A Little Extra Aloha at the Capitol

Earlier this week, students, teachers, and families from ‘Halau Lokahi, a Hawaiian immersion charter school, made a visit to the Capitol to celebrate the opening of the Makahiki festivities. Kumu Hinaleimoana Wong-Kalu led the school in a procession where they were greeted by Rep. Faye Hanohano (Puna), who joined in their oli (chant) and hoo kupu (gift giving to the ahu).

Kumu Hinaleimoana Wong-Kalu has also been working with Rep. Hanohano’s office to put on a series of Hawaiian language classes for lawmakers this session.

“As a Hawaiian and as a lawmaker, it brings me great joy to see the success of Hawaiian immersion schools like ‘Halau Lokahi,” said Rep. Hanohano. “Language is at the heart of culture; the preservation and resurrection of the Hawaiian language ensures the future of our culture.”

Taro Task Force Briefs Lawmakers

The House Committee on Agriculture held an informational briefing to discuss issues of public concern regarding the current and future availability of taro and the protection and availability of taro producing lands. Representatives from the Taro Task Force briefed the Committee on the current state and possible future of taro in Hawaii then fielded questions.

The Task Force was established in 2008 and is composed of 18 members representing all of the major stakeholders regarding taro. Their recommendations included improving access to water in taro growing communities, increased apple snail containment and control, identifying and controlling invasive kalo varieties, and furthering the “board and stone in every home” movement.

Committee on Agriculture Chair Rep. Jessica Wooley scheduled the briefing to better inform committee members of the state of taro in Hawaii, so they will have as much information as possible when considering current legislation relating to Hawaii’s most culturally significant crop.

Mana Ai Daniel Anthony provided lawmakers with a taste of what's at stake

Decision making on HB484and HB734, both dealing with the protection of taro, will take place tomorrow at 8:00 am in Conference Room 325 of the State Capitol.

OHA Kaka'ako Land Settlement Advances in House

Earlier today, the House Committee on Water, Land, & Ocean Resources and Committee on Hawaiian Affairs held a joint hearing for legislation regarding the state's proposed transfer of Kaka'ako Makai lands to the Office of Hawaiian Affairs (OHA).

SB2783 conveys the Kaka'ako Makai lands to OHA, resolving all disputes and controversies relating to OHA's portion of income and proceeds from the public trust lands from November 7, 1978 and June 30, 2012.

SB682 allows for two lots in the proposed Kaka'ako Makai settlement package to be developed as residential properties that are exempt from public facilities fees, providing for at least twenty percent of the units are designated for low to moderate income households.

Governor Abercrombie submitted written testimony and appeared before the Committees to field questions on the two bills. The Committees adopted both pieces of legislation, with nine members voting with reservations and one 'no' vote on SB682. Both bills will now advance to the House Committee on Judiciary.

Gov. Abercrombie was joined by Attorney General David Louie

'Aina Mauna Legacy Project

This morning, the House Committee on Hawaiian Affairs held an informational briefing on the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands (DHHL) "'Aina Mauna Legacy Program." The mission of the program is to protect over 56,000 acres of native Hawaiian forest that is ecologically, culturally, and economically self-sustaining for the DHHL beneficiaries and the community. The project is considered a legacy project because it will take several generations to come to fruition.

Picture courtesy of the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands

The initial phase of the program has three main goals: to restore and protect native forests, eradicate gorse (an invasive species of prickly brush), and eradicate ungulates, including cattle, goats, sheep, and pigs. Once these goals are realized, homestead and commercial development will begin on parts of the 'Aina Mauna lands.

The 'Aina Mauna Legacy Program is part of the DHHL's Ho'omalu Energy Program which aims to:

Malama 'aina: Respect and protect our native home lands

Ko'o: Facilitate the use of diverse renewable energy resources

Kukulu pono: Design and build homes and communities that are energy efficient, self-sufficient, and sustainable

Kokua no i na kahu: Provide energy efficiency, self-sufficiency, and sustainability opportunities to existing homesteaders and their communities

Ho'ona'auao: Prepare and equip beneficiaries to promote a green, energy efficient lifestyle in and around communities

The 'Aina Mauna Legacy Program is supported by Kamehameha Schools, Queen Lili'uokalani Trust, Queen Emma Land Company, Office of Hawaiian Affairs, Royal Order of Kamehameha I, Kahea Hawaiian-Environmental Alliance, Kuakini Hawaiian Civic Club of Kona, Hawai'i Island Economic Development Board, Hawai'i Island Chamber of Commerce, Hawai'i Forest Industry Association, The Nature Conservancy, Hawai'i Audubon Society, Concervation Council for Hawai'i The Trust for Public Lands, Big Island Invasive Species Committee, University of Hawai'i, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, and the U.S. Army.

