HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0232.021 2024-2026P/COL)nci I
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COMM-M
From:
Pat Kahawaiolaa
Sent:
Wednesday, May 21, 2025 9:16 AM
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To:
Council Testimony
Subject:
Bill 44
Aloha Chair Inaba,
Vice Chair Onishi and honorable
members of the,5.Hari
County Council,
I am Pat Kahawaiolaa, a native Hawaiian as defined pursuant to the HHCA 1920, (42, 42 stat. 108)
and an advocate of the Komike O Kupuna `Ainahoopulapula of which our Iku Ha'i Louie Hao, has ask
that I come today to testify in strong support of this bill 44 in which it appears to be now provide some
form of equity for beneficiaries on homestead lands on Mokupuni o Keawe...
Some clarification is also being sought by our organization as in the initial iteration of this bill it spoke
to an "outdated" State law where this bill was hoping to correct. Do you know what this means? and
can that information can be shared to us?
I also seek clarification on the impacts this bill will have on the "other" real property values, potential
shifts in property tax structures and whether similar exemptions might be extended to other groups in
the future? A host of concerns has arisen since this proposal for equity for native Hawaiians as
defined under the Hawaiian Homes Commission Act, 1920, which in 1959 was incorporated into the
the State constitution and the Admission Act of 1959, Article XII, §4, through a COMPACT, a treaty
between the U.S. and the new State of Hawaii that as a PROVISO OF STATEHOOD, the State and
its people will uphold the Hawaiian race...
The phrase "to uphold the Hawaiian race" can be interpreted in several
ways, often depending on context, but at its core, it generally refers to the
preservation, support, and promotion of Native Hawaiian people, culture,
language, and rights. Here's a breakdown of its possible meanings:
1. Cultural Preservation: Protecting and revitalizing the Hawaiian
language (`Olelo Hawai`i), traditions, and practices such as hula, chant,
navigation, and more.
2. Political Advocacy: Supporting Native Hawaiian rights, including land
claims, sovereignty movements, and political representation.
3. Social Support: Working to uplift Native Hawaiians in areas such as
education, health care, housing, and economic opportunity.
4.. Identity and Pride: Encouraging pride in Hawaiian heritage and
ensuring that future generations know and honor their ancestry.
In Hawaiian, a related concept might be expressed as: Comm. .21
Ref. To:
1 Ref. Date -
"E ho`oulu lahui Hawaii" — to grow or nurture the Hawaiian nation.
"E pa`a i ka `olelo, a pa`a i ka mo`omeheu" —hold fast to the language,
hold fast to the culture.
So I/we, our Iku Ha'i Louie Hao & the Komike O Kupuna
`Ai'nahoopulapula again support what the intended purpose of Bill 44 to
finally provide equity to beneficiaries living on lands having the status
of Hawaiian home lands, Trust lands, set aside by a federal statute, to
me managed by a state department of Hawaiian Home Lands and
governed by a board of Commission, the body with tge EXCLUSIVE
powers to say what happens on and to these Trust lands,
notwithstanding the General laws of this State, and its highest ranking
elected official the Governor in this instant case Josh Green, whose
POWERS ARE RESTRICTED ON ,LANDS HAVING THE STATUS OF
HAWAIIAN HOME LANDS §206 of the HHCA, 1920, as amended July,
9, 1921
`Owau,
Pat Kahawaiolaa
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