WITH FRIENDS LIKE THIS....YOU CAN FINISH THE SENTENCE......-----------------------------------Testimony of Congresswoman HironoJun 11th, 2009 by admin.TESTIMONY OF CONGRESSWOMAN MAZIE K. HIRONOBEFORE THE HOUSE COMMITTEE ON NATURAL RESOURCESON H.R. 2314THE NATIVE HAWAllAN GOVERNMENT REORGANIZATION ACT OF 20091324 LONGWORTH HOUSE OFFICE BUILDINGWASHINGTON, DCJUNE II , 2009Mr. Chairman, Ranking Member Hastings, and members of the Committee:Thank you for this opportunity to testify today on H.R. 2314, the Native Hawaiian Government Reorganization Act, which provides a measure of justice for the indigenous, native people of the Hawaiian islands.I would like to begin by wishing all of you a happy Kamehameha Day. Today is a state holiday in Hawaii, where we celebrate King Kamehameha I, who united all of the Hawaiian islands and established the Kingdom of Hawaii in 1810. It is for his people, the Native Hawaiians, that H.R. 2314 seeks to end years of injustice and provide a path to self-determination.The Kingdom of Hawaii was overthrown in 1893. Hawaii ’s last monarch, Queen Liliuokalani, was deposed by an armed group of businessmen and sugar planters, who were American by birth or heritage, with the support of U.S. troops. The Queen agreed to relinquish her throne, under protest, to avoid bloodshed. She believed the United States, with which Hawaii had diplomatic relations, would restore her to the throne. It is important to note that the sovereign nation of Hawaii had treaties with other nations, including the United States, including: Great Britain , France, Germany, Italy, Japan, and Russia. As we now know, despite the objections of U.S. President Grover Cleveland, the injustice of the overthrow of an independent nation was allowed to stand, and the Republic of Hawaii was established.In 1898, the United States annexed Hawaii. Prior to annexation, a petition drive organized by Native Hawaiians secured signatures of almost two-thirds of the Native Hawaiian population opposing annexation. The total was 29,000 signatures out of an estimated Native Hawaiian population of 40,000. These historical documents are now a part of our National Archives.Native Hawaiian culture was under siege. The Republic of Hawaii prohibited the use of the Hawaiian language in schools. Everyday use of the Hawaiian language diminished greatly, and it was in danger of dying out. Hula dancing, which had been suppressed by the missionaries and then restored by King Kalaukaua, who preceded Queen Liluokalani, survived but did not flourish. Hawaiians were pressured to assimilate and much of their vibrant culture was lost.In 1903, Prince Jonah Kuhio Kalanianaole was elected to serve as Hawaii’s delegate to Congress. One of his most notable achievements was the passage of the Hawaiian Homes Commission Act of 1920, which set aside some 200,000 acres of land for Native Hawaiians. The reason for the legislation was the landless status of so many Native Hawaiians, who were displaced by newcomers to the islands and became the most disadvantaged population in their native land. Congress passed the Hawaiian Homes Commission Act, which is still in force, in recognition of its trust responsibility toward Native Hawaiians.Hawaii became a state in 1959. Beginning in the late 1960s and early 1970s, a Native Hawaiian cultural rediscovery began in music, hula, language, and other aspects of the culture. This cultural renaissance was inspired by hula masters or kumu hula, who helped bring back ancient and traditional hula; musicians and vocalists, who brought back traditional music and sang in the Hawaiian language; and political leaders, who sought to protect Hawaii’s sacred places and natural beauty.This flourishing of Hawaiian culture was not met with fear in Hawaii, but with joy and celebration and an increased connection with each other. People of all ethnicities in Hawaii respect and honor the Native Hawaiian culture. We are not threatened by the idea of self-determination by Native Hawaiians.In 1978, Hawaii convened a constitutional convention that was designed, in part, to right some of the wrongs done to Native Hawaiians by proposing changes to the state constitution. The constitutional convention created the Office of Hawaiian Affairs or OHA so that Native Hawaiians would have some ability to manage their own affairs on behalf of Native Hawaiians. The people of Hawaii ratified the creation of OHA in the state constitution and voted to allow the trustees of OHA to be elected solely by Native