Hawaiians should not underestimate their strength at the polls and could easily have a determining influence on the upcoming primary elections, said U.S. Sen. Daniel Inouye. Hawaiian voters’
clout stressedBy Pat Omandam
pomandam@starbulletin.comInouye, reiterating similar comments made by Hawaiian leaders earlier this week, said Hawaiians should commit to political candidates who support their issues.
"There is strength in unity in the native Hawaiian vote. Don't underestimate the power and neglect to seize the opportunity to make your voices heard," Inouye said in videotaped remarks delivered yesterday at the opening session of the four-day Native Hawaiian Conference.
Inouye, who is in Washington, D.C., was the featured speaker at the conference aiming to bring together all segments of the Hawaiian community under a single annual event.
The conference was organized by the Council for Native Hawaiian Advancement, a nonprofit organization whose goal is to promote unity and collaboration among the more than 50 trusts, foundations, agencies and groups that serve native Hawaiians.
The conference includes speeches from prominent people in the Hawaiian community and workshops on native issues.
U.S. Sen. Daniel Akaka, in his opening message, said the conference is an important first step, as it brings the native community together to discuss important issues.
"While many of us belong to organizations which host annual conventions, this convention is unique because it seeks the mana'o from everyone collectively," said Akaka, who is scheduled to speak on Saturday.
