CAMPAIGN ISSUES

 OHA has an obligation to address the underlying purpose of the constitutional amendment that created OHA to serve as a center of gravity by framing a statewide discussion among Hawaiians and their institutions on how to pursue self-determination . For many Hawaiians self-determination does not necessarily translate to seeking independence from the United States. There are many models of native American and Pacific Island self-governance that does not require giving up American citizenship. OHA has a constitutional obligation to press forward with a statewide discussion that frames what Hawaiians mean by self-determination/self governance (Ea)with its beneficiaries. 

The idea of revamping the governance model to replicate a Legislative

framework would heighten the level of sophistication in budgeting, decision making, and public accountability. As a political authority OHA Trustees are elected to office by the entire Hawai’i electorate as opposed to a Trust Fund Model (private sector or government) where Trustees are appointed by government leaders. As an electorate driven institution the legislative framework would heighten OHA’s public accountability with its higher level of operational sophistication in its committee structure, administrative structure, budgeting and accounting systems. No question making the shift from Trust to Legislative will require months of navigation and dialogue with Trustees, Hawaiian leaders from various sectors, and beneficiaries. While OHA would still operate under the legal umbrella of Statehood the legislatively framed governance model would, in a profound way, create a non-threatening sense of Hawaiian Nationhood. 

 The Hawaiian community has a record of influencing state public policy down through the years. The issues are sprinkled across various state departments and when serious enough ends up being discussed in the governor’s cabinet for discussion and recommendations. But more often than not, by the time an issue reaches the cabinet level it’s too late to calm the waters. The Mauna Kea Thirty Meter Telescope debacle is a primary example. Having the OHA chair sit in on cabinet meetings will help avoid the public embarrassment of being asleep at the wheel. The OHA Chair can represent a Hawaiian community perspective as issues pop-up at the cabinet level. 

 There is no adjudicating body, with the state or the Hawaiian community, with any authority to officially rule on claims of cultural injury. The Thirty Meter Telescope debacle is an example. Since 1819 when the Hawaiian Religion was completely dismantled in the Battle of Kuamo’o, the Hawaiian Priesthood, who had jurisdiction over all such cultural claims, was banished to the underbrush. Today, opposing parties have no way of resolving conflict in the absence of any established public authority to rule on a disputed cultural claim. Hawaiian cultural claims has a profound influence on land use, environmental issues, and cultural practices. This is an issue that impacts all Hawai’i – not just Hawaiians. I believe OHA has an obligation to, at least within its own structure, institute a way to adjudicate and rule with authority on claims of cultural injury. 

Based on past complaints OHA’s grant application process needs refining to show a little mercy for small grant applicants. According to complaining applicants the application process seems to be one size fits all and appears geared toward large grant applicants applying for thousands of dollars. I would strongly encourage OHA administration to (1) provide staff assistance to small request applicants who need help filing, and/or (2) set-up a simplified application process for small requests.

 Of all the Hawaiian cultural priorities music and the arts profoundly provide the most embracing and celebratory umbrella of cultural expression that burns deep in the transgenerational passing of cultural pride, dignity, spirituality, and celebration of life. For decades now Hawaiian artists, musicians, and cultural practitioners struggle to survive. Yet, they are so fundamental to Hawai’i’s framework of global identity, dignity, and sense of nationhood it seems that it would be a logical and welcomed program to establish an OHA Special Fund for Musicians, Artists, and Cultural Practioners that would provide financial support to the Hawaiian Music & Art community. 

Creating a 360 degree digital framework that defines and frames every aspect of what constitutes the 21st Century Hawaiian community - its institutions, cultural programs and landscapes, economics, and its spread of geo-cultural communities located across the island chain.  OHA does not need legislative or congressional approval to create a framework of what could be referred to as a virtual Hawaiian Nation.