Waimanalo, Hawaii.   The "flurry" of legislative bills being presented before the Hawaii State Legislature during this session has "spurred" up the community and organizations throughout Hawaii by encouraging residents in "educating" themselves and learning through others the "intent" and "effect" should these become law. 

Foremost for Hawaiian homesteaders are those which directly affect the lessees and waiting list applicants which ranges from:

Lowering the blood quantum for DHHL applicants,

Election of DHHL Commissioners,

Gaming on DHHL areas and

General and commercial lease terms

Whether or not these are addressed, conferenced, passed or deferred the homesteader should be actively "learning" and "become fully aware" of the long-range effects and how it will directly affect the Hawaiian Homes Commission Act, 1920 (as amended).

WHHA and its status as a Federally IRS recognized 501c-3 non profit organization is regulated by law concerning its position of legislative matters; however, its members acting as citizens of the community can voice their "opinion" on all matters which "directly affect" them such as these.

For information purposes, a weblink to the Hawaii State Legislature below will directly connect your computer to the "Hawaii State Legislature - Bill Status and Document" website.

http://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session2010/

• Simply perform a "text search" by entering, "Hawaiian Home Lands" in the box located on the left and "double-click" on "Do a text search" on the right.
• A listing of all bills being proposed for legislation during  this session with the "Hawaiian home lands" stated or written as part of the proposal will be displayed.
• Scroll down the listing and note the "SB" or "HB" number(s).  This is the assigned "bill number" presented before the Senate (SB) and House (HB).
• We recommend reading the bill and "note any changes-revisions" currently being considered as it works it way through the legislative process,
• Normally, the announced times for the "hearing" are posted and as a citizen you are able to email, fax or call our local elected officials to state your preference or remarks regarding the proposed bills.

Martin Luther King, Jr. quotation best sums the intent of this article:

"Our lives begin to end the day we become silent about the things that matter."