For more information on the project, click here.

Hawaiian Affairs

Leialoha “Rocky” Kaluhiwa testifies in support of HB2806

The Committee on Hawaiian Affairs and the Committee on Water, Land, & Ocean Resources reconvened yesterday to announce their decisions on several pieces of legislation, including the closely watched HB2521, which would transfer Kaka'ako Makai lands to the Office of Hawaiian Affairs. The Committees deferred the measure and will wait for the Senate version of the bill to cross over into the house before taking a vote.

The Committee on Hawaiian Affairs adopted multiple pieces of legislation designed to enhance the well-being of Native Hawaiians as well as the state as a whole. Among these bills were HB2806, establishing an aha moku advisory committee within DLNR; HB2807, requiring a comprehensive financial audit of the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands; and HB2809, designating October as "Kalo Appreciation Month."

Chair Hanohano taking the DoE to task for their lack of support of HB2875

HB2875, requiring reading, math, science, and other assessments administered to students in grades three through six of the department of education's Hawaiian language immersion program to be developed originally in the Hawaiian language, was also adopted by the Committee. The bill received a tremendous outpouring of support from individual citizens, various community organizations, and the Office of Hawaiian Affairs. The only testimony that was not in support of HB2875 came from the Department of Education, whose representative, Cara Tanimura, said, "we would support the bill provided it doesn't impact the budget." Chair Hanohano took exception to the manner in which the DoE handles Native Hawaiian Affairs and gave them a sharp rebuke which was applauded by Rep. Gene Ward.

The Senate Committee on Hawaiian Affairs will announce its decision on its version of the Kaka'ako Makai land transfer on Monday, February 13th. The announcement can be viewed here. 

OHA Kaka'ako Land Bill HB2521

Gov. Abercrombie testifies in support of HB2521

HB2521 is an Administration bill aimed at resolving the State's $200 million debt to the Office of Hawaiian Affairs relating to ceded land receipts between November 7, 1978 and July 1, 2012. The bill would transfer 30 acres of land at Kaka'ako Makai to OHA, permanently settling the debt without the State paying any cash. Governor Abercrombie personally submitted testimony before the Committee on Hawaiian Affairs and the Committee on Water, Land, & Ocean Resources, who held a joint session to address HB2521.

There was overwhelming support for the measure from the administration, OHA, numerous native Hawaiian organizations, and the community at large. Despite the strong support, questions still remain regarding critical aspects of the legislation. The primary concern is whether or not the 30 acres of land at Kaka'ako Makai have a high enough value to satisfy the court decision. Environmental sensitivity led to a moratorium on residential development on the the land in question. This prohibition devalues the land by restricting potential revenue streams. In an effort to give lawmakers additional time to resolve this issue and more, decision making on the bill was deferred by Chairs Hanohano and Chang.

A standing-room only crowd attended the hearing

The Boards will make their decision and vote on HB2521 Thursday, February 8th at 11:15am in room 329 of the Capitol. The hearing notice may be viewed here.

The Kaka'ako Makai land that HB2521 would award to OHA

Committee on Hawaiian Affairs: Hawaiian Language

It's not common to leave a committee hearing with chicken skin, but it was unavoidable to walk out of today's Committee on Hawaiian Affairs hearing regarding legislation pertaining to Hawaiian language, unmoved. Testimony was heard regarding three bills: HB1973 relating to Hawaiian language immersion programs, HB1984 which would make February "Olelo Hawaii Month," and HB1986 which deals with developing appropriate assessment tests for students enrolled in the Hawaiian language immersion program. The cultural significance and overall merit of the proposed legislation itself evokes an emotional response, but the heartfelt testimony of dozens of keiki, kapuna, and educators on behalf of their future, the future of the Hawaiian language, and the future of Hawai'i, was a force more powerful than words can express. For two hours this morning, room 329 of the Capitol was filled with pure aloha.