Hawaiians.The provision relating to the election of OHA trustees was challenged in Rice v. Cayetano all the way to the U.S. Supreme Court, which heard the case in 1999. I attended the hearing at the Supreme Court while I was serving as Hawaii’s Lieutenant Governor. The Court ruled that the State of Hawaii could not limit the right to vote in a state election to Native Hawaiians. This decision does not stand for the proposition that Native Hawaiians are non-indigenous people.The 1978 Constitutional Convention, or ConCon as it is known in Hawaii, also laid the ground work for the return of some federal lands to Native Hawaiians, including the island of Kahoolawe, which is currently held in trust for a future Native Hawaiian governing entity. The ConCon also designated the Hawaiian language along with English as the official state languages of Hawaii for the first time since the overthrow in 1893.I was in the Hawaii State Legislature when we approved creation of Hawaiian language immersion schools, recognizing that language is an integral part of a culture and people. The Hawaiian language was in danger of disappearing. Public Hawaiian language preschools, called Punana Leo, were started in 1984. We now have Hawaiian language elementary, middle, and high schools in Hawaii, and a new generation of fluent Hawaiian language speakers are helping to keep this beautiful and culturally important language alive. Other native peoples are looking to the Hawaii model as a means of preserving and perpetuating their native languages.I believe how we treat our native indigenous people reflects our values and who we are as a country. Clearly, there is much in the history of our interactions with the native people of what is now the United States that makes us less than proud. But one of the great attributes of America has always been the ability to look objectively at our history, learn from it, and when possible, to make amends.H.R. 2314 is supported by the great majority of Hawaii’s residents, by its Republican governor, by our State Legislature, and by dozens of organizations. In 2007, the U.S. House of Representatives passed H.R. 505, an earlier version of the bill, by a vote of 261 to 153. This was the second time the House had recognized the need for Native Hawaiian self-determination.The State of Hawaii motto, which was also the motto of the Kingdom of Hawaii, is “Ua mau ke ea 0 ka aina i ka pono,” which translates to “the life of the land is perpetuated in righteousness.” Native Hawaiians, like American Indians and Alaska Natives, have an inherent sovereignty based on their status as indigenous, native people. I urge your support ofH.R. 2314.Mahalo nui loa (thank you very much).ShareThis
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Just a reminder...tonight at 8:30pm on channel 10/PBS is a documentary about Joseph Nawahi...and sure to be worth the watch. Here is a link:http://www.pbshawai i.org/ourproduct ions/BIOGRAPHY_ NAWAHI.pdfDonna
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Maui Weekly -June 24, 2009We all know the story of the annexation ofHawai`i and the arguments for and againstsovereignty. We've heard and read about it adinfinitum.However, Catherine Bauknight's film,Hawai`i, A Voice for Sovereignty, which had itsworld premiere at the Maui Film Festival thispast Sunday, brings new insight.Bauknight, who is also a world-renownedphotographer, has produced a documentary thatlooks at the story with a fresh view and bringsbright-eyed enthusiasm to the telling that makesthe entire issue completely comprehensible andcompelling....Her telling of the imprisonment of QueenLili`uokalani and of the attempt by theplantation owners to exterminate the Hawaiians isheartbreaking. The photograph of the murderersimported by the plantation owners to hunt downthe Hawaiians is chilling....The consequence of the illegal annexation,according to Bauknight's film, is the subjugationand attempted eradication of the Hawaiianculture. A culture defined by the ahupua`asystem, which was destroyed when QueenLili`uokalani was overthrown.Since that time,the film says, Hawai`i has been an occupiedcolony....Read more…
