KWO - Special 2016 OHA Trustee Primary Election Section

S p ec i a l e l ect i o n S ect i o n

Iulai (july) 2016

Election guide for the office of hawaiian affairs TRUSTEES

register!

Primary Registration Deadline:

thursday, July 14 Primary Absentee Application:

saturday, August 6

vote!

Primary Election:

saturday, August 13 General Election:

tuesday, November 8

2 decision2016 - OHA TRUSTEES

E ho ¯‘ike mai ana ka la ¯‘au a ke kia manu.

1

Empower your voice The stick of the bird catcher will tell.

We know how successful one is by what he produces. One knew whether a bird catcher was successful by counting the birds on his ¯ lelo No‘eau 287 la ¯‘au, or gummed stick. – ‘O

IN 1993

the OHA Board of Trustees chose the lei hulu as a symbol of their office because of the many meanings it held. A symbol of Hawai‘i’s rich culture, the feather lei it represents painstaking, detailed and precise work. It also represents high rank. But most significantly, the hundreds of feathers connected in the lei create something better as a whole than when they are apart, something amazing. Bound together, these individual feathers are representative of people coming together – united for the betterment of the Hawaiian community. The image on the cover of this election guide is of last election’s OHA lei hulu.

Like the bird catcher in the Hawaiian proverb, the successes of the Office of Hawaiian Affairs and its Board of Trustees are measured by results as seen in the OHA Annual Report, OHA Strategic Plan results, audits and other reports.

OHA was born during the 1978 Constitutional Convention and the first Board was elected in 1980 to govern the office.

The state agency was created to better the conditions of Hawaiians and is responsible for the performance, development and coordination of programs and activities relating to native Hawaiians and Hawaiians.

OHA enhances Hawaiian well-being by collaborating with various organizations to strengthen our community’s resources, providing millions in grants annually. Native Hawaiian students receive more than $800,000 in scholarship money from the office annually, and more than $34 million in loans over the past 10 years have helped Native Hawaiians start businesses, improve homes, consolidate debt and continue their education. In addition, we have awarded an estimated $16 million to various organizations aiding Hawaiians, including Hawaiian-focused charter schools, Papa Ola Lōkahi and the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands.

People are curious to know were the candidates stand on the hottest Hawaiian issues. Every election the Ka Wai Ola drafts questions for the candidates to answer in the special election section, but this year we asked members of the community to ask the questions. They are below.

What opportunities to do you see for OHA and its Board of Trustees to help improve the physical, mental, and spiritual health of our la¯hui?”

– Aukahi Austin Seabury, Ph.D. Psychologist, Executive Director

2

What is your strategy for achieving nation building?”

– Vicky Holt Takamine Kumu hula

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Many of the most pressing issues facing the la¯hui—such as climate change, and health and wealth disparities—are a part of global dynamics. How do we use our mana and ancestral values to help solve these contemporary, complex and pressing issues?”

– Kamuela Enos Sustainable agriculture and indigenous enterprise advocate

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All candidates were asked to submit responses up to 450 words. Their unedited responses are presented in their entirety and do not necessarily represent the official position of the Office of Hawaiian Affairs.

1

What opportunities to do you see for OHA and its Board of Trustees to help improve the physical, mental, and spiritual health of our la¯hui?”

– Aukahi Austin Seabury, Ph.D. Psychologist

OHA TRUSTEE hawai‘i KAHUI, Bo V. (CRAIG)

2

What is your strategy for achieving nation building?”

– Vicky Holt Takamine Kumu hula

3

Many of the most pressing issues facing the la¯hui—such as climate change, and health and wealth disparities—are a part of global dynamics. How do we use our mana and ancestral values to help solve these contemporary, complex and pressing issues?”

– Kamuela Enos Sustainable agriculture and indigenous enterprise advocate

candidates

LINDSEY, ROBERT K., JR. (BOB)

➤➤ Q1 response: Education is ➤➤ Q1 response: Health is one of our best opportunity to help improve our OHA’s six strategic priorities. COLLOphysical, mental, and spiritual health of BORATION is the path OHA must take our Lāhui. We must embrace many of our going forward. Why? The needs of our Kūpuna teachings to further our underlāhui exceed OHA’s current resources to standings of our identity. To this end, provide for these needs. My hope is that native Hawaiians can begin the process OHA will continue to work to find ways to of healing and faithfully select a pathway partner with our Ali‘i Trusts: The Queen’s to the resurrection of Lāhui. While simplistic, Health System, Kapi‘olani Children’s Hospieducational forums, Hawaiian doctrine- placed- "It's time to embrace the next Queen Lili‘uokalani Trust and tal, Kamehameha Schools, generationLunalilo of leadership for OHA based education, secondary and post-secondary Hawaiian Home. Other potential partners to enjoin: Papa Ola and for Hawaiians. That's why I educational platforms must include the revisionist history Lokahi and its satellite centers, our Hawaiian focused charter ask you to join me in supporting of Hawai‘i if we are to improve who we are as a people and schools, faith-based organizations and our Hawaiian churches.

