Hawaiian Affairs Sponsors OHA Debate, Rally
Author: Blaine Fergerstrom
Hawaii Supreme Court Strikes Down Ballot Measure
Hawaii Supreme Court Strikes Down Ballot Measure: The Hawaii Supreme Court has struck down the question that was to have appeared on the General Election ballot, “Shall the legislature be authorized to establish, as provided by law, a surcharge on investment real property to be used to support public education?” The surcharge (aka property tax) would have been used to fund education; however, the Supreme Court said the measure wasn’t adequately clear to let voters know what they would be voting on. Thus, voters will not be voting on this question.
Vote for OHA Trustee Candidates
Vote for OHA Trustee Candidates (non-partisan race): Vote! Vote! Vote! All voters can cast votes for the OHA Trustee positions. Running for election are: Delegates at Large (3 seats to be filled): (D) Rowena Akana; (D) Lei Ahu Isa; (D) William Aila, Jr.; (D) Faye Hanohano; (D) Brendon Kalei’aina Lee, and (D) John Waihee IV. For the O’ahu seat: (D) Kalei Akaka and (D) Esther Kia’aina; and for the Maui seat, Carmen Hulu Lindsey and Ke’eaumoku Kapu. Vote informed. View the Hawaiian Affairs Caucus/Vote Informed OHA Trustee Candidate forum on ‘Olelo channel 49 on 10/30/18, 8:00 p.m.; 10/31/18, 10:00 p.m.; 11/1/18, 8:00 a.m.; and 11/3/18, 11:30 a.m.
Hawai‘i State ConCon – ‘Ae-‘A‘ole?
A HAWAII STATE CONSTITUTIONAL CONVENTION – YES OR NO?
On November 6, 2018, the General Election ballot will contain the question, “Shall there be a convention to propose a revision of or amendments to the Constitution?”
- A “yes” vote supports holding a constitutional convention to explore proposals for changes to the state constitution.
- A “no” vote opposes holding a constitutional convention to explore proposals for changes to the state constitution.
Here is a listing of resources to become informed on this important question:
• Hawaiian Affairs Caucus/‘ŌleloVote Informed: Several Native Hawaiian leaders share their perspective on the pros and cons of a constitutional convention. Panelists include: Mr. Jacob Aki, Mr. Ikaika Hussey, Ms. Lei Kihoi, Dr. Jonathan Osorio, and Ms. Mahealani Wendt.
Broadcast on ‘Ōlelo Channel 49 on the following dates and times: 10/23 at 5:30 PM, 10/24 at 10:30 PM, 10/25 at 8:00 AM, and 10/27 at 12:00 PM. Also, the broadcast can be found on Youtube at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iYoyCFqjRnM.
• CNHA: Con-Con discussion from the 17th Annual Native Hawaiian Convention with Former Governor Neil Abercrombie and U.S. Representative Colleen Hanabusa can be found on the CNHA Facebook page www.facebook.com/hawaiiancouncil
• Citizen’s Jury: A jury of 18 Hawaii voters who met on three occasions to discuss the pros and cons of a Hawaii State Constitution. At the last meeting, panelists deliberated amongst themselves and articulated the primary reasons for both supporting and opposing the Constitutional Convention and listed the generally agreed-upon facts about the issue. As a final step, participants voted in a straw poll whether they support or oppose holding a Constitutional Convention. The results of those meetings and supporting materials can be found at: http://www.publicpolicycenter.hawaii.edu/projects-programs/con-con-citizens-jury.html.
• The Hawaii State Constitutional Convention Clearinghouse: https://hawaii.concon.info contains articles, events and so much more concerning the pros and cons of a Hawaii State Constitutional Convention.
OHA Trustee Candidate Forum Airing Soon
Tune in to ‘Olelo Channel 49. to hear the views of candidates for the position of Office of Hawaiian Affairs Trustee. Hosted by the Hawaiian Affairs Caucus, Democratic Party of Hawaii. Featured candidates: At-Large Seats: Lei Ahu Isa, William J. Aila, Jr, and Brendon Kalei’aina Lee; Maui Seat: Kapu Ke’eaumoku and Carmen Hulu Lindsey; O’ahu Seat: Kalei Akaka.