WE NEED TO LISTEN TO OUR KUPUNA...SO PLEASE READ....---------------------------------Kekuni Blaisdell (in full Richard Kekuni Akana Blaisdell), a medical doctor and Hawaiian sovereignty activist.Honolulu Star-Bulletin, July 18, 2005, in an editorial entitled, Cons: Diverse groups fight ‘American Apartheid’, the following is written of Kekuni Blaisdell:Blaisdell "....views the U.S. government as an illegal colonizer of the Hawaiian people using the islands as "a base for its global economic, military and nuclear domination." Blaisdell does not recognize the current government."The Akaka Bill is an attempt to turn us into native Americans so that we can continue under the heel of the U.S. invader and colonizer of our homeland," said Blaisdell, noting that in 1949 Hawaii was listed with the United Nations as eligible for decolonization and could have held a referendum but that native Hawaiians never were told.Blaisdell said any government created under the Akaka Bill would be a "puppet government" of the United States. He said the bill calls for the secretary of the Department of the Interior to recognize or not recognize a native Hawaiian government once it is formed. He said the United States will only accept a government it can manipulate."How can this be self-determination? It's predetermination by the invader and colonial power," he said.Blaisdell, who acknowledges he is considered one of the more radical sovereignty activists, said, "we never were part of the U.S. and were invaded illegally and militarily. It is not up to us to (secede) from the U.S., but it's for the U.S. to withdraw from the military occupation of our homeland."Blaisdell said the bill will not protect against legal assaults such as the pending Arakaki v. Lingle case, which argues Office of Hawaiian Affairs and the Hawaiian Homes Commission Act are race-based and therefore unconstitutional under the Equal Protection clause.Blaisdell said, "Those suits are all from right-wingers who oppose all native people and people of color and accuse us of being racist in our own homeland when all we are trying to do is survive."He said: "The Akaka Bill wants us to accept a lesser, subservient status in our own homeland in order to protect ourselves from actions against us from the United States. But when we see the plight of the American Indians and the Alaska natives, we certainly don't want to be similarly treated and have our lands taken and our trusts violated."
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FREEHAWAII.INFO PRESENTSFREE HAWAI`I TVTHEFREE HAWAI`I BROADCASTING NETWORK"DID YOU CATCH IT?"The Office Of Hawaiian Affairs Snuck Something Past Most People Recently That Could Have A Huge Impact On Your Future.Did You Miss It?Want To Know What It Is?Watch & Find Out.Read more…
Will You Help Now? Help Stop The Akaka Bill! Email This Letter To Washington DC Today!Cut and paste the example below. The deadline is this Thursday. Email to the House Natural Resources Committee to teresa.bravo@mail.house.go v and also fax to (202) 225-1931. Please Note - If emailing your testimony, it must be in a Word or PDF format attached to your email. June 21, 2009 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. Therefore, I strongly urge you to OPPOSE H.R. 2314. Sincerely, Your Name Addressclip8_AkakaBillHo'opunipuni: Myth of Statehood. Clip 8. 5:49Jon Osorio and Kuhio Vogeler respond to Arlene Waimana Grant on the Akaka Bill. Find more videos like this on Statehood Hawaii Read more…
For my family and friends who like KNOW:Lately I am kind of proud to have helped produce this in SOME way... times two because Mehana also received one :)
This is one of my latest projects LOL As in one of my REALLY important projects *LOL*Kekaimalu (5) and Kealani (3) using one of my two laptops. I took these pictures with my Blackberry.This one is of them using my Compaq laptop:
Kekaimalu already knows how to use a desk top. He also knows how to use the touch pad and enter domain names. I taught him some short cuts too. I like to challenge them because I believe in them as in the abilities of ALL HAWAIIAN CHILDREN. Boo! I assume their ability while some teachers assume their disability. Such jerkish downers in this world who try to insult the intelligence of other Hawaiians especially of Hawaiian children... I swear *LOL*One of my latest questions to them: "Have you been working on your summer reading list?" And what... they are only five years old and three years old respectively *LOL*That is one place where I put my money as in people who BELIEVE in ALL Hawaiian children not just the wealthy and/or famous ones. One way to really annoy me is to ignore less fortunate Hawaiian children as though they are invisible... and yes some people REALLY annoy me haha
Ending The US Occupation In Waimanalo An Educational Vigil.June 27, 2009 Bellows 9-1 p.m.
