MIN CHC 2009-05-08.tif - Laserfiche WebLink

Home

On behalf of all native Hawaiians on Hawaiian Home Lands, we need clarifications or directions through your County Charter, the County's law book, that you are now the officers charged with the administration of those lands called Hawaiian Home Lands and you received that authority through the consent process of the United States Congress. If the County concludes that it does have these authorities and powers as the Charter says over lands having the status of Hawaiian Home Lands, then as native Hawaiians we would request the consent of the United States giving and or conveying such authority to the County of Hawaii to increase that encumbrance by officers not charged with the administration of the Hawaiian Home Commission Act. I do thank you for allowing me an opportunity to come before you. I see where it was not an agenda item, however - - -and that was based on an unresolved question as I sat here at the last meeting because I'm interested in finding out the answer to the question that Commissioner Jarman asked of the Corporation Counsel, which had to do with Article I and II. That is the reason for my testimony. Again, I thank you for the opportunity for allowing me to share those concerns, though small they may be, about the ongoing question that lies between the County and the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands and its beneficiaries. Thank you. CHR. HAITSUKA: Do we have any questions for Mr. Kahawaiola'a? MR. NAHALE -A: I don't have a question, Mr. Chairman, but a comment. I want to thank Uncle Pat for bringing this issue to our attention. One thing about Uncle Pat, he is always very well read and articulate and does his homework. I think he raises an issue that has long been a question in the Hawaiian community. It's the kind of thing that a lot of folks haven't wanted to touch, but maybe it's time that this body look at it and try to bring some resolution and guidance for other officials. Thank you for bringing it to our attention. MR. KAHAWAIOLA'A: I appreciate your comments, thank you. CHR. HAITSUKA: Thank you, Mr. Kahawaiola'a. MS. OSBORNE: Thank you for bringing this to our attention. I'm wondering, do you have what you have shared with us in writing, that we could have a copy? I'd like to have something clear about your request in writing so I could digest it more. MR. KAHAWAIOLA'A: I appreciate that. Asa Hawaiian, I just read the first part of the agenda and didn't realize that on the back it says I need 14 copies. I would be more that happy to leave this copy here with your secretary. Thank you. MS.OSBORNE: Mahalo. CHR. HAITSUKA: Thank you. Our next testifier on the agenda is Mr. Mike Ben representing the Department of Human Resources of the County of Hawaii. Mr. Ben. 3