OHA reveals plans to
form Hawaiian government
With court challenges to the constitutionality of programs and agencies that exclusively benefit native Hawaiians, the Office of Hawaiian Affairs announced yesterday the start of a process to form a Native Hawaiian government.
"The effort will take some time, but we need to start now," said OHA Chairwoman Haunani Apoliona.
She released a timeline that calls for the election of delegates, who will draft the governing documents. The election would be held in early November with the 'aha, or convening group, to meet next January through March.
The 'aha is where the substantive discussion on the design of the Hawaiian government will occur, Apoliona said.
Ratification of the proposed constitution for the Hawaiian nation is scheduled for next March through May.
The plan calls for OHA to be dissolved and the agency's assets transferred to the new governing entity, said Hawaiian activist Myron Thompson Jr.
Before the election, meetings will be held throughout the state. Efforts will be made to reach Hawaiians and non-Hawaiians "to ensure that the message of justice and reconciliation that Hawaiian nationhood represents is heard and understood by all kamaaina and malihini," Apoliona said.
OHA will not try to control the 'aha, or dictate the form of government to be selected, although it will provide financial resources, she said.
OHA administrator Clyde Namuo estimated the cost of the process leading to the 'aha at $400,000 to $500,000.
OHA took the lead because it is the only elected body representing native Hawaiians and because of its mandate under the state Constitution and law to act for the betterment of native Hawaiians, Apoliona said.
The campaign is called "Ho'oulu Lahui Aloha," meaning "to raise a beloved nation."
The effort is supported by a number of Hawaiian organizations, whose representatives attended a news conference yesterday at Bishop Museum.
"Our sister organizations stand with us today as we embark on this journey that will succeed despite the challenges toward forming our Hawaiian nation," Apoliona said.
"The Hawaiian community is enlightened on what is at stake," she said. "As challenging as this effort is, we cannot afford to turn back from this course."
Office of Hawaiian Affairs