Broadcast dates on ‘Olelo Channel 49: 10/30/18, 8:00 p.m.; 10/31/18, 10:00 p.m.; 11/1/18, 8:00 a.m.; and 11/3/18, 11:30 a.m.
HAC Nomination Form
Download and submit this form to nominate someone for the At-Large Maui and At-Large Kauai seat. Deadline Oct. 20.
Micronesians fight racism in Hawaii
I would like to share this article with HAC members. I believe Anita’s experiences are real and we could all learn from it as Micronesians fight against racism in Hawaii.
We can all learn from her observations.
Leimomi
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Dear reader,
I want to make sure you read Anita Hofschneider’s follow-up to her important story that looked at one woman’s effort to bring attention to racial slurs and discrimination directed at Micronesians:
Read Her Story
Racism in all its ugly forms is alive and well in Hawaii, despite frequent proclamations by some that we live in a “post-racial melting pot.” We take seriously our public-service mandate to challenge these assumptions by listening to traditionally unheard voices and using our platform to amplify their concerns.
We also felt that it was important for Anita, who grew up in Micronesia and is Chamorro and part Yapese, to inform Civil Beat readers why she chose to tell the story.
Our individual experiences shape how we react and interpret the world around us. Journalists are no different. In this case, the richness of Anita’s personal narrative, her eye toward identifying injustice, and her courage to bring these issues to the light came together to produce one of Civil Beat’s more impactful stories.
Judging from your comments and emails in response to Anita’s story, many of you want us to continue this type of reporting – and we couldn’t agree more.
Our newsroom is powered by donations from readers like you. If you find value in the type of reporting we do, please consider becoming a member-supporter by making a tax-deductible gift.
Become a Civil Beat supporter
We can’t continue this work without you.
Mahalo,
Ben Nishimoto
Director of Philanthropy
HAC Legislative Committee Meeting Sep. 26
Aloha e nā hoa,
The HAC’s legislative committee will begin to prepare for the 2019 legislative session with a meeting next Wednesday, September 26. You’re invited to attend.
My goals for this meeting are to briefly recap the successes and failures of this past session, discuss ways we can strengthen our advocacy efforts, and lay the path for the approval of our legislative agenda before the end of the year.
What: HAC Legislative Committee Meeting
Where: DPH Headquarters (627 South Street)
When: Wednesday, September 26, 6-8 PM
Teleconference: (563) 999-2090, 544701
Mahalo,
Raytan Vares
Chair, HAC Legislative Committee
OHA Races Results
Here are the results of the OHA races:
Kalei Akaka and Esther Kia’aina go head to head in the general election for the OHA O’ahu resident seat. Ms. Akaka garnered 15.7% (or 44,917) votes; and Ms Kia’aina 13.9% (or 39,875) in the primary election.
Incumbent OHA Trustees John Waihee IV, Lei Ahu Isa, and Rowena Akana, lead the race into the general election followed by William Aila, Faye Hanohano, and Brendon Kalei’aina Lee. All will vie for the three OHA At-Large seats.
Governor Ige won re-election as the Democratic Party candidate going into the general election as did Mazie Hirono and Tulsi Gabbard. Ed Case won the congressional district 1 seat. All compete in the general election against other parties candidates.
Results of all races can be found at elections.hawaii.gov.
Congressional Candidates’ Statements
Aloha,
The Hawaiian Affairs Caucus respectfully requests that you consider the statements of the candidates for congressional District I and II positions concerning Native Hawaiians as you cast your ballot for these positions.
CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT I
“It is the unique responsibility of Hawaii’s Members of Congress to assure that federal law and resources are fully dedicated to the preservation, sustenance and advancement of the indigenous people and culture of Hawai’i. That means providing strong effective leadership in D.C. that embraces Hawaiian issues and goals and advocates effectively for national solutions. I did so during my prior service in Congress, when I represented more Native Hawaiians than any other of our 435 U.S. Representatives. A summary of my prior record is at https://www.edcase.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/EdCaseCongressionalRecord.pdf at pages 15-16.
