The CEO of OHA, Clyde Namuo, makes remarks in the Honolulu Advertiser of 4/15/10 addressing David Shapiro’s regular column of 4/12/10 opining that Shapiro made some “good observations†but “overlooks the bigger issue of why federal recognition makes sense for Native Hawaiians and for all in Hawaii, in the first placeâ€. He follows that with mostly platitudes, but specifically mentions land, rights and resources “owed†a new Akaka Tribe.
Shapiro, on the other hand, discusses the secret, closed door method used in DC to make the latest changes before they were sprung on then Representative Abercrombie, the Governor, and virtually everyone else, just before the House vote. His observations then turn even darker. Here are some quotes:
“ The Akaka bill would change life in Hawaii in profound ways and confer enormous power on a relative few, but there has been little clear explaination….†Senators Inouye and Akaka “are basicly saying ‘Trust Us’ which many are unwilling to accept on a matter with such enormous impact on local life and so much opportunity for political mischiefâ€
Here are my questions for readers:
Which person outlines the bigger issue?
Which of these two stands to gain power, money, etc if the Akaka bill becomes law?
The best course of action at this time is to stop all consideration and action at this time in the US Senate until extensive educational hearings are held in Hawaii so our people can evaluate and judge what the federal government is planning to do to us or for us and what we think of it. For those of you who like that idea, call an elected official and propose such.
How remarkably talented and practical are native Hawaiians. How do I know that? Well in 1820 when the missionaries arrived, there was no written language for the Hawaiians. The missionaries developed via hard work and persistence the written language and embarked on a teaching program for both English and Hawaiian. By the early 1860’s– 40 years after the advent of the written language— the Kingdom of Hawaii was the most literate place in the world. And furthermore, in 1840, the King promulgated the first constitution, creating a Constitutional Monarchy. That Constitution proclaimed all subjects of the King, no matter what race or ancestry, absolutely equal before the law. If these people are now in need of special assistance, I wonder what caused that regression? Maybe telling them they were in need when they were not more than any other group? What do you think?— Dick Rowland