I have on my desk two thoughtful articles on the future of Hawaiian affairs -- both optimistic. Optimistic views
on Hawaiian affairsThe first is by federal Judge Samuel P. King, part-Hawaiian, written Aug. 9, 1994, contending "Hawaiian Sovereignty Already Exists."
It was accorded, he contends, by people of all races in 1978 when they amended the state Constitution to create the Office of Hawaiian Affairs.
OHA has the power to (1) hold and manage lands, (2) receive and disburse moneys derived from public lands, (3) take steps to preserve Hawaiian culture and values.
Furthermore, he points out, it is managed by persons of Hawaiian ancestry elected by voters of Hawaiian ancestry.
OHA, he says, is the way to go, rather than talking of restoring the monarchy, seceding from the U.S. or seeking complete separation on a reservation.
It gives Hawaiians the right to separately manage their own affairs, he says, along with the right to join in running the whole state -- "as with another Governor Waihee."
What's needed now, he says, is to focus on strengthening and improving OHA.
The second commentary comes from Rep. Ed Case, chairman of the House Hawaiian Affairs Committee in the just-concluded 19th Legislature, offering suggestions to the 20th Legislature, to be elected Nov. 3.
He urges going slow until Hawaiian groups assemble what he sees as "many pieces of a quilt not yet sewn together."
But he sees three problems the 20th Legislature should face even while it may put off others until the quilt is assembled.
These are: (1) Implement legislation regarding long-term revenues to be paid to OHA from the public land trust; (2) pass legislation to resolve the uncertainty over protection of traditional gathering rights; and (3) approve and fund individual claims against the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands growing from its long waiting list.
Great budget uncertainty will hang over the state government until issues No. 1 and 3 are resolved. Separate uncertainty will impede economic development until issue No. 2 is resolved.
Groups are working together to recommend solutions, Case says. On one hand he fears a unique window of opportunity may be closing. On the other hand, he believes "we will all soon arrive at a fair, just and mutually accepted resolution."
CASE was the object of Hawaiian protests early in 1998 for proposing an overall solution that included merging Hawaiian Homes into OHA -- something earlier recommended by former Governor Waihee.
Case said from the start that his bill was intended only to stimulate discussion and never would be reported out of his committee. That was pretty well ignored as Hawaiian protestors marched on the Capitol.
Case now urges the Legislature to be "slow and cautious" to await more consensus within the Hawaiian community, but sees consensus-building processes moving forward.
A.A. Smyser is the contributing editor
and former editor of the the Star-Bulletin
His column runs Tuesday and Thursday.