Ka Wai Ola - Office of Hawaiian Affairs, Volume 32, Number 6, 1 Iune 2015 — Noteworthy ʻAha delegates [ARTICLE+ILLUSTRATION]

Noteworthy ʻAha delegates

Trustee 's note: This month 's eolunm was contributed by Winona Keaīamapuana EUis Rubin, who shares some thoughts relating to Native Hawaiian Governance. Mrs. Rubin has served in leaderslnp with the Kamehameha Schools, ALU LIKE ine., Department ofHuman Services, the Office of Hawaiian Ajfairs and has workedfor decades on behalf of Native Hawaiians. n preparing for the Native Hawaiian 'Aha (convention) we must

plan for electing delegates to represent our different viewpoints. Delegates will be tasked with designing through their 'Aha deliberations and community input Hawai'i's future for generations to eome in order to perpetuate our ancestors' vision and our collective desired nation outcomes. For this awesome task Native Hawaiians must elect delegates who are well prepared and ready to accept that challenge and who will be noteworthy in achieving our

expectations. In my vote for delegates to represent Native Hawaiians in the 'Aha, I would expect that eaeh delegate: Is inspired by and steeped in the concept of lōkahi - the harmonious balanced unity of the major forces of the universe: spiritual, human and environmental - without whieh life on earth will not continue. This concept is essential to our collective survival. Is committed to living, practicing and exemplifying our cultural values, especially aloha, kuleana, laulima, mālama 'āina, kūpono, ho'okina, ho'omau and mueh more. Honors our ancestral kūpuua by following their wise advice: ho'olohe (listen for the kaona or hidden message) with more than your ears. Hāmau (silence), you learn nothing new when you are talking constantly. Listening and learning other views is critical. Maka'ala (vigilant, alert and focused attention), use all your senses in fact finding. Mālama (care for all living things and surroundings), treat everyone, even opponents, with 'olu'olu (courtesy and respect.) Note: While chanting and marching are useful tools in demonstrations, yelling, negative sign waving, disruptive behavior and confrontation are a western practice that is offensive in our culture. A silent march or gathering of supporters with one statesman-like

spokesperson is more impressive and effective in influencing others. It demonstrates unity and solid positive support. It enables amicable negotiations toward a solution more feasible. Is strategic: Spots relevant patterns and issues quickly and creates alternative ways to proceed. Is aiialytical: Considers all the factors that may affect a situation and searches for reasons and causes in fact finding. Nānā I Ke Kumu - go to the source. Checks out the facts

directly. Does not act on rumor or supposition but facts. Is focused: Determines a direction, follows through and makes the connections necessary to stay on track. Prioritizes then acts. Is respoiisible: Keeps promises and is committed to stable values such as honesty, loyalty, ethics and integrity. Does not allow ego nor personal agendas to outweigh prudent pono decisions. Is deliberative : Anticipates barriers and takes serious care

in making decisions. Is passionate: Expresses issues clearly and with fervor but does not distort the truth. Is humble in victory and defeat. When eandidates are not elected or others choose not to be candidates but become voters, I hope we all continue to attend hearings, observe 'Aha proceedings, andprovide written and/or verbal testimony on issues. We need to support efforts to make the 'Aha and later ratification of the 'Aha recommendations the urgent positive outcomes they ean be. Refinement of imperfections in our actions will eome later with patience and courage and will be needed onee the goveming entity is established as a priority. If you are a potential candidate, please assess your own qualifications honestly before running and if you fall short of these described standards, please stop those premature ambitions now! Instead, find and support someone who is better qualified at this time. Everyone elected will be deliberating upon our lives and impacting future generations. A way with words is not enough! Serious business requires serious experienced proponents and serious informed supporters. Let us join together in electing potentially noteworthy delegates to the 'Aha in this milestone year. E hiki nō! Mahalo. 30/48 U

Haunani Apnlinna, MSW

TrustEE, At-largE

Winona Rubin. - Courtesy pholo