COMMENTARY
It's 'kau inoa' time for all Hawaiians
By Charles Rose
Native Hawaiians took the first step toward the establishment of a new Native Hawaiian government this weekend.
Yesterday, the anniversary of the overthrow of Queen Lili'uokalani, Hawaiians representing a variety of perspectives on sovereignty and self-governance marched together to kau inoa — signiup — to participate in the creation of a government to represent the indigenous people of the Hawaiian Islands.
Those who signed up yesterday are the first of 100,000 Native Hawaiians we believe will participate in this historic process.
The dismissal of the Arakaki lawsuit last week removes an immediate threat to Native Hawaiian programs and initiatives to perpetuate our culture and history. But it is only with the creation of a Hawaiian governing body that we can solidify Native Hawaiian rights.
The state of Hawai'i and the international community have recognized the overthrow of the Hawaiian nation as an illegal act by the United States. A process of reconciliation has begun, and the Native Hawaiian people have the opportunity to again assert their inherent right to self-determination.
What could a Native Hawaiian government do for its people?
Generally, governments protect people's rights and provide a means for justice and security. Common services provided by a government include healthcare, education, economic development, social-service programs, emergency services, and resource management and protection.
The ultimate form of government — be it total independence, nation-within-a-nation or free association — must be decided upon and ratified by the Native Hawaiian people.
This effort will require six basic steps:
• Registering all those of Native Hawaiian ancestry.
• Choosing representatives or delegates to an 'aha or convention.
• Convening an 'aha or convention to develop and draft governing documents.
• Approval of those documents by a majority of Native Hawaiians.
• Implementation of the governing documents.
• Completing the transition of authority, assets and resources.
What is the first step?
Kau inoa. Sign up and register to participate and vote. An official list of Native Hawaiians who want to participate is being established. There is no blood quantum requirement. All Native Hawaiians are welcome to register. Fill out the form and gather family records, birth certificates and other relevant documents that show your Native Hawaiian ancestry. Become a part of the process. Talk with your neighbors and community. Then vote or run for a delegate position.
Why is there a registration process?
To form a new government, a list must first be compiled of those who want to participate in the formation or establishment of the government. You must sign up and declare your intent to participate in a process to create a Native Hawaiian governing entity, and to be included on an official list.
If you do not sign up to vote or participate, someone else will decide the fate of Hawai'i Nei.
Where can I get a registration form?
You can obtain a kau inoa form from most Hawaiian organizations, the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands, or the Office of Hawaiian Affairs. You can download the form at www.GoHawaiianNation.com or www.OHA.org. Other Hawaiian Web sites will soon have the form.
We ask all Native Hawaiians to step up now and kau inoa. In the words of King Kamehameha I:
"Imua e na poki'i a inu i ka wai 'awa'awa. 'A'ohe hope e ho'i mai ai." ("Move forward, brothers and sisters, and drink of the bitter waters. There is no turning back, there is no retreat." )
Charles Rose is president of the Association of Hawaiian Civic Clubs.