I believe that Native Hawaiians and others can best judge my continued commitment and ability to deliver on our mutual goals, foremost among them being establishment of a just relationship with our federal government, by what I’ve already done. I welcome your questions at edcase@edcase,com.” Ed Case, Candidate, Congressional District I
“If I have the honor of serving Hawai‘i in Congress, you can count on me to fight for the respect Hawai‘i’s host culture deserves. That includes the U.S. government coming to the table to form a productive working relationship with the Native Hawaiian community – on the latter’s terms. I will be a champion of the Native Hawaiian Education Act empowering Native Hawaiian students to reach higher and achieve more. As your representative, I will protect the Native Hawaiian Health Care Act to reduce the disproportionate rates of chronic illness and death in the Native Hawaiian community. I will support an increase in funding for programs aimed at giving Native Hawaiians a leg up when it comes to buying a home in Hawai‘i. And I will always fight to level the playing field for Native Hawaiian small businesses to give them a fair chance to succeed.” Doug S. Chin, Candidate, Congressional District I
“Our next member of Congress needs to possess knowledge of the unique struggle Native Hawaiians face. Injustices are ongoing, and it’s vital that we do everything we can to correct that. As your Congresswoman, I would fight for self-determination and federal recognition for Native Hawaiians. I would seek federal funding for Hawaiian homes directly through federal programs or, by requiring the airport and other revenue generating ceded lands to direct a portion of their revenues. I would also seek to support greater educational opportunities for Native Hawaiians, including continuing support for immersion programs. Finally, I would seek greater funding for diversion programs, non-monetary bail and sentencing reforms because Native Hawaiians are subjected to high rates of incarceration. We should ensure Native Hawaiians are treated fairly by the courts and not sent to jail when those of other ethnicities who’ve committed similar crimes receive lighter sentences. On that note, I would ensure private prisons are never an option again in Hawaii” Beth Keiko Fukumoto, Candidate, Congressional District I
“With the passing of Senator Akaka, I believe it is important to have a Native Hawaiian voice representing Hawaii in Washington. As the only Native Hawaiian candidate and a proud graduate of Kamehameha Schools, I can advocate for Native Hawaiians in a way that no one else can. The US overthrow of the Hawaiian Kingdom in 1893 was a great injustice and our people struggle with the consequences today. As Hawaiian Affairs Chair in the State House, I’ve been a champion for native causes including quiet title, archeological impact studies, ‘Olelo Hawai’i and more. In Congress, I will continue our fight to ensure true self-determination and protect our sacred places, cultural heritage, and natural resources including a Housing For All plan that would provide an enormous boost to DHHL. (see more: https://medium.com/@KanielaIng/housing-for-all-746720d094e8).” Kaniela Saito Ing, Candidate, Congressional District
“Hawai’i is a special place because of its host culture and we must not only acknowledge this heritage but we must provide Native Hawaiians an opportunity for self-governance if they so choose. Personally, I have deep roots with the Hawaiian culture through the teachings of Auntie Maiki Aiu, who taught me hula from intermediate school until she passed. As a result, I have been a strong advocate for the funding and establishing of a Hawaiian Music and Dance Center to preserve and perpetuate the heart of the Hawaiian culture. My son Micah is part Hawaiian, and as his mother, I am proud of his Hawaiian ancestry, and will continue to fiercely defend the rights of Native Hawaiians to secure justice. I firmly believe that we all must embrace the heritage passed down to us from Native Hawaiians. Living Aloha should not be a slogan but a way of life.” Donna Mercado Kim, Candidate Congressional District I
“The Native Hawaiian community and culture is the foundation for our way of life in the Islands. The local values we share and must protect are born from the selfless ideals of community and family that are at the heart of the Native Hawaiian experience. Unfortunately, too many Native Hawaiians are struggling to secure access to health-care, affordable housing, education and jobs that pay a living wage. Federal recognition for Native Hawaiians will create the framework for self determination. Let’s not forget, the United States overthrew the Kingdom of Hawaii and stole their land and resources at gunpoint. Congress can apologize and create programs and policies to help, but without federal recognition, we are simply throwing money at a situation America created. That’s not pono. Hawaii and the Native Hawaiian community lost a great champion with the passing of Senator Daniel K. Akaka. He fought hard for federal recognition and worked to secure funding and establish pro-grams that help Native Hawaiians and Indigenous people. Continuing his mission, I pledge to take up the fight in Congress.” Ernest Yorihiko Martin, Candidate, Congressional District 1.