Kama." as Lāhui physically, mentally, and spiritually.

We need toBob poolLindsey our resources and work together to extend -Trustee Paid for by Friends of our reach. ➤➤ Q2 response: The immediate strategy for nation building requires building consensus. Over the years, OHA’s ➤➤ Q2 response: Our lāhui, when surveyed in 1978 constituency has been divided due to its quasi relationship (OHA’s founding) and recently (four months ago) have made both with the State and Federal governments. The native it clear; ‘bread and butter’ issues (education, health, housing Hawaiian communities have been polarized by OHA’s lack and jobs) are what’s important to them. It wants OHA to focus of independency and therefore nation building has been on these issues. In 2016 the majority of respondents see nation all but impossible. True consensus can only be achieved building as a bottom of the barrel issue. OHA must refocus, through a “grass-roots” initiative supplemented by varireboot and rethink its basic priorities if it is to be in alignment ous stages of educational opportunities to bring about real with the wishes of our people. I do have a nation-building changes for Lāhui. OHA’s institutional forbearance and strategy modeled around the Waimea Nui Development Projtolerance to bridge our communities will require a new paraect. I like and support it as it brings people together. digm to reach the native Hawaiian community to accomplish ➤➤ Q3 response: We have a heritage we must celconsensus and achieve Lāhui. ebrate and honor. Our ancestors knew what it meant to be ➤➤ Q3 response: Native Hawaiians are repreGREEN and live GREEN centuries ago. By taking care of sented negatively at every social economic, wealth, and the land (mālama ‘āina), our forests, streams and ocean, we health statistic. To reverse these trends, our native values would be able to sustain ourselves forever. They knew to take such as Aloha, Aloha ‘Āina, Mālama Aina, Aloha Ka Po‘e, just what they needed, when enough was enough. On the are re-established in the ‘Ohana and then manifested in our global level the Mālama Honua message being disseminated educational institutions. A monumental task but achievable

by Hōkūle‘a on its worldwide voyage is truly special and a through a new vision and strategies for the implementation beacon for all. It’s a message from our kūpuna. “Take care of our ancestral values to solve our Island issues setting of the Earth and it will take care of you.” On the local level the stage for a global response. To make the point, we can (yes it starts right here at home), this September Hawai‘i will learn from the Hōkūle‘a following years of dedication of host the World Conservation Congress. This is our opporour ancestral navigational wayfinding and building the tunity to showcase the specialness and uniqueness of our “Wa‘a.” Recent, global response to mālama honua “through cultural and natural assets, to boast in a quiet and humble experiential educational programs that inspire students and way what our ancestors knew centuries ago which so many their communities to respect and care for themselves, each are just coming to know at a time when our Good Earth is other, and the natural and cultural environments” set the new in jeopardy because of industrialization, urbanization and vision and platform for change. ¢ rabid consumerism. Yes, environmental issues are global and overwhelming. Nonetheless in our small way in our isolated corner of the world’s biggest ocean we can be part of the solution. Enlist in a local aloha ‘āina initiative in your community, participate in a beach, stream or graffiti cleanup. Adopt a Highway (section of). Recycle. Be (and stay) informed about coral bleaching, rapid ‘ōhia death, and invasive species. Join the Outdoor Circle, Nature Conservancy, Sierra Club, some worthy conservation cause. ¢

TRASK, MILILAni B. ➤➤ Q1 response: Initiating a program for Health & Wellness that integrates healthier practices in all 3 areas is a good beginning point. It should include education on the causes of poor health and how to take corrective measures (Dietary changes, exercise, regular check-­‐ups) as well as understanding Mental Health needs (stress, fear, anger, violence) and corrective measures (Counseling, medication, anger management etc.) Spiritual support comes from ceremony, prayer and church affiliation. This program needs to be pursued in conjunction with other groups providing services in these areas. Partnerships increase expertise and provide for cost sharing.

We Hawaiians with Health expertise, Kama Hopkins | P.have O. Box many 61872 | Honolulu, HI 96839 and today we have a Hawaiian Healthcare System that can interface with OHA on all islands.

