COMMENTARY
Six steps to formation of Hawaiian nationhood
By Clyde Namu'o
Clyde Namu'o is administrator of the Office of Hawaiian Affairs.
As the new year begins, the Office of Hawaiian Affairs is working with other organizations, the Ali'i trusts, and the Native Hawaiian community to build a Hawaiian Nation.
The first historic step toward building a new nation will occur this Saturday, Jan. 17, the 111th anniversary of the illegal overthrow of the Kingdom of Hawaii.
Native Hawaiian sovereignty and self-determination have loomed in the Native Hawaiian community since 1893. Now, more than ever, a sense of urgency fuels the movement for self-governance and the stand against those who would deny Native Hawaiians their inherent rights as the indigenous people of Hawai'i.
OHA is in Federal Court tomorrow to fight such a challenge by a vocal minority of Hawai'i residents. OHA is gratified that the majority of the state's non-Hawaiian community continue to support programs for Hawaiians.
Other indigenous peoples in the United States, Canada and around the world have faced similar struggles. Native Hawaiians have often looked to the victories and continuing efforts of other native peoples for insight and support. In so doing, a number of common, democratic elements have been identified in order to form a nation: The Six Steps to Nationhood.
1. Register all Hawaiians to vote. This starts on Saturday at 11 a.m. at Ali'iolani Hale. This would establish an official roster or list of Native Hawaiians. Those who register Saturday and in the coming months will be notified of the convening of an 'aha, or constitutional convention, and may choose to run as a delegate and vote for delegates who will recommend a path for Native Hawaiian self-governance. Once a voter registration list has been compiled, it will be time to take the second step.
2. Elect delegates for the 'aha. This step is crucial. The delegates elected to the 'aha, the constitutional convention, will debate various models of self-governance and develop the form of government that will represent the Native Hawaiian people. All forms of sovereignty will be discussed and it will be the responsibility of the elected delegates to represent the interests of their constituents by recommending a path to Hawaiian self-governance.
3. Convene the 'aha. Third along the path to nationhood is to convene the 'aha. This is where the elected delegates will consider the various options for self-governance and how the welfare of the Hawaiian people can best be served. Once the form of self-governance is decided, the delegates will draft organic documents.
These governing documents will be the embodiment of a nation. The draft documents will then be presented to the Hawaiian people who, in step one, registered to participate.
4. Ratification of the governing documents. Step four is the ratification process. The Native Hawaiian people can accept or reject the draft documents in whole or part. Articles that are not accepted may be returned to the 'aha for further consideration. Like the election of delegates in step three, the ratification vote is important to forming a government that is representative and responsive to the Native Hawaiian people.
5. Implement the Hawaiian governing documents. The Native Hawaiian governing entity actually begins to take shape in step five: implementing the governing documents and Hawaiian Constitution. Once ratified by the Hawaiian people, the governing documents can be implemented, if necessary, elections can be held and agencies formed.
6. Formation of the new Hawaiian Nation. Step six completes the transition of authority and assets from the Office of Hawaiian Affairs to the new Hawaiian Nation. OHA will have completed its mission and no longer exist. The Six Steps to Nationhood are really just the starting point. Once a government is formed and officials are in place, the real work begins as services must be provided and jurisdiction must be exercised. With strong foundational participation established in step one, registration, the government formed can be one that is representative and responsive to the unique needs of the Native Hawaiian people and incorporates Hawaiian cultural values and practices.
Realizing a strong Hawaiian nation tomorrow depends upon the participation of the Native Hawaiian people today ... and the support from all Hawai'i residents who have aloha for Hawaiians.