People from the outer islands, Makaha, Kaena and Waimanalo will meet up to: End The Illegal U.S. Occupation on Crown and Government Lands, gifted to the native tenants, the only entity left to defend the lands. Sponsored by various native tenant groups it's intent is to secure the Crown Lands in Waimanalo for the people of Hawai'i to enjoy and the native tenants to take care of their kuleana and not leave it up to the military, OHA, DHHL, DLNR, other businesses or corporations including the city and the federal government. June 27, 2009 Bellows 9-1 p.m.
Statement ofTheRoyal Order of Kamehameha IHeiau O MamalahoaAloha Napo`e O Hawaii ka pae aina and Malahini o AmelikaGreetings and Salutations of Aloha and Aloha Aina from my Ali`i Aimoku Ali`i Sir Paul Neves K.G.C.K., of The Royal Order of Kamehameha I. My name and rank are Alihikaua Ali`i Sir Kalikolehua Kanaele K.C.K., Senoir adviser for Ali`i Aimoku Ali`i Sir Paul Neves K.G.C.K.The Royal Order of Kamehameha I by its commissioners Mauna Kea Anaina Hou and by public Statements, at contested case and court hearings have declared no more development on/in Mauna Kea.The previous Federal EIS have stated irreparable harm and damage, done and more damage and harm will be continued by more development of Mauna Kea. We don't believe that the EA called the State EIS findings are correct, like its previous counter part EA for the Keck outriggers have considerable exaggerations, misrepresentation, which showed up when a real Federal EIS was done, forced by the Federal court.There have been approximately over Hundreds of million of damage to Mauna Kea by development already and more monetary damages will be forthcoming. The Royal Order of Kamehameha I, with other Aloha aina will be contesting the development of TMT and the payment of damages of harm to our sacred Mountains and lands.Again Aloha and aloha aina to all______________________________________Alihikaua Ali`i Sir kalikolehua Kanaele K.C.K.
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June 16, 2009Statement forThe Preservation of Sacred Mauna KeabyAli`i Sir Kalikolehua KanaeleAlohaAloha aina is a key phrase...Aloha Money is also a key phrase....one comes from the Gods and goddesses of this land and the other comes from some eastern culture the white man's bible calls Mammon...sometimes they hide this god behind Jesus...sometimes they hide this god behind the unions...they don't hide it behind Aloha Aina because there is no money to be made...only love and good feelings of beauty, pristine surroundings, that is why the first and foremost reasons for the law of conservation is those reasons.....the observatories are a "sub" or far lesser reason for conservation then for economic gain. To be on conservation lands of the highest priority these are the lands that are like watershed lands..in other words, sorry I made a mistake does not cover the damage done..that's what irreparable means ..the circumvention of these laws and check and balances for private or even for the special interests public gain ARE THE reasons why these laws were put in place..no rampart development in the areas designed as conservation lands..but even there special interests groups and their economic construction and..here's a good one... and farmers have now seen economic gain in the support of circumventing the conservation laws of the the occupier...even the occupier's people must have rules to control their ever widening greed for other peoples lands that they belligerent occupy with their collaborators...that's why we also have International laws for the conservation of of sacred lands in countries that are belligerently occupied for protection from the greed of the special interest groups..who control their legislatures and the business community........the unions...my grandmother Mary Kanaele Fuji grew up Harry kamoku..in those days when sacred, honor, integrity and family weren't confused with making money by desecrating..in fact the unions were made to protect workers rights, if they didn't agree with the company Ok Ok only sometinmes they protected workers rights..who would know that the unions became the company.....I am not for any more development... a lot of changes must be made to the other observatories to conform with the mercury spills, sewage, toxic wates products, oil spills and other toxic agents...our great aquifer must be protected....access rights, worship, family altars...all that needs to be protected for private Hawaiian practitioner and peoples of the lineal descendants from other peoples belief systems or economic gain......please follow your own laws...no matter how much you trivialize our love of the land, our culture...and yes even youselves...we are still here alive and well...we who own this lands..... the US supreme court was right ...its all a matter of private property...check with your title insurance companies... all land title is clouded and if you no pay your taxes you never really owned the land...only the occupying governent by shooting dice, economic warfare and violence....aloha is the way...I hope you have enjoyed living in hawaii and have learned aloha aina if not POHO......Aloha AinaAli`i Sir Kalikolehua Kanaele K.C.K.HCR 3 Box 13124Keaau, Hawaiian Kingdom 96749kaliko@kalikoguys.com
