EDITORIAL
Let OHA take a stab at Hawaiian nation

The Hawaiian sovereignty movement could pose a formidable force in the Islands. But fragmentation over the last decade has weakened it to the point that there's little or no leadership or direction.

Typically, those who try to formulate a plan for self-determination are mistrusted and discredited. The result is that nothing changes.

In light of that predicament, we commend the state Office of Hawaiian Affairs for attempting to take the lead in nation building. We believe the agency is independent enough to facilitate such an effort without pushing itself as the Hawaiian government.

OHA Chairwoman Haunani Apoliona insists OHA's role would be to assist the Native Hawaiian effort to determine a process to define a native governing entity. This isn't coming out of nowhere.

You might recall that last month, U.S. Interior Secretary Gale Norton said she needed a clearer definition of the type of government Hawaiians envision before the federal government recognizes an indigenous Hawaiian nation.

The bottom line is, somebody has to launch this effort, and OHA has the financial and administrative means to move ahead. Sure, the effort could dissolve in suspicion and accusations, but at least it would have given it its best shot.

For our part, we'd be interested in a poll of all OHA-registered voters to see what kind of model of self-determination Hawaiians want. Such a referendum would give all of us in Hawai'i an indication of which way Hawaiians are leaning. It's time to put an end to the mistrust, fear and inertia that have been built up around self-determination. A truly democratic process, facilitated by OHA, could bring some answers and get the movement on track.