KAMAHOPKINS.COM

➤➤ Q2 response: Nation building can only be achieved by and through a statewide educational effort on our historical right to self-­‐determination. Hawaiian educators should be tapped to spearhead this effort. In order to be legitimate, Hawaiians and need to voluntarily enroll in this effort and democratic procedures need to be followed. (i.e. voluntary enrollment by 51% of peoples residing on the ‘āina, democratic elections of representatives, and majority ratification by the peoples themselves of any governing document. The initiative must arise from the peoples themselves, not the State Legislature or a State Agency like OHA. The current process stemming from Kanaiolowalu and Na ‘I Aupuni excluded the Hawaiian people and came from the State. No Democratic election of delegates occurred, nor is there any verified roll of Hawaiian residents of our State. ➤➤ Q3 response: We need to think globally and act locally to address climate change. Hawaiian traditional knowledge can & should be applied to provide solutions.

For example, mitigation the impacts of saltwater intrusion may require planting more salt tolerant species of traditional foods. Also, we need to integrate conservation practices (use less water, use water catchment, recycling and desalinization) into our daily lives. For Health – See answer to question 1. The application of Hawaiian Values is the appropriate way to live our lives whether we are addressing climate change or wealth & poverty disparities. Wealth & Poverty disparities may arise from unemployment, lack of critical skills or lack of education. There are many things that OHA can support including job training, supplemental skill building; literacy and basic accounting that would help unemployed Hawaiians find jobs. Hawaiian values are now being applied everywhere, recently I read about a book called “Managing with Aloha” that applies Hawaiian cultural values in the business arena. ¢

4 decision2016 - OHA TRUSTEES

Empower your voice

All candidates were asked to submit responses up to 450 words. Their unedited responses are presented in their entirety and do not necessarily represent the official position of the Office of Hawaiian Affairs.

1

What opportunities to do you see for OHA and its Board of Trustees to help improve the physical, mental, and spiritual health of our la¯hui?”

– Aukahi Austin Seabury, Ph.D. Psychologist

OHA TRUSTEE moloka‘i

2

What is your strategy for achieving nation building?”

– Vicky Holt Takamine Kumu hula

3

Many of the most pressing issues facing the la¯hui—such as climate change, and health and wealth disparities—are a part of global dynamics. How do we use our mana and ancestral values to help solve these contemporary, complex and pressing issues?”

– Kamuela Enos Sustainable agriculture and indigenous enterprise advocate

candidates

FLOWERS, JERRY (manuwa) ➤➤ Q1 response: My vision for OHA and its Board of Trustees is helping and advocating for the Hawaiian people and our counterparts. In our lāhui we are struggling and I feel the reason for this is a lack of communication. Our communication needs to advance in order for the voices of the islands of Moloka‘i and Lana‘i to be heard. When communication is effective, our lāhui can grow in physical, mental, and spiritual health. ➤➤ Q2 response: For the Hawaiian people and our counterparts, my strategy is to rely on the experiences of our Hawaiian leaders of the past and how they were with the people. Our leaders would keep the people informed whether the information was good or bad. Also, they would Mālama the ‘Āina and the kūpuna as a whole, while nourishing and embracing all that were in need. Our Hawaiian People needs to know that the Office of Hawaiian Affairs (OHA) is not a dance party, but an entity within the State and Government that is there for the people and not the paycheck. ➤➤ Q3 response: The use of our mana and ancestral values was always done by everyone working for the better.

Our past Leaders were very fundamental and educated in the details of our counterparts--yes our Beloved Queen was overthrown, but this was done to not allow bloodshed to our people. We must love ourselves and the people to move forward in this day and age. OHA and the people of Hawai‘i needs to come together and form a unity that will allow us to tackle the climate, health, wealth and any other pressing issues in our community. ¢

HANAPI, ALAPAi ➤➤ Q1 response: Stop the Memorandum of Agreements between OHA, the State of Hawai‘i. We the people need to consensus the issues and concerns of our Lāhui. Memorandums of Agreement destroy the physical, mental and spiritual fabric of our Kanaka Maoli Culture, customs and traditions. ➤➤ Q2 response: Total Independence and Sovereignty comes from us, not the State or Federal level. Recognition is there, stop the illusion! Trust is necessary because without trust we cannot move forward. ➤➤ Q3 response: Living on Kuleana kai we have personally experienced neglicient permitting by the government and the non enforcement of the non-permittees who have destroyed our life giving environment and it continues.

