Posted on: Tuesday, August 10, 2004
Forum planned for Native Hawaiian issues
By Vicki Viotti
Advertiser Staff Writer
The Council for Native Hawaiian Advancement will focus on community development issues at its third annual Native Hawaiian Conference, Aug. 31 to Sept. 3 at the Hilton Hawaiian Village.
The conference — which brings together public policy makers, cultural practitioners and representatives of community organizations — will cover issues such as Native Hawaiian self-governance, cultural preservation, health and education to housing and economic development.
Among confirmed speakers are Hawai'i's congressional delegation — U.S. Sens. Daniel Akaka and Dan Inouye and U.S. Reps. Neil Abercrombie and Ed Case.
Other featured speakers will include: Dee Jay Mailer, Kamehameha Schools chief executive officer; Micah Kane, chairman of the Hawaiian Homes Commission and director of the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands; Constance Lau, Kamehameha trustee and CEO of American Savings Bank; and Mahealani Kamau'u, executive director of the Native Hawaiian Legal Corp.
Akaka will be among the panelists at the Federal Self-Governance Policy Forum, slated for 2:45 p.m. Aug. 31. The discussion will cover the Native Hawaiian federal recognition bill, the history of federal policy toward native nations, Supreme Court cases and sovereignty protection initiatives.
Mayoral candidates will have a forum during a luncheon set for 11:45 a.m. Sept. 2
Topics to be covered in presentations and workshops include strategic community planning, grant resources, Native Hawaiian agencies and programs, economic development, affordable housing and cultural activities.
The Sept. 3 Native Votes Luncheon will celebrate Native Hawaiian public servants and will air ideas on increasing Native Hawaiian community involvement in the political process.
A "Native Voices Concert" will close the event at 6 p.m. Sept. 3 on the Hilton's Lagoon Green. Entertainers will include Maunalua, Kauamakaiwa Lopaka Kanahele and Kainani Kahaunaele, Na Pualei o Likolehua and the Yaaw Tei Yi Alaska Native Dance group.
Sponsors for this year's conference include the Administration for Native Americans, Bank of Hawaii, American Savings Bank, the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands and the Office of Hawaiian Affairs.
The council is a nonprofit organization that coordinates informational events and provides technical assistance and training opportunities to Native Hawaiian communities.
Registration information: 521-5011 or by e-mail, conf@hawaiiancouncil.org. Additional details are online at www.hawaiiancouncil.org.