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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`iRead more…
I am the oldest daughter of Alfred Lonoali'i Kahookele. My father is the son of David Kanaloa Keawehaku Kahookele Jr. and Mary Kaohelani Adams. I am the second child born to my mother, Mary-Ellen Leilani Rodrigues. She is the daughter of Francis Rodrigues and Elizabeth Kanaha.My father's father, David Kanaloa Kaho'okele was a Kahuna Kalai wa'a and the last expert canoe builder in all of Hawaii nei. See Eddie Kamae's book entitled, "Hawaiian Son", pages 106 and 107He lived in Lower Nahiku, a place famed for it's olona fiber.Some of the things he did for a living include carpentry, school teacher, minister as well as serving in the House of representatives and as a coporal in the United States Army.His namesake and my fathers, eldest brother, David K. Kaho'okele - was killed during the bombing of Pearl Harbor - killed by friendly fire. He was on his way to work when the car that he was riding in was shot at killing four of them.My grandmothers brother, my grandmothers cousin and his son and my grandmothers son. A picture of the bullet riddled car can be seen at many of the websites pertaining to the bombing of Pearl Harbor.My Grandfather David used to demonstrate canoe building at the old fairgrounds on Pu'unene Avenue. He was also a deeply religious man and loved to sing hymns. He would gather the 'ohana every evening to share the word and in so doing ensure that we (the keiki) learn bible verses and hymns. He would open and close these meetings with prayers in Hawaiian and also in english.more to come later.......
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The public world premiere of “Hawaii A Voice for Sovereignty” will be 8 PM tonight at the SandDance Theater on Wailed Beach below the Four Seasons Resort Maui in Wailea.The showing is free and open to the public.The film by award winning photojournalist Catherine Bauknight, explores the culture and spirituality of native Hawaiians and their connection to the `aina.The film first screened recently at a private event in the US Capitol Building visitor’s center to honor the legacy of Queen Lili`uokalani after the illegal US takeover of Hawai`i in 1893.Everyone is welcome and encouraged to attend this evening’s free screening.We feature two present-day patriots this week, Maui’s U`ilani Kapu and our brand new show with Chris Kauwe of Kaua`i. Both carrying forth our Queen’s legacy on Voices Of Truth – One-On-One With Hawai`i's Future.MONDAY, June 22nd At 6:30 PM –Maui – Akaku, Channel 53“Can Of Worms – A Visit With Chris Kauwe”Long-time Kaua`i resident Chris Kauwe is never one to leave something alone that needs resolving, whether it’s fish-pond preservation or stopping the Superferry. A cultural activist, practitioner and accomplished media producer, Chris thinks nothing of opening a can of worms and diving straight in. You’ll see what we mean - and become hooked on his message yourself. Watch It Here.MONDAY, June 22nd At 7:00 PM & FRIDAY, June 26th At 5:30 PM –Hawai`i Island – Na Leo, Channel 53THURSDAY, June 25th At 8:30 PM & FRIDAY, June 26th At 8:30 AM -Kaua`i – Ho`ike, Channel 52SATURDAY, June 27th At 8:00 PM –O`ahu, `Olelo, Channel 53“24-Hour Volunteer – A Visit With U`ilani Kapu”It's one thing to see a need and fill it. But U`ilani Kapu isn't your average volunteer. She dedicates all her time to the people of Maui. Dealing with more issues in a single day than many do in a month, U`ilani is a tireless advocate for the `aina and its people. Need a dose of inspiration? Look no further. We promise you'll have all you need. Watch It Here.Voices Of Truth interviews those creating a better future for Hawai`i to discover what made them go from armchair observers to active participants. We hope you'll be inspired to do the same.If you support our issues on the Free Hawai`i Broadcasting Network, please email this to a friend to help us continue. A donation today helps further our work. Every single penny counts.Donating is easy on our Voices Of Truth website via PayPal where you can watch Voices Of Truth anytime.And for news and issues that affect you, watch Free Hawai`i TV, a part of the Free Hawai`i Broadcasting Network.Read more…