We live on an island 32 miles long and 10 miles wide at its widest. Whatever happens mauka affects the kai/moana immediately. Who's enforcing the Clean Water Act and all it's grey areas pertaining to Hawaii nei? If we cannot save and protect our own immediate environment how can we think or act on global. It's like our people. If we cannot take care of the one, how can we take care of the many?

Health disparities are a sad fact. If you have wealth most likely you will have good health. The rest of us will have to accept whats given. Disparity of wealth deserves a forum of it's own. There's all kinds of wealth according to each worldwide Culture and I'm not going to comment on it at this time. Our Queen Liliuokalani once said “Aloha is for our Lāhui, ano ai is for everybody else.” As the indigenous people of these islands called Hawai‘i nei, we have shared our custom and belief in Aloha to everyone else. However, if we pertain it to a global issue we must have our own sovereign nation. We need our seat back at the United Nations table! Our Mana, Our Ancestral values and standards can only be shared in that way. Not by the State of Hawaii or the United States of America. What is ours is ours, what is theirs is theirs. In conclusion, I say, look to the past to protect our future! ¢

MACHADO, COLETTE (pipi‘i) ➤➤ Q1 response: Your Board of Trustees must establish a strong fiscal sustainability plan to accommodate unplanned expenditures that provide on going services to its beneficiaries.

Trustees must pledge to assure a strong and healthy organization along with a solid bottom line in order to insure that our constitutional and statutorily rights are acknowledged and upheld by the State of Hawai‘i.

Diminishing resources both at the State and Federal level places an undue burden on services to Hawaiians. OHA will be asked to fund unplanned expenditures. This includes litigation incurred in lawsuits resulting from OHA’s perceived involvement. ➤➤ Q2 response: Stay the course! OHA was established by the 1978 Constitutional Convention to be a trust vehicle to act on behalf of Native Hawaiians until a Native Hawaiian governing entity could be reestablished. Prior to and since OHA’s inception, Native Hawaiians have fought for State and Federal recognition to protect our traditional and customary rights. There has been a few successes however, the pursuit of self governance and federal recognition has endured. Act 195, 2011 Hawaii Session Laws (Act 195) was created to recognize Native Hawaiians as the only indigenous, aboriginal, maoli population of Hawai‘i. In Act 195, the State of Hawai‘i made clear that it supports not only recognition, but also the self governance of Native Hawaiians.

“It is....the States desire to support the continuing development of a reorganized Native Hawaiian governing entity and ultimately, the federal recognition of Native Hawaiians”. ➤➤ Q3 response: Rely on ancestral knowledge and communal practices. Treasure your kūpuna. Keep your hands down, Hana kalima, building safe shelters classrooms and Hana ka ‘aina, plant food to nourish the ‘ohana. Aloha Ikekahikekahi, love one another. In Hana, Maui, Maka Hana Ka ‘Ike (In Working One Learns), has developed community based, culturally relevant programs. These young people who are turning to ‘ike kūpuna to make life better for everyone from school age keiki to the kūpuna while improving their quality of life for their community. Also integrated into this program is a building program that has already constructed, 15 school buildings, 35 kūpuna cottages and much needed repairs and accessible improvements for the handicapped. Mahele Farm, sustainable ‘āina to feed the community produced 24,000 lbs. of produce annually. All of which is distributed with aloha to those in need. Another connected component is the Ku‘i Club which gathers ever Thursday with membership up to 35-40 students that prepare and pound their own fresh pa‘i together. ¢

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All candidates were asked to submit responses up to 450 words. Their unedited responses are presented in their entirety and do not necessarily represent the official position of the Office of Hawaiian Affairs.

What opportunities to do you see for OHA and its Board of Trustees to help improve the physical, mental, and spiritual health of our la¯hui?”

– Aukahi Austin Seabury, Ph.D. Psychologist

OHA TRUSTEE kaua‘i candidate

2

What is your strategy for achieving nation building?”

– Vicky Holt Takamine Kumu hula

3

Many of the most pressing issues facing the la¯hui—such as climate change, and health and wealth disparities—are a part of global dynamics. How do we use our mana and ancestral values to help solve these contemporary, complex and pressing issues?”

– Kamuela Enos Sustainable agriculture and indigenous enterprise advocate

OHA TRUSTEE at-large candidates

AHUNA, DAN

AKINA, KELI‘I

ANTHONY, DANIEL K.

