Ka Wai Ola - Office of Hawaiian Affairs, Volume 29, Number 3, 1 March 2012 — Trustees buoyed by support for Kakaʻako land deal [ARTICLE+ILLUSTRATION]

Trustees buoyed by support for Kakaʻako land deal

By Garett Kamemoto Office of Hawaiian Affairs Trustees say they are energized by the support they've received in 16 community meetings on a proposal by Gov. Neil Abercrombie to resolve longstanding claims for past-due revenue. Two state Senate committees in February voted in favor of the proposal that would transfer to OHA 10 parcels of land in Kaka'ako Makai valued at an estimated $200 million. As of press time, a hearing before two more Senate committees had been scheduled for Feb. 27. Earlier, two House committees put off a decision on a eompanion bill, saying they would consider the Senate version of the bill onee it is formally approved by Senators. The settlement proposal calls for transferring the parcels to OHA to resolve claims for back rent for use of Puhlie Land Trust lands from state airports, housing and hospitals fromNov. 7, 1978, to June 30, 2012. The proposal would only affect claims against the state during that period and for rent owed to OHA from airports, housing and hospitals. Language in the settlement agreement to be signed by the Governor and OHA specifically says

it will not affect any other claims. (See box.) Over the first two-and-a-half weeks of Lebruary, Trustees and staff from OHA traveled to various communities around the state to share updates about the proposal and discuss the findings of its research into the parcels involved. OHA Vice Chairman Peter Apo said he left the meetings feeling "very optimistic" and "energized." "We have pretty widespread support from the Hawaiian community," he said. "They have been asking some very tough questions," he added, noting there are still many with concerns. Chairperson Colette Machado said she is encouraged that many in the community are coming together over the proposal. "There's a bridging that's occurring," said Machado, who added that a similar settlement proposal in 2008 had led to contentious eommunity meetings. "I think at times Native Hawaiians in leadership get together and we leave still upset, still bitter and still angry," she said. But this time around, she said, the tone is very different. People have been able to set aside disagreements in order to lend support to the proposal. "When you ean leave honorably and still have

respect for eaeh other's position, I find that wonderful," Machado said. Many of those attending the meetings have expressed some concerns but have also lent their support for the proposed settlement, saying it is something they must consider to benefit future generations. Trustees say the proposed settlement is important because the land would help OHA generate more revenue in order to boost programs for Native Hawaiians. Among other programs, OHA supports gap funding for 17 Hawaiian-focused charter schools, provide $3 million a year to the state Department of Hawaiian Home Lands to pay off the debt service on a bond used to build infrastructure on homestead lands, and provide scholarships to Native Hawaiians. Trustees have also noted that there is mueh development slated for the Kaka'ako area, and the value of the lands included in the package could double or triple in the next few years. Machado says the Trustees have a vision of turning an area into a Hawaiian plaee. She told the community that Trustees are considering moving OHA's headquarters into the area and using it to house other Hawaiian organizations to create a one-stop service center for Native Hawaiians. During one community meeting, she pointed to the parcel of land where Lisherman's Wharf is located and challenged people to envision the possibilities for the land. She said it was easy to see the potential for restaurants and shops in the area. "We have a vision that this should be a plaee that celebrates Hawai'i, celebrates our traditions in a Hawaiian way," said Apo. "I'm always looking for something meaningful that will have a lasting impact for generations to follow," said Machado. OHA's presentation to the community as well as the results of its investigation into the parcels of land ean be found at www.oha.org/kakaako. The web site is continually being updated with the latest information. ■

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DRAFT SETTLEMENT AGREEMENT LANŪUAŪE "This Agreement does not address, is not intended to address, and shall have no effect upon claims, disputes and controversies whieh mayexist, relatingto Hawaiian sovereignty, the overthrow of the Hawaiian Kingdom including any alleged claims to crown, government orsubmerged lands, the Hawaiian Homes Commission Act, orclaims against the United States."

GOVERNANGE To restore pono and ea, Native Hawaiians will achieve self-gover-nanee, after whieh the assets of OHAwillhe transferred to the new governing entity.

The Senate Hawaiian Affairs and Water, Land and Housing committees on Feb. 1 3 passed Senate Bill 2783, proposed by Gov. Neil Abercrombie to seftle the state's longstanding debt to OHA. Abercrombie, pictured, testified in favor of the bill at a Feb. 6 hearing. - Photo: Aliee Silbanuz