Hawaiian clubs The need for a primary election for candidates of the Office of Hawaiian Affairs will be discussed over the next two days at the annual convention of the Association of Hawaiian Civic Clubs.
to discuss possibility
of OHA election
A cultural monitor for construction
projects is also being proposedBy Pat Omandam
pomandam@starbulletin.comMore than 500 Hawaiian homesteaders from 44 clubs across the state and the mainland are at the Waikiki Beach Marriott to attend the convention, which began yesterday with a morning service at Mauna Ala in Nuuanu.
Association President Charles Rose said two dozen resolutions have been introduced so far, and more are expected. Discussion on these measures will take place tomorrow afternoon and Saturday morning.
Other resolutions include the need for a cultural monitor for construction projects affecting native Hawaiian historic or cultural sites, the need for health and human services following the Sept. 11 attacks, and the opposition to the sale or transfer of ceded lands to help pay for outstanding claims to OHA.
Rose said conference attendance has been good, considering the state economy and other problems stemming from the attacks.
"We're quite pleased with the turnout, considering the circumstances we're facing," he said.
Keynote speakers tomorrow and Saturday are University of Hawaii President Evan Dobelle, Hawaiian Homes Chairman Raynard Soon, Dr. Kekuni Blaisdell and OHA Administrator Clyde Namuo.
A UH spokeswoman said Dobelle will speak on the university's commitment to native Hawaiians and the importance of partnership, both inside and outside the UH community, to resolve native issues.
Namuo will discuss Hawaiian leadership and management, while Soon will discuss native community empowerment.
Blaisdell, who is also a sovereignty activist, will discuss the health of Hawaiians. This ties into a workshop on advanced health care directives being given to help kupuna (seniors) and those who live with or care for them understand how specific documentation can ease concerns.
Another workshop by planner Norma Wong will focus on values, ethics and power.
The association is the oldest grass-roots, community-based Hawaiian organization, with the first club formed in 1918 by Prince Jonah Kuhio Kalaniana'ole.