[ OFFICE OF HAWAIIAN AFFAIRS ]
At Large
Darrow L. Kanakanui Aiona
Age: 67 Job: Pastor Past: Retired professor; 22 years on Board of EducationWhat makes you qualified to be an OHA trustee?
Beginning as a graduate student in 1958, I became involved in seeking justice and integrity for Hawaiian people. I was an early "activist," always seeking new ways of bringing about the uplift of ka poe kanaka.
What is the biggest problem facing Hawaiians, and what can OHA do about it?
OHA must become a stable, unified body, respected by the entire community; able to unite Hawaiian organizations and people in a single voice to meet our very serious challenges to sovereign Hawaiian rights, entitlements and the ceded lands issue.
Do you support passage of the Akaka bill in Congress, which gives Hawaiians a process toward federal recognition similar to that granted Native Americans?
I support the bill with reservations. The intent of the bill is to provide a process toward federal recognition; however the definitions and interpretation of sovereignty must be developed by the Hawaiian nation.
Rowena Akana
Age: Not given Job: OHA trustee Past: Former sovereignty chairwoman; former OHA chairwomanWhat makes you qualified to be an OHA trustee?
Serving three consecutive terms, I helped to build OHA's portfolio from 11 million to over $350 million dollars. My commitment to serve is evidenced by the number of programs that I have either created or helped to create. For list of accomplishments, see www.rowenaakana.org
What is the biggest problem facing Hawaiians, and what can OHA do about it?
Legal challenges to all of our Hawaiian trusts, and the failure of the legislature in 2002 to address Act 304 restoring the ceded land trust. OHA, on behalf of the beneficiaries, must take legal action against the state and others for breech of trust violations.
Do you support passage of the Akaka bill in Congress, which gives Hawaiians a process toward federal recognition similar to that granted Native Americans?
Yes.
Roy L. Benham
Age: 79 Job: Retiree Past: Former schoolteacher, Kamehameha Schools; former OHA trusteeWhat makes you qualified to be an OHA trustee?
I served on the initial board of trustees and played a role in the organization of that office. I have kept in contact with the needs of the indigenous Hawaiian people and am experienced in planning and implementing activities to meet these needs.
What is the biggest problem facing Hawaiians, and what can OHA do about it?
There are citizens trying to abolish all established indigenous Hawaiian programs, i.e., OHA, Hawaiian Homes, on a false assumption that they are not indigenous people.
Do you support passage of the Akaka bill in Congress, which gives Hawaiians a process toward federal recognition similar to that granted Native Americans?
Yes. We must support the Akaka bill, which will provide a process by which the indigenous Hawaiian people will be able to establish a political entity under the cognizance of the U.S. Through this entity, we will be able to manage our own programs and provide for many other needs.
Adrian Kamalani Kamali'i
Age: 20 Job: President and CEO of Hui Ho'oulu Inc. Past: Ex-president of 'Ilio'ulaokalani Youth CoalitionWhat makes you qualified to be an OHA trustee?
I have a strong passion to help my people and feel this would be the most opportune time to serve Hawaiians. In this time of political and cultural struggle, Hawaiians need strong and fresh leadership. As a young Hawaiian leader, I can provide that. ... my Web site: ... www.AdrianKamalii.com
What is the biggest problem facing Hawaiians, and what can OHA do about it?
The largest problem that currently faces the Hawaiian community is the current attacks by other individuals to eliminate Hawaiian entitlements and trusts. OHA's current strategic plan already has a plan for problems like these. ...
Do you support passage of the Akaka bill in Congress, which gives Hawaiians a process toward federal recognition similar to that granted Native Americans?
I do not support the Akaka bill. OHA should ask each of its beneficiaries if they agree with federal recognition or not. Should the beneficiaries want OHA to pursue federal recognition, it would have to be my fiduciary responsibility to support federal recognition.
Demitrius Keliiholokai
Age: Not given Job: Retired insurance field supervisor Past: HAFIN program distributing food and clothingWhat makes you qualified to be an OHA trustee?
My qualifications come from experience in both the private and public work sectors, in which our agencies were able to enhance the lives of many individuals.
What is the biggest problem facing Hawaiians, and what can OHA do about it?
The loss of land and livelihood creates hostility; we as stewards are to maintain the assets and find ways of profitability for the future of the Kamali'i.
Do you support passage of the Akaka bill in Congress, which gives Hawaiians a process toward federal recognition similar to that granted Native Americans?
I support the Akaka bill because some of the key points will enable us to move forward to benefit the Kamali'i.
Charles M.L.S. Nakoa
Age: 73 Job: Retired Past: Former executive director, Queen Lili'uokalani Children's CenterWhat makes you qualified to be an OHA trustee?
The 30 years, as a social worker and executive director for Queen Lili'uokalani Children's Center, gave me solid grounding in Hawaiian issues affecting Hawaiian orphans and destitute children and families.
What is the biggest problem facing Hawaiians, and what can OHA do about it?
I believe the Hawaiian trusts have adequate resources. OHA needs to continue finding ways to develop partnerships and collaboration among the Hawaiian trusts, but should explore including the resources of the state, county and private agencies, too. This is not uniquely a Hawaiian issue. Problems affect all families and children in the state of Hawaii.
Do you support passage of the Akaka bill in Congress, which gives Hawaiians a process toward federal recognition similar to that granted Native Americans?
What I believe is not important. More important is the consensus of the Hawaiian community.
Oswald "Oz" K. Stender
Age: 71 Job: OHA trustee Past: Former CEO, Estate of James Campbell; ex-trustee, Bishop Estate.What makes you qualified to be an OHA trustee?
I am a native Hawaiian who is passionate about the plight of Hawaiians trying to survive in our Western society. I have served as an OHA trustee for the past two years and I want to do more to address the issues and challenges facing Hawaiians as a race.
What is the biggest problem facing Hawaiians, and what can OHA do about it?
The four biggest problems are education, health, housing and economic and social well-being. OHA can help by collaborating with sister agencies like ali'i trusts and Alu Like to provide services for our people. OHA also needs to work on getting government entitlements and settling the ceded lands issue.
Do you support passage of the Akaka bill in Congress, which gives Hawaiians a process toward federal recognition similar to that granted Native Americans?
I strongly support the Akaka bill.
John D. Waihe'e IV
Age: 32 Job: OHA trustee Past: Bar manager, graphic designer, freelance illustratorWhat makes you qualified to be an OHA trustee?
With the current assaults on Hawaiian organizations and entitlements, the board of trustees will have to act effectively and quickly. My knowledge of OHA and the challenges facing it is unmatched, and I actually have a vision that will strengthen the effectiveness of the office while dealing with the assaults.
What is the biggest problem facing Hawaiians, and what can OHA do about it?
While the recent attacks on entitlements and organizations fueled by an anti-Hawaiian movement are the most glaring, the Hawaiian individual's concerns with accessibility to adequate health care, gainful employment, and quality education are of equal importance. ...
Do you support passage of the Akaka bill in Congress, which gives Hawaiians a process toward federal recognition similar to that granted Native Americans?
Federal recognition establishes a political relationship between Hawaiians and the U.S. government and doesn't diminish any plenary powers Hawaiians have currently. I do support the Akaka bill. ...
No response:
>> At large: Mike (Happy) Hanohano; Frankie Kay Kawelo