➤➤ Q1 response: Our strategic plan at OHA includes an initiative called “Mauli Ola.” This initiative is an ongoing effort to indentify numerous determinants of health as such as socio-economic conditions and access to healthy foods, as well as numerous other factors that lead to ailments such as obesity and diabetes.

Part of our effort is to decrease the number of obese Native Hawaiians by 2018. It is clear that poor physical health is directly related mental and spiritual health as well. So this initiative is a work in progress in which we identify numerous factors and directly support programs and organizations that address those factors through our grants program.

➤➤ Q1 response: In its master­plan, OHA has identified great opportunities for advancing native Hawaiians, and I commend OHA for the goals in this document. Unfortunately, the trustees have fallen short of ensuring that these goals are met. According to the State Auditor: “Ineffectual oversight bars OHA from ensuring grants achieve intended results…”

Additionally, tens of millions of dollars have been wasted on political agendas such as the push for federal recognition. The solution is to stop wasting trust money on politics and, instead, to spend it on solving homelessness and meeting the real needs of Hawaiians for housing, healthcare, jobs, and education. OHA does not lack the resources to help the Hawaiian people. Rather, it needs to manage them in an accountable and non­political way. If elected Trustee, I will work hard to reform OHA so that it provides opportunities Hawaiians need.

➤➤ Q1 response: The role of OHA is to inspire and empower our lāhui to work to be healthy. One of the best ways to do this is for OHA to become a physically, mentally and spiritually healthy organization.

I have a unique perspective of Hawaiian health to bring to OHA. It started as a child at the Wai‘anae Coast Comprehensive Health Center, in the office of my grandfather Dr. Fred Dodge. It extends from there out to the deep seas where I spent much of my youth with my father Vince Dodge who was an ‘ōpelu fisherman, into some of the last lo‘i kalo (taro patches) at my Papa Eddie Poe’s kuleana farm in Wai‘anae Valley, up into the back of the valley at Ka‘ala Farms, where my father learned to pound kalo and make boards and stones from Anakala Eddie Kaanana, Walter Paolo and Eric Enos, across the ahupua‘a to Makaha Elementary and Hoa‘aina o Makaha with Uncle Gigi, and all the while I was living next to Uncle Joe and Aunty Margie Perreira, the most amazing pig farmers. In these places, I learned what a healthy lāhui can look like.

➤➤ Q2 response: I believe OHA’s role in Nation Building at this point should be to engage in more diplomacy with other Native and Pacific Island Nations, to build support for an economic development strategy that is centered on indigenous owned resources. Specifically, what can we learn from our Pacific Island cousins about a diversified ag economy? Energy production? It is time we start looking to other island nations to find models of economic development. I believe that if we developed sound economic strategies that could be implemented by a Native government, support for the Nation building effort would increase substantially. ➤➤ Q3 response: Similar to my answer in the previous question, I believe that we need to look at our traditional ways of economy and be creative in making those systems work in today’s economy. I am not saying we should commodify our culture, but we should be looking at agriculture and energy production especially and figuring out how we can build communities around projects that embrace our culture and provide a livelihood for those who are living in that community. Kalo farming and other small-scale farming are examples. These small farms are the key to diversified, sustainable agriculture in Hawaii. I also believe that OHA, the State, and NGO’s can work together to provide better capacity building efforts for traditional and small-scale farmers and rural communities throughout the State. Ultimately, more sustainable practices, such as food production, and renewable energy production are key ways to tackle climate change issues; poverty issues in Hawai‘i, and can be a catalyst for cultural re-connection. ¢

➤➤ Q2 response: I stand with those trustees who oppose the nation­building efforts by OHA that are dividing Hawaiians from non­Hawaiians and Hawaiians from each other. True Hawaiian nationhood has always included all people regardless of race. As the 1840 Hawaiian Constitution states, “Ua hana mai ke Akua i na lahui kanaka a pau i ke koko hookahi, e noho like lakou ma ka honua nei me ke kuikahi, a me ka pomaikai.” ­­ “God hath made of one koko (blood) all nations of men to dwell on the earth, in unity and blessedness.” If we as OHA`s beneficiaries continue to elect trustees who pursue a separatist, race­based nation, we will exclude our hanai keiki, many of our parents, spouses, and our beloved haole friends from citizenship. If elected Trustee, I will work hard so that OHA stops dividing Hawaii`s people and starts uniting them. ➤➤ Q3 response: This is a great question because it looks to the future. In my university classes I teach students that Hawaiian wisdom has much to offer a world seeking economic and ecological sustainability. Sadly, the current trustee board has taken actions, which interfere with promoting Hawaiian values globally. Recently, OHA withdrew its approval for the Thirty Meter Telescope and then tried to keep the telescope if its sponsors would pay higher rent to OHA! Tragically, this financial greed has contributed to the potential loss of the telescope along with the loss of millions of dollars in scholarships, jobs and economic development for Hawaiians. The ancient Hawaiians were brilliant scientists and saw no conflict between sacred and scientific.