Hawaiian language immersion students testifying before the Committee

All of the testimony presented to the Committee was in support of the legislation, with the biggest opponent - the DOE - not sending a single representative to the hearing. Representatives from OHA, UH, the Hawaiian language schools themselves, and parents provided the committee with articulate, poignant, and compelling testimony in favor of this legislation that means so much to them; to all of us. At one point in the hearing, the students from all of the schools present joined together to perform a song in Hawaiian for the committee. Unsurprisingly, all three measures passed, but the real test will come when the legislation moves to the Finance Committee to discuss funding.

If you recognize the value of reviving, restoring, and celebrating the Hawaiian language, please contact your representative or Rep. Hanohano (Hawaiian Affairs Committee chair) and voice your support. Mahalo.

Supporters of Kahana Valley ohana to rally at Capitol

A demonstration will be held at the Hawaii State Capitol Wednesday, July 8 at 11 a.m. to support a bill that implements the recommendations made by a study conducted by the Legislative Reference Bureau in 2001 regarding the living park concept at Kahana Valley. The bill would allow the state to negotiate new leases for residents of state parks and keep six families from eviction.

House Bill 1552 authorizes the Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR) to issue long-term leases to Kahana Valley residents; establishes a planning council to develop a state living park Master Plan; and establishes a 2-year moratorium on evictions of Kahana Valley residents. The bill was introduced by Rep. Jessica Wooley.

The six families were given notice of eviction by DLNR in June 2008 and had until the end of October 2008 to vacate the valley. An opinion made in March 2008 by the state Attorney General Mark Bennett said that the state no longer had the right to issue new leases as of 1993.

Because of support from the community and state lawmakers, DLNR Chairperson Laura H. Thielen announced in November 2008 that the state would not take action to evict the residents in order to allow the Legislature to consider revisions to Hawaii law to address these issues.

However, Governor Linda Lingle placed HB 1552 on her list of potential vetoes. The veto explanation states "special interest legislation that establishes a moratorium against the eviction of Kahana Valley residents, even when there are illegal activities occurring on the premises or these tenants fail to pay their rents and fulfill certain legal obligations to live in the valley."

Trisha Kehaulani Watson has a great post with the video "Keep da Mana in Kahana" on her Honolulu Advertiser blog "He Hawaii Au".

Carroll on KITV4 panel discussion on ceded lands

Rep. Mele Carroll, chairwoman of the Hawaiian Affairs Committee, will be a panelist in a live discussion on ceded lands airing on KITV4 Friday, February 20, 2009 at 7 p.m. Other guests include former Gov. John Waihee, Senate President Colleen Hanabusa, and Chair of OHA Board of Trustees Haunani Apoliona with moderator Skylark Rossetti. The show will also be broadcast online at www.kitv.com.

The Legislative Hawaiian Caucus, which Rep. Carroll is the chairwoman of, supported a full moratorium on ceded lands and introduced legislation that prohibits the state from selling and transferring ceded lands in the public trust. Carroll and the caucus support the Hawaii State Supreme Court decision which prevents the State from selling ceded lands until native Hawaiian claims to the land are settled. The United States Supreme Court is reviewing an appeal by Gov. Linda Lingle requesting that the decision be overturned.

HB1667 passed out of the Committee on Hawaiian Affairs earlier this month and must be heard and passed by Water, Land & Ocean Resources and Judiciary Committee before heading to Finance.

House Committee unanimously passes “ceded lands” bills

On the same day that Congress reintroduced the Akaka Bill, the House Hawaiian Affairs Committee unanimously passed three separate bills that would place a moratorium on the sale of “ceded lands.”

House Bill 1667, put forward by the Legislative Hawaiian Caucus, proposes to prohibit the Board of Land and Natural Resources from selling, exchanging, or otherwise alienating “ceded lands” in the public land trust.

“I believe there is a fiduciary responsibility of the State to Native Hawaiians,” said Rep. Mele Carroll, who serves as chair of the Hawaiian Affairs Committee and the Legislative Hawaiian Caucus.

