[ OUR OPINION ]
New role in push for autonomy
marks fresh start for OHATHE Office of Hawaiian Affairs' affirmation of its role as a transitional organization to usher Hawaiians toward self-determination reflects a maturing understanding of its value in the post-Rice decision period. The agency appears to be taking prudent steps to broaden awareness of Hawaiian culture and the rights and history of a native people who are tied to a nation that barely recognizes their earnest concerns. To succeed in this mission, OHA will have to overcome the discord among trustees and the resulting doubts about its effectiveness in both the Hawaiian and wider communities that have marked so much of its history.
THE ISSUE The agency's trustees approve a strategy to lead the way for Hawaiian self-governance.
Since its inception in 1978, OHA has struggled with internal and external forces that have hobbled its mission of protecting and enhancing the lives of Hawaii's indigenous population. After the U.S. Supreme Court struck down the practice of allowing only Hawaiians to vote in OHA elections in Rice vs. Cayetano, the agency began to fashion a strategy to rebuild protection of Hawaiian rights.
Last week, OHA trustees cleared the plan that would have the agency lead the way toward establishment of a Hawaiian nation, but that does not envision OHA would be the ruling government entity. The declaration could set aside at least part of the conflict among various Hawaiian factions, position OHA properly as an arbiter in organized deliberations of federal recognition and dilute the challenges from non-Hawaiian citizens about OHA's legitimacy.
Even with the plan, serious issues remain for OHA. It must return to negotiations with the state over revenues from ceded lands and clear the hurdle of enmity that has built among individual trustees. In November, at least two new members will be elected to the board, which may help in reducing the conflicts that have hampered the agency.
Although the Akaka bill early last year appeared to be moving toward congressional approval, the 9/11 attacks, the subsequent focus on terrorism and, more recently, the looming war with Iraq has diverted attention from Hawaiian recognition. OHA's educational efforts should move beyond the islands' shores to the rest of the nation where awareness and understanding of Hawaiian issues are marginal at best. It should send its message aggressively through the halls of Congress and to the White House. It should think big for it has a big stake in determining a stable future for its constituents.
BACK TO TOP |
Carter’s stellar work
deserves Nobel honorFOR Jimmy Carter, the presidency appears to have been job training for his real work as a diligent advocate for human rights and a broker for peace around the world. The awarding of the 2002 Nobel Peace Prize to Carter last week broadly displays that there is life after and outside the White House for a person whose genuine calling is public service.
THE ISSUE The former president has used his influence to bid for peace across the globe.
In the two decades since he left Washington, the one-time peanut farmer from Georgia has used his fame and his leverage "to find peaceful solutions to international conflicts, to advance democracy and human rights and to promote social development," the Nobel committee said.
Carter's accomplishments on the international scene are most notable. He has helped push talks between North and South Korea, won a cease-fire in Bosnia, negotiated a restoration of constitutional government in Haiti and monitored elections in Nicaragua that shifted power from the Sandinistas. Between diplomatic endeavors, he and his wife Rosalynn wielded hammers and paint brushes to build homes for the needy and led campaigns to fight diseases in developing countries. He also has written more than a dozen books, from personal memoirs to poetry and children's literature.
Carter's biggest triumph in his term as president was his mediation in the Camp David accords. Israeli Prime Minister Menachem Begin and Egyptian President Anwar Sadat were awarded the Nobel in 1978, but Carter was left out because his nomination was not made in time. The 2002 prize corrects that, but, no doubt, Carter's post-presidency achievements eclipse even that momentous success.
The announcement of the prize came against the backdrop of another American president preparing to go to war. It was no surprise then that a phrase in the Nobel committee's declaration -- describing "a situation currently marked by threats of the use of power," and its chairman's remark that the phrase "should be interpreted as a criticism of the line that the current administration has taken" -- evoked a volume of impolitic contention.
Although the current situation in the Middle East is as hostile as ever, it would not be out of line or character for Carter to intervene. As effective as he has been in making peace, he may be able to accomplish more with words than with bullets.
BACK TO TOP
Published by Oahu Publications Inc., a subsidiary of Black Press.Don Kendall, Publisher
Frank Bridgewater, Editor 529-4791; fbridgewater@starbulletin.com
Michael Rovner, Assistant Editor 529-4768; mrovner@starbulletin.com
Lucy Young-Oda, Assistant Editor 529-4762; lyoungoda@starbulletin.comMary Poole, Editorial Page Editor, 529-4790; mpoole@starbulletin.com
The Honolulu Star-Bulletin (USPS 249460) is published daily by
John Flanagan, Contributing Editor 294-3533; jflanagan@starbulletin.com
Oahu Publications at 500 Ala Moana Blvd., Suite 7-500, Honolulu, Hawaii 96813.
Periodicals postage paid at Honolulu, Hawaii. Postmaster: Send address changes to
Star-Bulletin, P.O. Box 3080, Honolulu, Hawaii 96802.