Just a reminder to all those on Maoliworld. On PBS, Thursday, June 25 at 8:30pm, there will be a Special about Joseph Nawahi, National Hero for the Hawaiian Kingdom. Along with fellow loyalist, William Punohu'aweoweo'ulaokalani White, they drafted the revisions to the Constitution that was "poised" to be ratified on January 14, 1893, just days before the Queen's incarceration/imprisonment, and the subsequent illegal overthrow of our Hawaiian Kingdom.This great National Hero gave his life to the cause of Independence and never waivered in his support of our Queen, our Kingdom Constitution, and the Kanaka Maoli. His wife, Emma Nawahi along with other Loyalists like Kuaihelani Campbell, organized the famous Ku'e Petition that still stands to this day as the testiment of our people's steadfast opposition to the illegal occupation of the United States.We owe much to this brave, akamai, and loyal man of honor...Joseph Nawahi, who gave his life that his country and people may live and thrive.Donna
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Comment by Pomaikaiokalani 1 day ago Delete Comment STATE OF HAWAIICity and County of HonoluluI, Henry Richard Kinney, Jr. a Native Hawaiian descendant and Sovereign, born on December 26, 1938 at Queen's Hospital in Honolulu, Hawaii, do hereby renounce my citizenship to the United States of America as of 6 P.M. Hawaiian Standard time on January 17, 1993.I protest against any and all acts done against my native country, the Hawaiian Kingdom and its constitutional sovereign, Queen Liliuokalani by United States troops on January 17, 1893.Now, to avoid any collision of arrest from agents of the United States, and perhaps the loss of my life and freedom, I seek the full independence of the Hawaiian Islands as an independent nation of the Free World.Henry R. Kinney, Jr.731 McCully StreetHonolulu, Hawaii, 96826Subscribed and sworn to before me this15th day of January, 1993Notary Public, First Judicial CircuitState of Hawaii
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YOU CAN HELP STOP THE AKAKA BILLMake Your Voice Heard TodayHelp stop the Akaka bill today by submitting testimony to the US congress.Testimony must be submitted by this Thursday, June 25, 2009, 11am (HST.)Cut and paste the example below. Email to the House Natural Resources Committee to teresa.bravo@mail.house.gov and also fax to (202) 225-1931.Please Note - If emailing your testimony, it must be in a Word or PDF format attached to your email.Here's The Sample Testimony To Use -June 20, 2009The Honorable Nick J. Rahall II, ChairmanThe Honorable Doc Hastings, Ranking MemberHouse Committee on Natural ResourcesU.S. House of Representatives1324 Longworth House Office BuildingWashington, DC 20515RE - OPPOSITION TO H.R. 2314 - Native Hawaiian Government Reorganization Act of 2009Dear Honorable Rahall, Honorable Hastings, and Members of the House Committee on Natural Resources,I thank you for allowing me 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 -Lack of hearings held in Hawai`i that would allow the Hawaiian people to present testimony on the Native Hawaiian Government Reorganization Act.In 2000, only two (2) days of hearings were held on O`ahu Island. All other hearings were cancelled.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.Therefore no hearings have ever been held in Hawai`i on the current legislation before the 2009 Congress.The Hawaiian people seek the right to a fair and democratic process that includes hearings on H.R. 2314 throughout the islands that comprise the state of Hawai`i.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.H.R. 2314 disenfranchises the Hawaiian people by ensuring that persons residing on the US continent, many of whom have no contact or relationship with Hawaiian culture or Hawai`i, will control the electoral process.By including a huge American continental population, the drafters of H.R. 2314 have guaranteed that Hawaiians of Molokai, Maui, Kaua`i, Hawai`i Island and Lana`i will be outvoted at their own Constitutional Convention.Most importantly, the Hawai`i based native Hawaiians such as Hawaiian Homesteaders who are the sole beneficiaries of the Ceded Lands and Hawaiian Homelands trusts will be outvoted by a margin of 10 to 1.The effort being pursued in the US Congress violates the most fundamental principles of democracy