House Bill 1667 received an overwhelming amount of support including testimony from the Office of Hawaiian Affairs, Kamehameha Schools, Malama Kaua‘i, Alan Murakami of the Native Hawaiian Legal Corporation, Aha Kiole Advisory Committee, Japanese American Citizens League, Kupa‘aina Coalition, Chairman Kali Watson of Sovereign Councils of the Hawaiian Homelands Assembly, Life of the Land, Royal Order of Kamehameha I, and many community and individual supporters.

Attorney General Mark Bennett, who submitted testimony in opposition to all House bills addressing “ceded lands,” including House Bill 1667, said he feels the purpose of this bill is to deflect a U.S. Supreme Court ruling.” On February 25, the highest court in the United States is scheduled to hear oral arguments on the appeal put forth by Gov. Linda Lingle to reverse the Hawai‘i State Supreme Court’s ruling that the state cannot sell or transfer “ceded lands.”

Committee members had a lengthy discussion with A.G. Mark Bennett, Professor Vandyke and Clyde Namu‘o, Administrator of OHA, airing out the arguments of a moratorium on the sale and transfer of “ceded lands.”

In support of a moratorium on “ceded lands,” University of Hawai‘i constitutional law professor Jon Van Dyke told the Committee that the Legislature indicated the State’s commitment to resolving unsettled land disputes with the Native Hawaiian people when it created OHA in the 1978 Constitutional Convention.

“The bills that you are now considering are what the Supreme Court of Hawai‘i has already said,” Van Dyke said. “All we’re doing is asking this body to reaffirm what is already in the law.”


A.G. Bennett mentioned that if the State of Hawai‘i fails in their appeal to the U.S. Supreme Court, he anticipates that the state will be dealing lawsuits citing Amendment 14 and the Equal Protection Act.

Any 14th Amendment lawsuit that would arise from a moratorium, as indicated by the Attorney General, was “bewildering,” Van Dyke said.

OHA Administrator Clyde Namuo said, “I find it troubling that we can just discuss this purely at an academic and legal level.” He explained that disregarding the cultural and moral intents of protecting lands part of reconciliation between the State and Native Hawaiians was frustrating.

“When you talk about putting a moratorium on the sale of these ‘ceded lands,’ it doesn’t stop the economic and the legal process from moving forward,” said Kali Watson, former Director of the Department of Hawaiian Homelands. “View it as an interim measure to facilitate a just measure in the near future.”

Mahealani Cypher, President of the Ko‘olaupoko Hawaiian Civic Club, said: “We find it almost unbelievable that anyone with any self respect would stand up here and say we shouldn’t pass this law. We urge you to put your minds, hearts, and voices into advocating for justice for the Hawaiian people.” She asks the committee to support this legislation to protect the trust.

At the hearing, Rep. Della Au Bellati acknowledged Rep. Mele Carroll’s leadership in creating a transparent process with the community and in uniting lawmakers on the issue of “ceded lands.”

“The outcome was a victory today,” explains Chair, Rep. Mele Carroll.

The House Hawaiian Affairs Committee voted unanimously with all members present to support the legislation on a moratorium of the sale and transfer of ceded lands that were heard today in the hearing.

Another important measure that passed today included House Bill 1660, which recognizes Hawaiians as the indigenous people of Hawai‘i.

The House Hawaiian Affairs Committee consists of Rep. Mele Carroll (Chair), Rep. Maile Shimabukuro (Vice Chair), Rep. Della Au Bellati, Rep. Joe Bertram III, Rep. Tom Brower, Rep. John Mizuno, Rep. Scott Nishimoto, Rep. Ryan Yamane, and Rep. Gene Ward.

The Ledge: GMO Taro

In this episode of "The Ledge" you will hear a plea to lawmakers from a kanaka maoli to protect the Hawaiian taro.

The issue of genetically modified taro comes up again this legislative session. Three bills that you should keep an eye on include:

HB1663, which proposes to prohibit any kind of testing, development, importation or planting of genetically modified taro in Hawaii. This bill was introduced by the Hawaiian Legislative Caucus, chaired by Rep. Mele Carroll.

SB709, which places a moratorium on genetically modifying any Hawaiian taro in Hawaii and testing, planting, or growing any Hawaiian taro within the State that has been genetically modified outside the State. This bill was introduced by Senator Kalani English.

HB904, which appropriates funds for the taro security and purity task force to guide policy and prioritize research for the protection of taro in Hawaii. This bill was introduced by Rep. Calvin Say by request. It is part of the Office of Hawaiian Affairs' legislative package.

