Ka Wai Ola - Office of Hawaiian Affairs, Volume 28, Number 12, 1 December 2011 — JON VAN DYKE [ARTICLE+ILLUSTRATION]

JON VAN DYKE

The passing of Universityof Hawai'i law Professor Jon Van Dyke, a leading authority on Native I Hawaiian issues and j constitutional matters, reverberates throughout the Hawaiian community and the community at

large. Van Dyke passed away Nov. 29 while in Australia, where he was to give a keynote address at a conference on ocean-related law. Upon his passing, Hawai'i leaders honored Van Dyke with the following statements: U.S. Sen. Daniel Akaka: "Hawai'i has lost a steadfast advocate for Native Hawaiian and civil rights, a leading expert on Hawaiian land and water rights law, and a tireless defender of puhlie lands and natural resources. ... Jon always stood up for what he felt was pono - right and just. He was an inspiration for our community and his students. Because of Jon's work, the principle of protecting our cultural and historic resources has been preserved, and the tradition of sharing our beautiful beaches and other natural resources with all continues to be honored." U.S. Rep. Colleen Hanabusa: "Hawai'i has lost more than just one of its foremost legal scholars .... (Van Dyke) also brought his considerable skill and passion to advocating for Native Hawaiian and Pacific lslander rights, protecting individual liberties, and keeping Hawai'i a plaee we ean all be proud of." U.S. Rep. Mazie Hirono: "We cannot reflect on the state of Native Hawaiian and Pacific lslanders' rights without finding Jon at its heart. His passion, depth of knowledge and dedicated advocacy is an example of Hawai'i atitsfinest." Gov. Neil Abercrombie: "Jon was an invaluable resource. His intellect brimmed over with energy and brilliance. ... He was a warm and caring individual - true to his friends and true to himself - and always, always for Hawai'i." Van Dyke was an adviser on the creation of the Office of Hawaiian Affairs at the 1978 Constitutional Convention and his ties to the agency remained strong. He was a teacher, mentor, colleague and friend to many here at OHA, including former UH law students who now work for the agency. Ka Wai Ola will feature a longer pieee on Van Dyke in next month's issue.

-< HE HO'OMANA'O >- IN MEMORIAM

Courtesy Photo: WiHiam S. Richardson Schooi ofiaw