That`s why Nainoa Thompson and other Hokule`a navigators studied the stars in the Bishop Museum Planetarium as part of their sacred training. If elected Trustee, I will work hard to ensure that our keiki thrive in a world where Hawaiian values and scientific progress go hand in hand. ¢

➤➤ Q2 response: My strategy for nation building is one pōhaku at a time. The front line to nation building is the dinner table. Every family that strives to eat from the ‘āina will with each bite help to rebuild the nation from the mahi‘ai up. Before he was chief he was a farmer, and he was recognized as a chief when he could organize farmers to work collectively to ensure food security and prosperity.

Our nation was and will be built with lepo and pōhaku with hands, hearts, tears and sweat of the lāhui. ➤➤ Q3 response: The answers to complex issues ultimately boil down to how we choose to live everyday and what we value. Our mana grows when ancestral values become our values. Indigenous cultures and people across the honua use technology and social media to share how their ancestral practices are the answers to complex issues.

Once we recognize solutions, we must strive to implement them. There has to be space for indigenous cultures to thrive in a way that does not intimidate cultures and practices that contribute to the problem, but instead inspires them to change. It’s okay to adopt a solution from a culture different from ours. We are all of the earth, and the idea that geography, ethnicity or class can somehow separate us from global challenges is only an illusion. He moku, he wa‘a, he wa‘a he moku, he honua, he moku i ke ao holooko‘a The island is the canoe, the canoe is the island, the world is an island in the universe. ¢

6 decision2016 - OHA TRUSTEES

Empower your voice

All candidates were asked to submit responses up to 450 words. Their unedited responses are presented in their entirety and do not necessarily represent the official position of the Office of Hawaiian Affairs.

1

What opportunities to do you see for OHA and its Board of Trustees to help improve the physical, mental, and spiritual health of our la¯hui?”

– Aukahi Austin Seabury, Ph.D. Psychologist

OHA TRUSTEE at-large

2

What is your strategy for achieving nation building?”

– Vicky Holt Takamine Kumu hula

3

Many of the most pressing issues facing the la¯hui—such as climate change, and health and wealth disparities—are a part of global dynamics. How do we use our mana and ancestral values to help solve these contemporary, complex and pressing issues?”

candidates

– Kamuela Enos Sustainable agriculture and indigenous enterprise advocate

APOLIONA, HAUNANI

CRUM, DOUGLAS E.

KALIMA, LEONA MAPUANA

➤➤ Q1 response: Opportunity must be aligned with a community readiness commited to achieve accountable outcomes for positive change to occur. Physical, mental and spiritual health of our Lahui, tested over time by diverse issues, stifled collaborative solutions for common concerns. Opportunities exist now for identified and willing Native Hawaiian leaders and collective people power, resources and a shared commitment to solutions to entice Native Hawaiian leaders of two major land preservation trusts -- Kamehameha Schools and The Nature Conservancy (Hawai‘i) to collaborate with Native Hawaiians in implementing an environmental strategic plan for Hawaiian lands guiding generations to come. Opportunities exist now for OHA scholarships, educational/ community development grants to expand mentoring of leader and worker skills in planning and implementing community and nation building capabilities for state, national and global impact. Opportunities await our collaborative attention. Readiness in communities, with OHA collaborating, is the key.

➤➤ Q1 response: We must educate Hawaiians to better take care of their physical health by completing any necessary medical regime including medication, meal planning, and exercise as well as by continuing visits to their physician or physician’s assistant. Mental health is only found through happiness.

Unless basic needs are satisfied, one cannot feel whole. No Hawaiian should be without shelter to sleep, food to eat, clothes to wear and self-esteem through gainful employment. Spiritual health is based in cultural beliefs. Hawaiian cultural beliefs are being slowly eroded by technology that captures the attention of our younger generations and distracts them (lures them away?) from our traditional values. It is paramount that we find ways to interest and educate our youth in the spiritual guidance provided by our heritage. If we fail so does our tradition, our culture and our heritage.