“I support and would strongly advocate national legislation that implements the Democratic Party Platform on Native Hawaiians, including supporting appropriations for education, housing, and health; and supporting Native Hawaiians in their efforts to secure justice from our Federal and State governments to repair harms endured by the Hawaiian people since 1893. I support the rights of Native Hawaiians to self-determination, including the formation of their chosen governmental entity.” Sam Puletasi, Candidate, Congressional District 1.
CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT II
“I support the Hawaiian Affairs Caucus of the Democratic Party Of Hawai’i. I trust in its efforts to practice and promote humanity and righteousness. In providing humanity and righteousness, the Indigenous Hawaiian culture should be preserved for generations to come. As a member of the Affirmative Action Committee, the Environmental Caucus, and the Veterans Caucus of the Democratic Party Of Hawai’i, I am aware of the many challenges that Hawai’i faces. Working with organizations and our government that outreach and educate our ohana on Houselessness, has been and will continue to be an issue that I will strive to find a solution for the Hawaiian people.” Anthony “Tony” Austin, Candidate, Congressional District II
“I believe that rural Hawaii can be a place of strong, safe, thriving communities where our children can create a happy life in the town where they were raised. I believe that our liberation is tied to our economic success and that success requires access to the resources which allow us to live with dignity, free from violence and poverty— these include access to our homelands, water, a clean and sustainable environment, good schools, a robust rural economy, and quality health care for everyone. Any actions taken to bring justice and empowerment to Native Hawaiians, benefits all Hawaii. Generations of oppression have made us vulnerable to the greed of a powerful few. This theft and injustice must end. We deserve more homes on our homelands, full compensation for the use of our ceded lands, and equal treatment in the discussions about our sacred places. This is our birthright, these are our homelands, and we are here to ensure that justice flows from our work to the endless generations of Hawaiians that are to come.” Sherry Alu Campagna, Candidate, Congressional District II
“I’m grateful to have worked with my mentor and friend, the late Senator Daniel K. Akaka. The first Native Hawaiian elected to the United States Congress, Senator Akaka passed the Apology Resolution, which acknowledges the overthrow of the Kingdom of Hawai’i and acknowledges that the Native Hawaiian people never directly relinquished their claims to inherent sovereignty as a people. On the path forward, regardless of the mechanism or process in getting there, Native Hawaiians, as a people, should be empowered to determine their own future and what kind of relationship they choose to have with the U.S. federal government. The challenge we continue to face in Congress is a failure by many to recognize Native Hawaiians as indigenous people. Native Hawaiian services and programs are constantly under attack. It’s important for us to work together, to find the path forward that best serves the interests of current and future generations of Native Hawaiians.” Tulsi Gabbard, Candidate, Congressional District II
We also encourage you to visit the Hawaii News Now 2018 Democratic Congressional Debate at:
http://www.hawaiinewsnow.com/clip/14463072/super-debate-congress. At the 15 minutes and 31 seconds mark, you can hear the answers these candidates gave to the question, “How would you work to protect existing programs for Native Hawaiians and educate your colleagues in Congress about the unique legal and political relationship between the US and Native Hawaiians?”
Mahalo,
LEIMOMI KHAN
Chair, Hawaiian Affairs Caucus
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