Ka Wai Ola - Office of Hawaiian Affairs, Volume 25, Number 7, 1 Iulai 2008 — Upholding the Constitution while working for o Howoiian nation [ARTICLE+ILLUSTRATION]

Upholding the Constitution while working for o Howoiian nation

EHawai'i au. I am Hawaiian. I respect the 'āina of whieh I am part and those who prepared the way for me to be here. I honor our kūpuna and pay homage to my ancestors. I honor those Hawaiians who have earned their positions in our society through hard work, determination, humility and integrity. I am in awe at the caliber of those who have succeeded in their ehosen careers. I acknowledge and respect the less fortunate and downtrodden. I appreciate my family and friends who have been positive influences and who have stood tall as Hawaiians in Hawai'i and elsewhere. In short, I stand solidly behind those who would remind the world that we are a distinct and identifiable people whose sovereign government was taken by a handful of villains with the overt assistance of a collaborating United States government official and an obedient military. However true this is, I nevertheless accept my duty as a Trustee of OHA to uphold the constitution of the United States and the constitution of the State of Hawai'i. As we approach July 4th in celebration of the independence of the United States from British rule, I am sure there are those Hawaiians who believe what's good for the U.S. is good for Hawaiians, and that Hawaiians should be granted independence too. That position is without reason or mueh thought. First of all, did anyone consult the U.S. to see if they would turn over Hawai'i to the Hawaiians? Surely we couldn't gain our independence without its approval. Second, who would support such a move? Would it be the 80 percent of the population in Hawai'i that is not

Hawaiian? Would it be the majority of the populahon of the U.S. and the Congress? Would it be the United Nations and their impressive military might? Would it be one of a number of oppressive nations who can't stand the U.S.? And third, what government would lead us Hawaiians and the rest of those living here? It seems that the number of claimants to the throne may be diminishing as time goes on, but still there are more than one - and who would make the decision? Would it be determined by genealogy? Or by a vote of the people, whoever the people might be decided by someone to be? These basic questions should invite one to reflect upon the fact that our status as citizens of the United States is not so bad if we ean preserve ourselves legally and secure a foothold within the confines of the U.S. for the continuity of our culture, traditions, language and identity. Hawaiians have fought, died, voted, received benefits, paid taxes, enjoyed freedom to express ourselves, worship, gather, etc. because we happen to be Americans too. We have demonstrated that we ean be loyal and trusted citizens and continue to serve our nation and our people, both the United States and Hawai'i. There is no reason for us to think that the only true justice for Hawaiians is complete independence when what we have today is better than any other country in the world. And if there is someplace better, then maybe we should go there. A Hawaiian nation within the United States is a fair and just solution to an ongoing demand for justice and reconciliation by Hawaiians for the illegal overthrow. It is reasonable, practical, realistic and achievable. It will bring to all Hawaiians a say in our affairs and will hopefully allow us to solve any and all problems we face today as a people and maybe we ean all happily say some day, God Bless America. E

Boyd P. Mossman TrustEE, Maui