Now that the controversy over Clyde Namuo's selection as Office of Hawaiian Affairs administrator has ended, the agency can refocus on full-scale support of Hawaiian programs nationwide. OHA focuses on plan to
build national supportBy Pat Omandam
pomandam@starbulletin.com"Now we can settle on getting the attention on the bigger issue, post-Rice," said Haunani Apoliona, OHA chairwoman. "That's got to be a priority."
Known as OHA's post-Rice strategy, the plan calls for a legislation-education-litigation approach to protect Hawaiian rights, programs and assets, as well as rebuilding support for the Hawaiian agenda. These were threatened when the U.S. Supreme Court ruled against OHA's Hawaiians-only elections in the Rice vs. Cayetano appeal.
The high court ruling has paved the way for non-Hawaiians to run for the OHA board, and the challenges continue.
On Thursday, U.S. District Judge David Alan Ezra dismissed a lawsuit filed by non-Hawaiian Patrick Barrett, who sought services offered by OHA and the Hawaiian Homes Commission.
But Barrett's attorney insists the issue is far from settled.
A key component of the OHA plan is a proposed two-person office in Washington, D.C. The office gives OHA a presence in advocating for the Native Hawaii Recognition Act, known as the Akaka bill. The bill would grant the same political status to native Hawaiians as afforded to American Indians and Alaskan natives. By doing so, it would protect more than 150 federal programs that assist Hawaiians.
Consultant Norma Wong has said some of the office's duties would be to provide information and correct misinformation while watching for opportunities or dangers to the bill.
Wong, in a memo to Apoliona last month, said Hawaii's congressional delegation cannot spend all their time advocating for the measure. The office could help maximize lobbying efforts and follow up on any issues raised, she said.
The Akaka bill (S. 81 and H.R. 617) is currently before the Senate Indian Affairs Committee, headed by Hawaii Democrat Daniel K. Inouye. Inouye has not scheduled a hearing on the bill this month. Congress will recess in August, leaving September as the likely time for a push for the bill's passage.
The House Resources Committee approved the bill May 16, and it is now before the full House.
Other responsibilities of the OHA office would be to monitor, testify and lobby on legislation in which OHA has taken positions; alert the agency of possible grant opportunities for Hawaiians; build contacts and raise support for Hawaiian issues; and respond to inquiries about Hawaiian issues.
"As you can see, the two-person office would have its hands full and would undoubtedly need to prioritize its activities," Wong said.
Funding for the office, estimated at $100,000, may be included in the agency's operational budget for fiscal year 2002-03, which remains before OHA's Budget and Finance Committee after it failed to gain approval Friday.