➤➤ Q1 response: Funding: Leverage funding with Federal dollars beyond the Native Hawaiian Health Act, pursuing philanthropic or other resources. Disburse funds to statewide health clinics to expand services on necessities including dental and prescriptions. Spiritual health is rooted in a belief system. That’s a powerful subject as an ordained minister researching the need for God theory. I welcome a broader discussion on this belief system. Advocate: Queen Emma’s Trust aka Queen’s Health System began with our Ali`i concerns for their people’s health and welfare. Form partnerships inclusive of aforementioned.

➤➤ Q2 response: The nation building strategy initiated in 2015 by Native Hawaiians appeared headed for the election of delegates and convening of an ‘Aha (Native Hawaiian Convention).

The ongoing pursuit of nation building was forced to strategically redirect its efforts due to litigation filed by the “Grass Roots Institute” and two additional Native Hawaiians in Federal Court to halt the planned Convention. Ironically, two of the three Native Hawaiian litigants suing OHA are now running for election to OHA in 2016. A draft Constitution and Referendum by registered Native Hawaiians are planned and nation building remains a work in progress. As a current OHA Trustee I am committed to OHA’s majority-approved position. However, as a re-elected Trustee I am committed to refining existing strategies consistent with additional input we seek from the majority of Native Hawaiians.

➤➤ Q2 response: No Nation can build, grow or survive without solidarity. Last count there were over 60 groups that claimed the number 1 spot representing Hawaiians. With this continuing division and competition for 1st place, a Hawaiian Nation will never exist. At some point humility must prevail and solidarity take place. Eventually we must set aside personal agendas and create forums of peace, unity and spiritual guidance. At these forums every problem or complaint presented must include answers or solutions as well. When that happens with positive forward united thinking, a nation begins and grows.

➤➤ Q3 response: Native Hawaiian ancestors foresaw the role of our Lāhui to ensure survival of our cultural values by enabling mutual respect and peaceful collaboration among nations (and cultures) of the world. Native leaders dispatched to other global communities engaged and learned skills in readiness for impacting Hawai‘i’s future.Modern technology enables Native Hawaiians to witness peoples and cultures without even leaving Hawai‘i yet understand that person-to-person contact is the preferred medium of communication. PVS’s Hōkūle‘a world voyage (supported by OHA) is a critical base from which Hawai‘i’s impact on island nations and global survival is crucial. OHA’s decade role with Papahānaumokuākea and its global status is a catalyst for expeditiously investigating the rising ocean tides issue which gravely affects Hawai‘i and Pacific archipelagos and adds cultivation of marine resources (on land and in ocean) critical to the lifelines of island nations globally. The East-West Center and the UH Matsunaga Peace Institute provide Native Hawaiians (and Pacific islanders) an institutional arena for mediation centers to address resolving differences/disputes among island nations and global countries. ¢

➤➤ Q3 response: The current voyage of the Hōkūle‘a across Earth’s oceans is an example on our continuing effort to join and grow the global movement toward a more sustainable world with an eye on climate change and the environment. Health and wealth disparities typically arise from a lack of knowledge. Leadership must help to educate our people in financial matters and healthy food lifestyles.

Neither of these is adequately addressed in our current education system. We must develop better programs for them and make these programs readily available. Personal health is measured in quality of life. Helping people find their selfworth is paramount. ¢

➤➤ Q2 response: I have a three-pronged plan in formulation, which could actually work to benefit all. To reveal this plan is detrimental given the current situation.Situation: My people are being held hostage to the whims of a few, MY way or NO way mentalist including Akina, Danners, Kauhane, Makekau, Trask, OHA (naming a few). They are manipulating the system, the process, and the facts to move their personal agendas. The “hostage situation” will continue from both federalist and independent strategist as long as “self” is the selfish intent. Examples: 1) The legal I.D. theft of over 100K signatories from OHA registries to make up the Kanaiolowalu list.

Registries included vital personal information; 2) Persons in Washington D.C. advocating for Federal Recognition via a governing document – the 88 Constitution without the Native Hawaiian peoples’ permission nor ratification process; 3) Lawsuits to stop the delegate election opened the exploitation gates.

My people didn’t have a chance at a democratic process via voting for delegates and constitution ratification. Is this what we deserve after 130 years of oppression--to be oppressed by our own? As a Nai Aupuni participant-it was a contrived process.