None of these bills have yet to be scheduled for a hearing.

Legislative Hawaiian Caucus speaks with Native Hawaiian health community

By: Travis Quezon
Office of Rep. Mele Carroll

Rep. Mele Carroll and the Legislative Hawaiian Caucus met with leaders and practitioners in the Native Hawaiian health community at a meeting on Jan. 15.
Caucus members heard concerns from members of Hui No Ke Ola Pono, a non-profit that provides community-based health care services on Maui; Papa Ola Lokahi, a clearinghouse for data and timely information associated with the health status of Native Hawaiians; Mental Health Alliance; and Community Health Centers in Rural Areas.

“It’s a rare occasion, quite frankly, that we have been invited to speak in front of legislators,” said David Peters of the Kaua‘i Community Health Center. “We at Papa Ola Lokahi look at new initiatives to integrate into Native Hawaiian health care systems. … Initially, you could count the number of researchers on one hand. Now there are nearly 150 researchers [working with us].”

Rep. Karen Awana asked if Papa Ola Lokahi and Hui No Ke Ola Pono looks into different kinds of alternative medicines.


“The whole idea of traditional healthcare practices are organic to the Native Hawaiian Healthcare Act,” Papa Ola Lokahi’s Hardy Spoehr replied. The Native Hawaiian Healthcare Act was created by Congress to develop outreach programs addressing the unique health needs of Native Hawaiians, who were found to have suffered greatly from the early onset of chronic disease and other adverse health conditions.

Tom Foye, Planning and Development Director of Papa Ola Lokahi, described how many non-profit healthcare organizations are at risk during economic times because they are dependent solely on federal funding.

“We’re very much at risk because we have one funding source in Washington: Sen. Daniel Inouye,” Foye said. He explained to the caucus that they should look at funding community healthcare organizations through diversification and solid strategic planning.

“We hope that we can continue this conversation in all forums,” Rep. Mele Carroll said to the healthcare practitioners.

Alex Santiago spoke to the caucus on behalf of the Mental Health Alliance. As part of ongoing budget cuts throughout state departments, the Adult Mental Health Services division announced in November that it will be cutting over $25 million from its FY2009 budget by cutting services.

“We are not going to stand by and watch as we try to balance the budget on the backs of the poor,” Santiago said. “What we are going to try to do is bring the word to you [the Legislative Hawaiian Caucus].”

Rep. Pono Chong said that lawmakers need to hear from the community where cuts would be better made. “The state, unlike the federal government, cannot borrow money to operate,” he said.

Santiago replied, “We’ve been doing a lot with less. We’re willing to do more with less. We’re willing to collaborate. However, we’re at the point where critical services for the most needy are being cut.”

Rep. Mele Carroll asked Santiago if finding new ways to generate money has been part of the discussion within the mental health community.

Santiago said that all options are being discussed. “Whatever it is we do to get revenue, we have to make sure the money is going to the things we care about,” he said. “There’s a willingness of everyone to come to the table to find a solution.”

Attorney General, Hawaii civil attorneys and DHHL to speak with Legislative Hawaiian Caucus about ‘ceded lands’

By: Travis Quezon
Office of Rep. Mele Carroll

The Legislative Hawaiian Caucus will hear concerns from Attorney General Mark Bennett and other civil attorneys about Hawaii’s “ceded lands” on Thursday, January 22.

Legislative Hawaiian Caucus meeting
Thursday, January 22, 2009
From 4 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. at State Capitol room 423

Attorney Sherry Broder is scheduled to update the caucus on the legal challenges to preserve lands for Native Hawaiians. Broder has represented the Office of Hawaiian Affairs in obtaining entitlement to “ceded lands” revenues and was the chief attorney for OHA from 1986 to 2002. Broder also had been elected the first woman president of the Hawaii State Bar Association.

Rep. Mele Carroll, chair of the Legislative Hawaiian Caucus, has been working closely with various Native Hawaiian organizations to create a dialogue with Hawaii lawmakers.

Last Saturday, Rep. Mele Carroll and the Legislative Hawaiian Caucus were invited to take part in the Ku I Ka Pono March to protect Hawaiian lands. Community activists are seeking the support of the caucus to oppose the Lingle Administration’s attempt to move forward with selling what is now known as “ceded lands.” Activists are also seeking the caucus’ help in preparing legislation that will set a moratorium against selling those lands.

