Hawaiian Political Recognition Moves Forward with Open Arms
The effort to work towards political recognition took a huge leap forward with the Office of Hawaiian Affairs’ (“OHA”) announcement that it will fund and facilitate the process of nation building going forward. OHA will work with Hawaiian leaders to hold an election this fall of delegates to an ‘Aha – an official gathering to take the next steps in forming the modern government. Kanaiʻolowalu registrants who are at least 18 years of age are eligible to run as delegates, vote for delegates and then vote to ratify governing documents.
OHA is moving forward with open arms in two key ways. First, OHA explained this effort is “in collaboration with other Native Hawaiian institutions,” indicating the potential involvement of other entities. Second, OHA is asking the Native Hawaiian Roll Commission to re-open its registry so that more Native Hawaiians can participate in the nation-building process.
According to a news release, OHA’s Ka Pouhana (Chief Executive Officer), Dr. Kamana‘opono Crabbe stated, “We stand ready to begin a process meant to inspire hope and enable all Native Hawaiians to take up their kuleana to help build a strong nation.” Crabbe also explained, “We will come together to create a nation where all Native Hawaiians have an opportunity to thrive. I have every confidence that we will succeed.”
Nāʻālehu Anthony, the Vice-Chair of the Native Hawaiian Roll Commission, posted on his Facebook page, “Hulō!” and expressed excitement about OHA’s support of “an election and ʻAha for Hawaiian Nation building.”
OHA chair, Colette Machado briefly summarized what she expects to happen. “We have a certified roll list that will be finalized;120,000 Native Hawaiians that are 18 years and over. So the next step is to have an election and to look at the organic documents, and then to begin that process.”
According to OHA’s website, Native Hawaiians on the roll will have the opportunity to nominate and elect delegates from May until September of this year. The delegates are expected to convene sometime from October through November. By January of next year, governing documents from the convention are anticipated to receive yes or no votes by Native Hawaiians who are signed-up on the roll.
Hawaiian Studies professor and scholar Dr. Lilikalā Kameʻeleihiwa enthusiastically explained her support for the effort. “What is most imperative about us having our own government today is that we must own our own education systems. If we are not owning our own educaiton systems, we will never preserve our language and pass on our culture. We can only do that when we have our own government.”
Michele Kaʻuhane, President and CEO of the Council for Native Hawaiian Advancement stated, “We have the chance to decide for ourselves. We have the chance to be a part of a process that helps to govern our lāhui the way we see it, and the way we would like it done.”