and human rights.In the 9 years during which time the 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 peoples 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.The Administration of President Barrack Obama came to office promising open government dedicated to truth and justice for all peoples. I call upon the Obama Administration, and Democrats in the US Congress to live with the integrity of their own words.I call for the Congressional Committee to hold hearings on the Native Hawaiian Government Reorganization Act in Hawai`i to provide the Hawaiian peoples their right to participate in the process and to seek amendments to the Native Hawaiian Government Reorganization Act.Therefore, I strongly urge you to OPPOSE H.R. 2314 until Congressional hearings are scheduled and held in Hawai`i on all islands, and in all States on the US continent where a significant population of Hawaiians reside, in order to provide the Hawaiian peoples their right to a democratic fair, free, and impartial process of self-determination and to empower them with the ability to determine the culturally appropriate mechanism for their own self-governance.Mahalo nui loa,Your NameAddressRead more…
My friend sent me a link to Maori Television.http://www.maoritelevision.comWhile watching many of the videos, I noticed their accent in te reo maori had, as I've noticed before in the past, influence of the English language, at least their English accent, or rather kiwi accent. It helps when you get to see some of the shows (te reo) that focuses on learning the language and they write it out. It is the vowel sounds that are noticeable, at least for the Maoris. And they had one native speaker, an elderly woman whose vowels were different from all the others. Hers sounded more Polynesian, or rather less Kiwi, if that's the best way to describe it. Still Maori though.With Hawaiian, as I've stressed over & over to others, it is the consonants that people don't get. In fact, that one guy on that Te Reo show was very good with his "K" sound, sounded very throaty, and almost like our 'okina as in the word mo'opuna which is their mokopuna.But it is this consonant inaccuracy that leads others, particularly those who want to be "decolonized" if that's the best way to describe it, that the missionaries changed the language, at least that's their theory, and worse, that the Hawaiian language had a G, B, V, R and T. How can they had it before when the language was never written before? lolAnyway, would be nice to get the original pronunciation, but if no can...at least UNDERSTAND it, the history of it, and how the sounds are actually done. Then go ahead & mispronounce all you want, but at least understand it.
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Aloha Maoli World,I wanted to invite you all to come and support an incredible film about Hawaiian Sovereignty called Hawaii A Voice for Sovereignty. It tells a compelling heart felt story about the struggles of Native Hawaiians for sovereignty since the takeover. Its a free screening as part of the Maui Film Festival www.mauifilmfestival.com this Sunday night June 21st at 8pm at the SunDance Theatre at the Solar powered SandDance Theater on Wailea Beach (below the Four Seasons Resort Maui at Wailea).This modern epic documentary, filmed over four years, contains rare interviews with Native Hawaiians in their homes, at sacred sites, in mountains and the rain forests. The movement for cultural, environmental, and economic sustainability, since the takeover in 1893 is spoken in the voice of the Kanaka Maoli. Along with the voices of these people of the land”, Professor Haunani-Kay Trask, Senator J. Kalani English, Grammy nominee Willie K, Clifford Nae'ole and other Hawaiian leaders, take us into rarely seen ancient lifestyles where spirituality, culture, and care for the land form a sacred bond between humankind and the natural world. They reveal their quest to secure their Hawaiian rights as the host culture, and their economic, social, and ecological future. By bridging their ancient knowledge with wisdom and modern technologies such as wind, solar, and wave renewable energy and agricultural land systems they move towards their goal of sustainability.I'm new to Maoli world but wanted to share this screening with all the beautiful people on here as I'm sure we all have different opinions but this film definitely opened my mind about the struggles and gave me hope of ancient solutions to sustainability. For more information you can go to the filmmakers site www,catherinebauknight.commahaloRenata
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