Office of Hawaiian Affairs • 711 Kapi‘olani Boulevard, Suite 500 • Honolulu, Hawai‘i 96813 • 808 594‐1835 •www.oha.org
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
July 15, 2010
MEDIA RELEASE
OHA Board of Trustees Vote Unanimously to Support Recent Changes to Native Hawaiian Government Reorganization Act
HONOLULU, HAWAI‘I (July 15, 2010)
The Office of Hawaiian Affairs (OHA) Board of Trustees voted unanimously today to support the changes to the Native Hawaiian Government Reorganization Act (NHGRA), which were recently agreed to by Senator Daniel Akaka, Senator Daniel Inouye, Governor Linda Lingle and Attorney General Mark Bennett.
“This timely and unanimous vote of the Board of Trustees places OHA, the Constitutional entity representing Hawaiians, at the lead position in supporting these important changes, which will allow all of us to move forward with this landmark bill,” said Haunani Apoliona, Chairperson, Office of Hawaiian Affairs. “This bill is good for Hawaiians and will bring beneficial outcomes to all residents of Hawai‘i. This is an opportunity for Native Hawaiians to unite and move forward together with a collective voice. I encourage ALL Hawaiians, wherever they may reside, to participate in the process for it will take all of us working together to make a difference for years to come,” Apoliona said.
The changes ensure that the Native Hawaiian Governing Entity will negotiate with the State of Hawai‘i and the U.S. Government to determine powers and authorities among the three governing entities. Also, the Native Hawaiian Governing Entity will be subject to state laws – as well as health and safety regulations – until the negotiations have been completed.
NHGRA represents a major milestone that moves Native Hawaiians closer to reconciliation more than a century after Queen Lili‘uokalani and the Hawaiian government were illegally overthrown. The bill recognizes the inherent sovereignty of Native Hawaiians and provides them with the opportunity to reorganize a governing entity that will negotiate for powers, authorities, land, and resources.
Until now, Native Hawaiians are the only group of Native Americans in the 50 states that has not been provided a process for federal recognition; Alaska Natives and American Indians have had federal recognition for many years.
Waimanalo, Hawaii. The Waimanalo Hawaiian Homes Association (WHHA) accepted a monetary gift to its educational scholarship fund made by Micheline Kane of the Claude and Helen Kane 'ohana of Waimanalo at its July 2010 monthly membership meeting.
In an act of "giving back to the community and to the Waimanalo Hawaiian Homes Association for providing my first scholarship towards my university education, we are making this monetary donation..." exclaimed Micheline during the short, but very sweet ceremony. "We are proud to accept and with great appreciation share in the joy of having our former residents and Hawaiian homesteaders to visit and help us continue to build our community and association..." commented Paul Richards, WHHA President.
Micheline is a resident of Seattle, Washington and earned her undergraduate degree at the University of Washington and currently is a member of the Seattle Police Force. She is the daughter of Claude and Helen Kane, former officers of the Waimanalo Hawaiian Homes Association and long-time residents of the Waimanalo community.
Gabby Pahinui Kanikapila Festival - Saturday, August 7th
Waimanalo, Hawaii. Cyril Pahinui, son of the famed Waimanalo musician and homestead resident Gabby Pahinui is spearheading the, "Gabby Pahinui Kanikapila Festival" scheduled for Saturday, August 7, 2010 at the Waimanalo Beach Park starting at 10:00 a.m. until 6:00 p.m.
"We want to share the music, but moreso allow the Waimanalo community to participate in this event by showcasing their services to everyone," says Cyril as he met with the Waimanalo Hawaiian Homes Association Executive Board and its Directors on Monday, June 28, 2010 during its monthly Board meeting.
Other Waimanalo organizations including Ke Ola Mamo, Hawaiian Civic Club of Waimanalo and Waimanalo Hawaiian Homes Association will sponsoring informational tables during the event sharing our information with everyone. Those Waimanalo organizations wanting to participate may contact Cyril at .
We encourage everyone to visit and listen to the traditional Hawaiian music "all day long!"
Welcome to the new internet home of the Waimanalo Hawaiian Homestead Association. Take a look around to see all the on-line resources you have access to.
