It is unfortunate that several indigenous peoples continue to be misled by the Office of Hawaiian Affairs (a quasi-state entity that has been compared to the BIA) and other American establishments (i.e. CNHA and NHOs) who feel they can promote and seek federal recognition on behalf of the kānaka maoli.Yes, there are some Native Hawaiians who desire federal recognition. For the most part, these Native Hawaiians have some form of self-interest (i.e. OHA trustee or employee, NHO president, Executive Director of non-profit receiving funds designated for native and part-Hawaiians) that will be expanded through federal recognition, while the majority of kānaka maoli continue to live in poverty, suffer from poor health, and lack educational opportunities.Contrary to the establishments' messages that kānaka maoli support and favor federal recognition; thousands of kānaka maoli do not support nor desire federal recognition.Instead, these kānaka maoli desire a "fair, free, and impartial process" to determine our future without being forced to consent to federal recognition that would automatically remove independence as an option.Furthermore, it is undemocratic that requested hearings by kānaka maoli on the Akaka Bill (H.B. 2314, S.B. 1011) have not been acknowledged and arranged.Kānaka maoli have never been allowed to present testimony on these measures. In 2000, two days of hearings were held on O`ahu Island, all other hearings were canceled.As a kānaka maoli, I humbly request that you support democratic hearings for the kānaka maoli to voice their concerns about the Akaka Bill and a democratic process that is "fair, free, and impartial" that will allow kānaka maoli to determine their future, rather than giving the Akaka Bill your blanket support.KanakaokawaikaaipohakuHawai`i Island, Hawai`i
Some people still don't get it when it kukae in their face. Just follow the U.S. history and actions here in Hawai'i and compare to what is ongoing with the native Americans and countries thoughout the world that the U.S. has interfered with for its own selfish gain and how the U.S. manipulates and writes their compact and agreements only for its advantage. The U.S. generally reneges on its promises and the incoming generations generally don't abide by the agreements. Some Hawaiians choose to remain in their shell, totally ignorant of the truth and facts that are brought to them. Some people are wrong to place all their eggs in the over-rated President Obama. He is not the panacea for the Hawaiians and he represent the U.S.A. and not Hawai'i. He's okay; but I wouldn't put all my trust in him. They should remember there are three branches of government: Executive; Legislative; and Judicial with plenary authority. Based on their Manifesst Destiny doctrines, they feel it gives them the right to do as they choose and incorporate other countries and its people into its union or hold control of them. It has been posturing democracy and freedom; yet will not agree to restore Hawai'i's democracy and freedom as Hawai'i nationals once possessed in their own country. Your friend should realize that negotiations should be with the Secretary of State and NOT with the Secretary of Interior. Many people have been conditioned to lack confidence in the Hawaiian Kingdom and in themselves and being incapable of governing ourselves. Those people buy into the Sales and Marketing schemes whereby it wouldn't be difficult to sell them the Brooklyn Bridge or a used-car.
Many of us appreciate the things you (Kawehi), Pomai, and others do who are consistent and insistent to present the truth of who we are.
Na kanaka Hawai'i are very informed today especailly the ages 27-60 who have spent 40 years or more actively than that...some people 50 years at least...
One of my friends said, "I'm not ready to give up on the Akaka bill...because she believes that that is the best way to move our nation forward and because the US President is Barack Obama who emulates positive change and hard work, she said it would eliviate all the kings, queens and governments...by going to the feds. That is taking the easy road out but we worry about whose hands we are leaving our country in and worse yet, she unconsciously will allow a foreign government to supercede the truth...that's where she fails and many people will fail in the process.
The hard way is to take years to do it right. I'm not s yes person, like my friend is to the state, OHA, feds, counties etc. when they have to be. Since I spoke about independence back in the 80's up to today, I would say that the model drew interest and drove each person to do something as an individual, family, government, nation and international understanding of the world.
The Akaka bill is a new resolution to get rid of the one that is talked about and so glaringly true that the Akaka bill exists to cover up the truth by replacing it with the lie that the Akaka bill is actually "a way" to gain nationhood.
Independence says that we already have the laws, facts and documented evidences that the federal government has no jurisdiction by international laws on occupation.
ALOHA Kakou, Without holding Public Hearings on the AKaKa BILL thru out Hawaii is just another HEWA act by the United States on her Majesty Queen Liliuokalani, her nation and her people who today.
