāna, to the defunct Hāna Marketplace, to Hāna High School, to nonprofits, and to Wailua Nui, highlight the variety of needs that are pressing for Hawaiians all over the state today. OHA ean address these with funding, negotiations, advice, court

filings, etc. so long as we continue to exist; but that will end with the failure of the Akaka Bill, the loss of Amkaki, and the end of a nation. Say aloha to OHA grants and any remaining funds we might have saved for a new nation. (We need not plaee all our eggs in the futures basket.) Education of Hawaiians is foremost with so many organizations, Hawaiian and otherwise, that are seeking to restore Hawaiian dignity through learning and experience. Federal education bills, OHA, Kamehameha Schools, University of Hawaii and many other sources of school and college scholarships and financial aid will also be in jeopardy, connection to government notwithstanding, if we lose Amkaki v. Lingle. This may take a while, but be assured losing in court will be the beginning of the end for any financial aid given to educate Hawaiians exclusive of others. Hawaiian health programs funded by the government to include OHA, federal aid and the State of Hawai'i are also subject to removal. Sure, private organizations might continue to assist for a while, but they will

not likely consider any further health assistance to Hawaiians only if we lose Amkaki. Jobs, human services, business opportunities, youth and elderly services, prison and rehabilitation programs, drug abuse programs, ho'oponopono, the perpetuation of the Hawaiian language, various loan programs, various cultural responsibilities, ceded land and other special Hawaiian lands concerns, oeean activities, water source preservation and other concerns must needs be addressed now and with the help of government we ean do so. Without it, we will heeome a distant memory. Housing is something that I have a special interest in for Native Hawaiians. Good health and a good education won't help keep our people here if there is no affordable housing for them. Again, the refrain is how ean Hawaiians be given any special favors when so many others need housing? Well, that's why we need federal recognition via the Akaka bill and a governing entity. If not, we will lose the argument, since singling out Hawaiians will be

discriminatory and in violation of the constitution. On Maui, of houses sold above $500,000 (average price is over $600,000), 98 percent were purchased by persons outside of Hawai'i. More than 95 percent of all homes purchased on Maui this past year were by persons outside of Hawai'i. Is there a need for affordable housing? Is there a need to single out Hawaiians, who lead the homeless, non-homeownership and rental lists? Absolutely. And so, it's time that OHA get actively and anxiously engaged in seeking affordable housing for Hawaiians; to that end I commit to seek resolution and relief. As for Hawaiian Homes and Kamehameha Schools, I see their involvement directly or indirectly, and working together we ean solve this serious problem. But understand that the future for Hawaiians hinges on the Akaka bill passing, then a government being created thereby placing us strategically in plaee for a win in the Amkaki lawsuit. And then we will move forward, not backwards. Until then, we try to keep our heads above water and address all of the above. ■

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Boyd P. Mossman Trustee, Maui