Editorials
Tuesday, November 24, 1998

Akaka’s sound advice
for Hawaiian activists

DANIEL Akaka has provided much-needed clarification and counsel on the issue of Hawaiian sovereignty. The senator, who was the principal sponsor of the 1993 congressional resolution of apology to native Hawaiians for the U.S. role in the overthrow of the monarchy, explained in a talk at the University of Hawaii's Center for Hawaiian Studies that the resolution was never intended to be the basis for disobeying county, state or federal laws.

Rather, Akaka said, the resolution was intended to educate Congress and the American people about the events of 1893 and to create a forum for efforts at reconciliation between the federal government and Hawaiians. "I look at the apology resolution as the first step toward healing, not creating new barriers," he said. Akaka believes that the only way "to remedy the lack of self-determination rights for native Hawaiians will be through congressional action."

The senator said he was concerned about misuse of the apology resolution and about disunity among Hawaiians. "We cannot move forward as a people if Hawaiian leaders continue to show disrespect for each other," he declared. "Diversity of views is healthy. Animosity is not." In addition, Akaka said he could not support any group or person who attempted to use the resolution for personal gain.

Akaka's observations are well taken. The debate among Hawaiians on sovereignty has often been reduced to vituperation. Some Hawaiians appear to have used the sovereignty issue as a means of drawing attention to themselves at the expense of the overall cause. Moreover, some activists have advocated defiance of the U.S. government at all levels -- in contradiction to Akaka's plea for reconciliation.

The most emotional issue currently is cooperation with the state on the holding of a convention aimed at framing the parameters of sovereignty. Elections for delegates to the convention are scheduled for Jan. 17, but several sovereignty groups continue to oppose the convention. They argue that it is sponsored by the state, an institution they regard as illegal and whose motives they suspect, and that it does not have the support of Hawaiians.

In fact, Hawaiians have not shown strong support for the convention -- probably because its opponents have been so active in hurling abuse at the project. But the Legislature, in approving preliminary funding for the convention, was making a gesture of reconciliation -- just what Akaka is urging. It would be a pity if that gesture was rejected.

Akaka cited progress in resolving Hawaiian claims through federal action: the return of Kahoolawe, the return of land to the Hawaiian Homes program and the creation of a new federal category for native Hawaiians and other Pacific islanders for statistical and administrative purposes.

As he asserted, it will also take action by Congress to provide self-determination for Hawaiians. The path toward sovereignty leads through Washington, not through defiance of U.S. authority. Hawaii's congressional delegation has played and will continue to play a vital role in this effort.

Riots in Indonesia

MUSLIM rioting against Christians in Jakarta, following student anti-government demonstrations, is an ominous sign that Indonesia's unity is fraying badly. Nearly 30 people have been killed in Jakarta in the past two weeks in a mixture of student-led protests and mob violence.

The ouster six months ago of President Suharto after 32 years of autocratic rule left a vacuum that no one has filled. Suharto's successor, B.J. Habibie, appears to be an interim figure with negligible popular support. The military, the only major institution Suharto allowed to flourish, has been left divided and confused.

Although students have taken the lead in demanding reforms, analysts doubt that they can be a force for stability. Even the main opposition group seems to be avoiding taking a serious leadership role.

In the confusion, scapegoating of the Chinese merchant class and other minorities can flourish. But if left unchecked it could destroy the nation.

Speculation abounds as to possible incitement of the demonstrators and rioters. Several witnesses have seen thugs encouraged by the military to stir up passions among students and mobs. But some elements of the armed forces have also sided with the students.

The military itself blames "radicals," though it is not clear either who they are or who is backing them. The army has questioned a number of opposition figures over the rioting, but they are generally seen as bit players in the battle among political elites. Habibie denies he is orchestrating anything, saying he only wants to guide Indonesia peacefully to next year's elections.

Some wonder whether Suharto, facing growing demands to be put on trial for graft and human rights abuses, and his associates might be provoking the unrest in the hope of pushing his former protege, Habibie, from office.

Little is clear except that Indonesia is sliding into chaos, perhaps as a consequence of secret machinations. Suharto held the reins of power so tightly that his ouster left a huge void. The rioting that led to Suharto's resignation has returned, and the government of his successor seems incapable of coping with the crisis.

The economic collapse that sparked Suharto's downfall cannot be reversed until confidence is restored. The continuing disorder can only make that more difficult.

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