[ OFFICE OF HAWAIIAN AFFAIRS ]
Oahu
Louis K. Agard Jr. "Buzzy"
Age: 78 Job: Administrative aide to OHA trustee Past: Elected to native Hawaiian convention 1999What makes you qualified to be an OHA trustee?
I am qualified to be an OHA trustee, working within the organization for six years and feel very aware of the operations and its needs. I can bring a wide range of other experience and capabilities to the office that will be helpful.
What is the biggest problem facing Hawaiians, and what can OHA do about it?
The biggest problem for Hawaiians would be the limited service it can offer its thousands of beneficiaries. OHA can pursue for its due benefits that have not been forthcoming or been rendered.
Do you support passage of the Akaka bill in Congress, which gives Hawaiians a process toward federal recognition similar to that granted Native Americans?
The Akaka bill needs clarification, if it is a form of termination or not. The native people have not been able to draft a bill of their own but always have had the bill drafted by federal representatives or agencies importing their views.
Dante Keala Carpenter
Age: 67 Job: Consultant Past: Interim trustee, administrator, OHA; mayor, Hawaii CountyWhat makes you qualified to be an OHA trustee?
I've been a community worker over 35 years, 20 years of which have been in public service as a state senator, councilman, mayor of Hawaii County, administrator and interim trustee of OHA. Experience as administrator, budget and financial planner and policy-maker. ...
What is the biggest problem facing Hawaiians, and what can OHA do about it?
There is a lack of a collective course of action required for reconciliation of the historic overthrow of a legitimate nation to transition from present to future status. OHA, through HRS, Section 10-3, must determine the majority will of Hawaiians. ...
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 favored the initial efforts to salvage federal programs provided to Hawaiians in health and education. However, the measure may unfairly suppress a broader international definition of self-determination and preclude legitimate efforts to pursue an independent nation status. The bill's language should be modified accordingly.
Leona M. Kalima
Age: 50 Job: OHA housing and community development specialist Past: Church outreachWhat makes you qualified to be an OHA trustee?
I currently work for OHA and am knowing of the needs of the Hawaiian people who call daily for assistance. We need to build in a bigger infrastructure in OHA to address these needs. As one who walks in my Hawaiianness, I too experience these needs. I will work to get these needs met in all socioeconomic conditions. ...
What is the biggest problem facing Hawaiians, and what can OHA do about it?
Restoration of the ceded land revenues, lawsuits, needs of our people, federal/international recognition. Legal think tank and report to OHA on the best strategies to address these issues by lawyers. ...
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 believe the Akaka bill goes far enough, but we must take the steps to get federal recognition and leave the avenue open for more discussion and proceed with nation building. OHA should facilitate and the state and OHA should finance this effort. Efforts to make us a race instead of an indigenous people.
Orrin K. Kupau
Age: 24 Job: Self- employed Past: Native Hawaiian Caucus; Young Hawaiian HuiWhat makes you qualified to be an OHA trustee?
My extensive business and community service experience combined with my respect for this aina and her people would make me an asset to the office and its beneficiaries.
What is the biggest problem facing Hawaiians, and what can OHA do about it?
Our lack of solidarity as a people and loss of faith in the ability of the office to fulfill its mandate are major problems that OHA can correct by simply eliminating the "politics" and regain the trust of the people through pono actions.
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 would only support the Akaka bill if all Hawaiians feel that the Department of the Interior in Washington, D.C., could responsibly and effectively adhere to the desires of all Hawaiians from such a distance. Honestly speaking, there's no chance it will pass anytime soon.
Marni Kehaulani Rezentes
Age: 27 Job: Graduate student, researcher Past: Past student president, Honolulu Community CollegeWhat makes you qualified to be an OHA trustee?
My genealogy as a granddaughter of Henry Rezentes (former IBEW president) and Gertrude Mahi (Hawaiian crafter and educator), academic aspirations in completing an undergraduate degree in political science and pursuing both a law degree and doctorate in political science ...
What is the biggest problem facing Hawaiians, and what can OHA do about it?
The biggest problem facing the Hawaiian community today is the lawsuits challenging Hawaiian rights and entitlements. OHA must be more proactive in addressing these legal challenges and ensure that the community is informed and involved in decision-making. ...
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 federal recognition as a first step to allow for greater decision-making by the Hawaiian community, but have both substantive and procedural concerns about the present version of the Akaka bill. OHA should take the lead in informing the community about the Akaka bill, encourage discussion on the issues ...
Charles Leslie Rose Jr.
Age: 68 Job: Grants writing review panelist Past: Retired police captain, Hawaii CountyWhat makes you qualified to be an OHA trustee?
I am a professional manager, having developed my skills through education, training and experience. I am versed on managerial and fiscal principles including the separation of policy-making and administration. I am a people person devoting my adult life to the noble task of providing service to others.
What is the biggest problem facing Hawaiians, and what can OHA do about it?
The biggest problem facing Hawaiians is the erosion of programs designed to assist our people. In order to protect these programs, we must form an entity that is outside of governmental control. OHA should not form this entity. However, it should provide the necessary funds for its creation.
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 as the process for federal recognition. However, I think it is more important of us to establish our governing entity. ... We shouldn't wait for the Akaka bill to pass. We should start forming our government now. ...
Marion Heen Shim
Age: 77 Job: Retired Past: YWCA Laniakea Center DirectorWhat makes you qualified to be an OHA trustee?
Hawaii is my home. My children and grandchildren surround me here. They are my contribution to Hawaii's future. I have worked on women's issues, the elimination of institutional racism and self-sufficiency for Hawaiian beneficiaries. My experience as policy-maker, administrator, advocate and homemaker qualify me to be OHA trustee.
What is the biggest problem facing Hawaiians, and what can OHA do about it?
The desires and needs of Hawaiians for adequate health services, affordable housing, educational opportunities and economic security are those of every ethnic group in Hawaii. Underlying all of these, however, is the overriding issue of recompense for the injustices imposed on the Hawaiian people by the illegal overthrow of the Hawaiian kingdom in 1893.
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 favor passage of the Akaka bill.
No response:
>> Oahu: A.K.U. "Tony" Chang; Jerry K.M. Freeman