Micah Kane, Chair of the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands, is also scheduled to speak.

At a House Finance Committee last week, on Jan. 14, Kane said that the last fiscal year was the largest construction year in terms of dollars in the history of the Hawaiian Home Lands trust. Kane also credited the progress to the development of a retail facility in Kapolei with DeBartolo, LLC, which provided 4,500 jobs.

“We see that as the job center for our families to live and work in that community,” Kane said. “Also, the revenue goes toward Native Hawaiians.”

At the Finance Committee meeting, Rep. Mele Carroll asked if DHHL has dealt with any water issues regarding water infrastructure.

Kane replied that while there is an integrated system on Maui, the county is currently in a situation where there is a master plan, but has no money to execute the operation.

“There is utility availability in many of these counties, but they are obligated to various developers,” Kane said.

He would like to see the government given more authority to hold infrastructure to allow projects to move ahead more quickly.

“Thank you for all you have done [at DHHL],” Rep. Mele Carroll said. “I know my district is very challenging and you folks have been very diligent in handling the issues.”

Carroll to speak at Ku I Ka Pono rally

Representative Mele Carroll and Senator Clayton Hee will speak this Saturday, January 17, 2009 at a rally to protect Hawaiian ceded lands. The rally, which will be at Kapiolani Park, will follow a Ku I Ka Pono march that begins at Saratoga and Kalakaua at 10 a.m.

Organizers of the march are seeking the support of the Legislative Hawaiian Caucus in their efforts to urge Governor Linda Lingle to quash an appeal asking the U.S. Supreme Court to overturn a ruling by the Hawaii Supreme Court that barred the state from selling ceded lands until Native Hawaiian claims are resolved. Activists are also pursuing assistance from the caucus to help draft legislation to protect ceded lands until the claims are settled.

The Office of Hawaiian Affairs announced this week that they have already drafted a bill for introduction this session to impose a moratorium on the sale of ceded lands by the state. According to a story in the Honolulu Advertiser, several lawmakers are likely to introduce their own versions of a moratorium bill.

Ku I Ka Pono Rally & March Details:

What: March
Day: Saturday, January 17
Time: 10 a.m.
Where: Saratoga and Kalakaua (march ends at Kapiolani Park)

What: Rally
Day: Saturday, January 17
Time: 11:30 a.m.
Where: Kapiolani Park

Visit www.stopsellingcededlands.com for more information, or call Kaho'onei Panoke at 224-8068.

Photo: The Maui News

Public invited to meetings on native Hawaiian programs

A series of public meetings to discuss the impact of native Hawaiian programs on Hawaii communities will begin on Monday, July 7 at 5:30 p.m. in Kapolei. The weeklong sessions, sponsored by the National Conference of State Legislatures (NCSL), will bring state and federal leaders and the native Hawaiian community together to address concerns and identify possible solutions.

In addition to Kapolei, meetings will be held in Nanakuli, Waianae, Papakolea and Waimanalo.

Members of the NCSL are traveling to Hawaii to talk about the successes and failures of public assistance programs for native Hawaiian communities and comparing them to those of native Alaskan and native American Indian communities.

The public is invited to share their thoughts on community issues, the current state and federal programs that are available today, and possible initiatives that will further benefit the native Hawaiian community.

The special sessions will be held on July 7, Monday at 5:30 p.m. at the Kapolei Hale Conference Room; July 8, Tuesday at 6 p.m. in Nanakuli at the Ka Waihona o ka Na'auao School Cafeteria; July 9, Wednesday at 6 p.m. at the Waianae Intermediate School Cafeteria; July 10, Thursday at 6 p.m. in Papakolea at the Robert Louis Stevenson Middle School Cafeteria; and July 11, Friday at 6 p.m. at the Waimanalo Public Library.

Representative Karen Awana (District 44 – Honokai Hale, Nanakuli, Lualualei, Maili) and members of the non-partisan Native Hawaiian Caucus will also be present to hear from the Hawaiian community about how programs are impacting and affecting their families and lifestyle.

