Aha: For Hawaiians, by Hawaiians will change lives

Aha: For Hawaiians, by Hawaiians will change lives

Forty Native Hawaiian delegates will convene an Aha beginning February 2016. This convention will significantly alter the life of Hawaii and Native Hawaiians for generations to come. Delegates will commence the process to re-establish a Hawaiian nation — for Hawaiians and by Hawaiians. For Hawaiians and by Hawaiians is important because the state has consistently failed to recognize Native Hawaiian values.

About 25 years ago, I introduced a bill in the Legislature to use hooponopono in Family Court. It failed because the eight-step process included a “pule” (prayer) — considered unconstitutional. In 1998, public safety fired me for speaking Hawaiian while practicing hooponopono in the prison. I was forced to see a psychiatrist. I sued, prevailed, and Hawaiian language and culture flourishes in the prison today. These examples exemplify that our values, cultural sites, love for our land, our ancestors are of low priority in the current system. A system which, in essence, has sought to erode the Hawaiian culture except for events like asking Hawaiians to bless a building, play Hawaiian music for a party, chant for an event, dance the hula, etc. Historically, Hawaiians have been subjected to many injustices — starting with the illegal overthrow of an intact, peaceful kingdom, followed by inequities that still exist.

This is the time to make it right, a time to make it pono. So, what will happen at the Aha? The first week of the Aha, delegates will be coached by notable professors and lawyers in constitutional, international and Hawaiian law to assure that all delegates will have the basic threshold to begin deliberations. Rules of protocol will be established. Then the work begins.

First, delegates need to address form of governance, citizenship. How does the nation want to be identified? Remain status quo, nation within a nation, become nationals, independent, corporation? Second, develop a governance document — a constitution, bylaws, articles of incorporation? This document will set up the structure and function of government. At this juncture our revenues, transfer of assets to the nation, jurisdiction and more will be discussed. A lot to bite off in eight weeks — you darn betcha. It is my hope that those 96,000 (17,300 Hawaii Island) registered Native Hawaiian voters for the Aha will do the following: Get out and vote. Choose delegates who are committed to the process and who have the wisdom, knowledge and experience to complete the tasks at hand. It is our nation, our future.

Lei Kihoi Dunne

Kailua-Kona

Editor’s note: Lei Kihoi Dunne s a candidate running for a delegate spot on the Aha.

Here’s the facts concerning Ironman pier rental

For all you folks out there who publicly voiced your negative comments about the Ironman pier rental discussion, let me start by letting you know the facts.

1. Since the Ironman came to Kailua-Kona in 1970, it has never, until this year, never been charged more than $3,000 for the rental of Kailua pier.

2. It was not until recently that tier rent was raised, and the foundation was not notified until two weeks before the event, and they had no choice but to pay it since they were placed in a very difficult spot. But their rent was not raised to $60,000, as some people may believe, but only $30,000, with the comment made by the powers that be that the rent should have been $30,000 all along.

Now let me stop right here for a second. I would like to know which overeducated moron, I meant person, in charge of collecting this rent, could possibly collect only 10 percent of the actual rent and not know it should be $30,000. I hope they were fired.

3. Only after someone from the state raised the rent to $30,000, someone who was higher up the state’s food chain apparently had a light bulb go off in his or her head. And whoever that person was said the rent was not $30,000 but instead a whopping $60,000. Hmmm, $30,000 then $60,000 all within one week. All I can say is I’m glad they are not my landlord.

Now, let’s look at the positives of this event. First and foremost this event brings in some $28 million to $32 million of revenue into Kona. Now why it all goes to Honolulu, who knows? Oh wait, Democrats, that’s right, they want a piece of the pie as well. Not to mention the foundation usually loses approximately $3 million just to put this event on. So the next time you jump to conclusions, please make sure there is water in the pool.

Richard Saunders

Kailua-Kona