More participants are realizing they were “duped.” It’s unfortunate that “foreign desires” have turned inward to personal wants; my people continually pay the price. Millions of dollars wasted in legal costs. See questions 1 & 3: Funding the needs.Again-MY way or NO way mentality. Sadly, some culprits are OHA Trustee candidates. God help us. ➤➤ Q3 response: Climate change is affecting coastal and mountain lands and its habitats: Ocean rise - No coastal development; Research, gather data, and implement proven solutions; Teach the next generation now. Health and wealth disparities are multi-leveled. Education remains vital in addressing these issues. Our mana becomes diluted in alteration while meeting daily needs. Sadly, Values have fallen on the wayside in light of social media and global dynamics. I propose OHA partner with the Native Hawaiian communities and start the conversation. Communities know best how to address their specific issues and needs. Mahalo for the great questions Aukahi, Vicky and Kamuela. The word limitation is always challenging. Please contact me. I’m sure you have your views; I welcome the discussion. Aloha No, Leona. ¢

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All candidates were asked to submit responses up to 450 words. Their unedited responses are presented in their entirety and do not necessarily represent the official position of the Office of Hawaiian Affairs.

1

What opportunities to do you see for OHA and its Board of Trustees to help improve the physical, mental, and spiritual health of our la¯hui?”

– Aukahi Austin Seabury, Ph.D. Psychologist

OHA TRUSTEE at-large

2

What is your strategy for achieving nation building?”

– Vicky Holt Takamine Kumu hula

3

Many of the most pressing issues facing the la¯hui—such as climate change, and health and wealth disparities—are a part of global dynamics. How do we use our mana and ancestral values to help solve these contemporary, complex and pressing issues?”

– Kamuela Enos Sustainable agriculture and indigenous enterprise advocate

candidates

MAKEKAU, KEALI‘I ➤➤ Q1 response: Sadly the majority of the BOT has let economic opportunities like a medical marijuana dispensary and the development of the kaka‘ako makai properties, “which for all tense and purposes should and would yield great financial returns for the trust” purposely remained sidelined with out a master plan either do to incompetence or instructions that the new tribal entity will have the first shot at that and more. If it ever does comes about? Meanwhile reduced spending and an independent fiscal forensic audit are needed to ensure the sustainability of the trust and corpus assets to ensure OHA’s mandate is fulfilled. ➤➤ Q2 response: Question is loaded, with out merit and let alone biased!!! The only Nation that ever existed by and for Nā Kanaka the people and Hawaiians is the Kingdom of Hawai‘i, yet OHA has done every thing possible to promote, fund and continue the usurpation of the kingdom’s government while funding an extremely costly and unlawful process to reorganize the Kingdom and Hawaiians into a domestic dependent tribe. The reinstatement process of nation building has never been brought up, examined or afforded resources via symposiums, academic debate and community dialogue. Until such time as that happens justice and complete respect to the law and sprit of our ancestors will not be realized. ➤➤ Q3 response: Hawai‘i State Constitution, Article XII The board of trustees of the Office of Haw aiian Affairs shall exercise power as provided by law: to manage and administer the proceeds from the sale or other disposition of the lands, natural resources, minerals and income derived from whatever sources for native Hawaiians and Hawaiians, including all income and proceeds from that pro rata portion of the trust referred to in section 4 of this article for native Hawaiians; to formulate policy relating to affairs of native Hawaiians and Hawaiians; and to exercise control over real and personal property set aside by state, federal or private sources and transferred to the board for native Hawaiians and Hawaiians. The board shall have the power to exercise control over the Office of Hawaiian Affairs through its executive officer, the administrator of the Office of Hawaiian Affairs, who shall be appointed by the board. We have to mālama Hawai‘i’s people and environmental resources, and OHA’s assets, toward ensuring the perpetuation of the culture, the enhancement of lifestyle and the protection of entitlements of Native Hawaiians, while enabling the building of a strong and healthy Hawaiian people and nation. In order to achieve our Priorities and Strategic Results, we must stay focused on the roles of advocate, researcher, asset manager and community engager to improve conditions for all Native Hawaiians through systemic change. This can only happen with new trustees so please vote! ¢

MOSSMAN, PAUL LEDWITh ➤➤ Q1 response: A response to the candidate survey was not received as of press time. ➤➤ Q2 response: A response to the candidate survey was not received as of press time.

OHA2016Elections

14 candidates

4 seats 1 Hawai‘i Resident 1 Moloka‘i Resident 1 Kaua‘i Resident 1 At-large

➤➤ Q3 response: A response to the candidate survey was not received as of press time. ¢

7 10 in

Native Hawaiians

were 18 years or over and eligible to vote in 2014

9 10 in

voters registered absentee vote

2 hours voters are entitled to take off from work to vote

Sources: State of Hawai‘i Office of Elections, U.S. Census

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