"Indigenous peoples of America and the Hawaiian Islands share a common bond: to perpetuate and preserve their heritage, culture and language, and these meetings will help provide a venue for communities to achieve this." said Rep. Awana.

The Kellogg Foundation and the Council for Native Hawaiian Advancement (CNHA) are also sponsoring the community meetings.

For more information and to register, please contact CNHA Event Services at 808-596-8155 from Oahu or toll free at 1-800-709-2642 from neighbor islands. A registration form can also be downloaded from www.hawaiiaincouncil.org. Refreshments will be served.

A Capitol Embraced by Culture: Highlights from the Hawaiian Caucus Day

By: Kainoa Horcajo, Office of Rep. Mele Carroll



On Wednesday, March 19, the morning sunshine dawned over the outer walls of the capitol building to illuminate a once-a-year sight of Hawaiian practitioners, non-profit organizations, agencies, and groups benefiting the Hawaiian culture circling the third and fourth floor lanais of the State Capitol.

The 3rd annual Legislative Hawaiian Caucus Day brought together lawmakers and the public to gather information from the various display tables while being serenaded by "Da Mele Trio" and "Lokomaika'i," two of the islands greatest Hawaiian music groups.

Rep. Mele Carroll (D- Paia, Haiku, Keanae, Hana, Moloka‘i, Kalaupapa, Lana'i, and Kaho‘olawe), Chair of the Legislative Hawaiian Caucus, was honored by her colleagues before the festivities for her work in making the event a success and drawing a wide array of the Hawaiian people together.

"What a beautiful day to be at the Legislature. Hawaiians were out in force, educating, playing music, and the State Legislators and public were enjoying themselves," said Rep. Carroll.

The participants included Kaho'olawe Island Reserve Commission; Native Hawaiian Chamber of Commerce; Partners in Development; Prince Kuhio Federal Credit Union; Hawaii Maoli; Molokai Community Health Center; Pacific American Foundation; Alu Like; Kamehameha Schools; Kahea; and The Hawaiian-Environmental Alliance.

Demonstrations of traditional arts and practices included feather-making by Kumu Kaha'i Topolinskys, coconut-plaiting by Pearl Harbor Hawaiian Civic Clubs, beautiful pahu drum-making by John Keoni Turadas, and poi-pounding by taro farmers.

Two floor presentations during the Legislative session recognized the work and success of a few of Hawaii's residents dedicated to preserving and advancing the Hawaiian culture. Rep. Mele Carroll honored Cliff Hashimoto, a Hana resident, who achieved the rank of Ali'i Nui and Grand Master, the highest honor bestowed upon a member of The Royal Order of Kamehameha. Hashimoto, a Kamehameha School's graduate and retired First Lieutenant in the Marine Corps, is now the head of one of the oldest societies in the islands. Rep. Angus McKelvey (D-Lahaina, Kaanapali, Kapalua, Maalaea, Kihei) honored the 2007 Grammy Award Winners of the Hawaiian Music category.

Bill to Create 'Aha Moku Councils goes before Governor

Rep. Mele Carroll (District 13 - Kahoolawe, Molokini, Lanai, Molokai, Keanae, Wailua, Nahiku, Hana) announced that the legislature has passed SB 1853, establishing an ‘aha kiole advisory committee to advise the legislature in creating an ‘Aha Moku Council Commission to assist in the formation of regional 'aha moku councils. These councils shall give advisory assistance to the Department of Land and Natural Resources on all matters regarding the management of the State's natural resources. The bill is awaiting the Governor's signature.

The purpose of this Act is to create a system of best practices based on the indigenous resource management practices of moku (regional) boundaries, acknowledging the natural contours of land, the specific resources located within those areas, and the methodology necessary to sustain resources and the community.

The ‘aha moku council system will foster understanding and practical use of knowledge, including native Hawaiian methodology and expertise, to assure responsible stewardship and awareness of the interconnectedness of the clouds, forests, valleys, land, streams, fishponds, and sea. The council system will include the use of community expertise and establish programs and projects to improve communication, education, provide training on stewardship issues throughout the region (moku), and increase education. This measure also appropriates funds for the advisory committee to carry out its duties.

Rep. Carroll serves as the chair of the legislature's Hawaiian Caucus, and is Vice Chair of the Committee on Energy and Environmental Protection.

Photo courtesy of gohawaii.about.com.