E Ola Mau Ke Aunpun Moi o Hawaii, o Pomai
The Honorable Nick J. Rahall II, Chairman
The Honorable Doc Hastings, Ranking Member
House Committee on Natural Resources
U.S. House of Representatives
1324 Longworth House Office Building
Washington, DC 20515
RE - OPPOSITION TO H.R. 2314 - Native Hawaiian Government Reorganization Act of 2009
Dear Honorable Rahall, Honorable Hastings, and Members of the House Committee on Natural Resources:
I am writing to submit this testimony in OPPOSITION to H.R. 2314, which seeks to express the policy of the United States regarding the United States relationship with Native Hawaiians and to provide a process of the recognition by the United States of the Native Hawaiian governing entity.
I OPPOSE H.R. 2314: Native Hawaiian Government Reorganization Act of 2009 because of the
lack of hearings held in Hawai`i. In 2000, only one hearing was held on O`ahu Island. All other hearings were canceled. The current and past bills addressing the United States relationship with Native Hawaiians to provide a process of the recognition by the United States of the Native Hawaiian governing entity were subsequently redrafted and amendments were added with no input or testimony from the Hawaiian people. For 9 years, Hawaiians have requested that the island wide hearings be rescheduled so that the hundreds of Hawaiians who want to testify can be included and their concerns heard.
In the 9 years during which time the proposed legislation Native Hawaiian Government Reorganization Act has evolved, the Hawai`i Federal Delegation made several concessions to previous federal and state administrations, the goal of which is to maintain the political status of the Hawaiian people as wards of the United States and state of Hawai`i, and to ensure that the vast land and fiscal resources of the Hawaiian people are utilized for US federal and state priorities.
Therefore, I strongly urge you to OPPOSE H.R. 2314.
Sincerely,
Your Name: Joe Enos Farias III
Documented Hawaiian National (2009-070783)
Private Citizen
Address: 850 B Third d Street
Pearl City, Island of Oahu
Ko Hawaii Pae Aina
Comments
Many of us appreciate the things you (Kawehi), Pomai, and others do who are consistent and insistent to present the truth of who we are.
One of my friends said, "I'm not ready to give up on the Akaka bill...because she believes that that is the best way to move our nation forward and because the US President is Barack Obama who emulates positive change and hard work, she said it would eliviate all the kings, queens and governments...by going to the feds. That is taking the easy road out but we worry about whose hands we are leaving our country in and worse yet, she unconsciously will allow a foreign government to supercede the truth...that's where she fails and many people will fail in the process.
The hard way is to take years to do it right. I'm not s yes person, like my friend is to the state, OHA, feds, counties etc. when they have to be. Since I spoke about independence back in the 80's up to today, I would say that the model drew interest and drove each person to do something as an individual, family, government, nation and international understanding of the world.
The Akaka bill is a new resolution to get rid of the one that is talked about and so glaringly true that the Akaka bill exists to cover up the truth by replacing it with the lie that the Akaka bill is actually "a way" to gain nationhood.
Independence says that we already have the laws, facts and documented evidences that the federal government has no jurisdiction by international laws on occupation.
E Ola Mau Ke Aunpun Moi o Hawaii, o Pomai
The Honorable Nick J. Rahall II, Chairman
The Honorable Doc Hastings, Ranking Member
House Committee on Natural Resources
U.S. House of Representatives
1324 Longworth House Office Building
Washington, DC 20515
RE - OPPOSITION TO H.R. 2314 - Native Hawaiian Government Reorganization Act of 2009
Dear Honorable Rahall, Honorable Hastings, and Members of the House Committee on Natural Resources:
I am writing to submit this testimony in OPPOSITION to H.R. 2314, which seeks to express the policy of the United States regarding the United States relationship with Native Hawaiians and to provide a process of the recognition by the United States of the Native Hawaiian governing entity.
I OPPOSE H.R. 2314: Native Hawaiian Government Reorganization Act of 2009 because of the
lack of hearings held in Hawai`i. In 2000, only one hearing was held on O`ahu Island. All other hearings were canceled. The current and past bills addressing the United States relationship with Native Hawaiians to provide a process of the recognition by the United States of the Native Hawaiian governing entity were subsequently redrafted and amendments were added with no input or testimony from the Hawaiian people. For 9 years, Hawaiians have requested that the island wide hearings be rescheduled so that the hundreds of Hawaiians who want to testify can be included and their concerns heard.
In the 9 years during which time the proposed legislation Native Hawaiian Government Reorganization Act has evolved, the Hawai`i Federal Delegation made several concessions to previous federal and state administrations, the goal of which is to maintain the political status of the Hawaiian people as wards of the United States and state of Hawai`i, and to ensure that the vast land and fiscal resources of the Hawaiian people are utilized for US federal and state priorities.
Therefore, I strongly urge you to OPPOSE H.R. 2314.
Sincerely,
Your Name: Joe Enos Farias III
Documented Hawaiian National (2009-070783)
Private Citizen
Address: 850 B Third d Street
Pearl City, Island of Oahu
Ko Hawaii Pae Aina