Ka Wai Ola - Office of Hawaiian Affairs, Volume 31, Number 2, 1 February 2014 — SHARED GOALS CAN OVERCOME DIFFERING OPINIONS [ARTICLE+ILLUSTRATION]

SHARED GOALS CAN OVERCOME DIFFERING OPINIONS

Aloha mai kākou, Argument and disagreement. That's how many people view government. But in reality, what seemingly divides us should bring us together. Our democracy is built on a systemof checks and balances. The Office of Hawaiian Affairs is widely considered to be the fourth branch of government in Hawai'i, and as such, one would expect tension with the executive, legislative and judicial branches of government. But in reality, differences of opinion bind us together. The 27th Hawai'i state Legislature convened in January for its annual 60-day session. It is a session that holds mueh hope for Native Hawaiians. OHA has put forward bills to improve the heahh of those living in the state's most vulnerable communities, including Native Hawaiians; ensuring those who sit on boards and commissions understand their legal obligations toward Native Hawaiians as outlined by the state Constitution; and ensuring Native Hawaiians get their fair share of cededlandrevenues. (OHA's full legislative package ean be found on page 5.) Our proposals will be vigorously debated at the state Capitol along with issues such as whether OHA should get entitlements in Kaka'ako Makai to allow residential developments or efforts aimed at self-determination for Native Hawaiians. Two years ago, when OHA accepted a settlement for use of ceded lands by getting 30 acres of land in Kaka'ako Makai, everyone knew the current value of the land was not worth the full settlement of $200 million. But with the land eame a commitment to fight for entitlements - meaning OHA would be allowed to build higher on some lots and that there would be consideration of residential units in the area, even though residential units are restricted by state law.

In order for our trustees to make the best decisions on how we ean use Kaka'ako Makai as a land base for a Hawaiian nahon, we need the Legislature to affirm that certain entitlements, such as the ability to have residential units, are a possibility. For many, it might appear as if nothing is happening in Kaka'ako Makai. But in the past eouple of years, we have been laying the groundwork for success. OHA has an elected board with a duty to do what's best for Native Hawaiians. This is serious busi- /

ness, so rather than accept other people's concepts of what we ouaht to be doina, they are demandina we do our

own analysis to make sure it is in the best interest of all Hawaiians. During the legislative session, you might hear about differences of opinion from OHA and the Legislature.

But let me assure you that we are working together. In my dealings with lawmakers, I know they have the best interests of Hawaiians at heart. So even when we disagree, rest assured we are all striving ■ for what is best for Native Hawaiians. 'O au iho nō me ke aloha a me ka 'oia'i'o, Kamana'opono M. Crabbe, Ph.D. Ka Pouhana/Chief Executive 0fficer

Follovv us: 3 /oha_hawaii | Fan us: B/officeofhawaiianaffairs | Watch us: YouFjflifl /OHĀHawaii ^

MESSAGE FR0M THE CEO