Ka Wai Ola - Office of Hawaiian Affairs, Volume 23, Number 9, 1 September 2006 — Proud mainland Hawaiian [ARTICLE]

Proud mainland Hawaiian

Kalani Hackett (September, KWO) seems upset that we "mainland Hawaiians" are not aware of the problems in Hawai'i. That is a broad statement, and it may offend those of us who are aware and concerned. He also questions OHA in its effort to sign up and register Hawaiians that reside outside of Hawai'i. As a young man with a high school diploma living in Keaukaha in the late 1950s, the employment situation on the Big Island was limited. Relocating to California for eeonomie reasons created a future for me. Being a "mainland Hawaiian" has also given me the opportunity to share my talent as a musician and entertainer on the mainland, cruise ships and Hawai'i. Believe me, I am proud to be a Hawaiian living on the mainland. No matter where we Hawaiians are or live, we need to stress education and aloha. Henry Upinekilikaokoololou BrayJr. Alameda, California

KA LEO KAIĀULU • LETTERS T0 THE EDIT0R —

OHA reserves the right to edit all letters for length, defamatory and libelous material, and other objectionable content, and reserves the right not to print any submission. All letters must be typed, signed and not exceed 200 words. Letters cannot be published unless they include a telephone contact for verification. Send letters to Ka Wai Ola, 71 1 Kapi'olani Blvd., Ste. 500, Honolulu, Hl 96813, oremail kwo@oha.org.