August Updates

Our civic club continues to keep our members very busy with a wide range of projects that help our community and preserve our culture and heritage.  Maika`i! 

To update you on a few things:

Panel Discussion on Impacts of the Akaka Bill
Members received a thorough briefing on the possibilities and limitations of legislation, now pending in Congress, known as the Native Hawaiian Government Reorganization Act (aka “The Akaka Bill”) at our last general meeting from a panel comprised of attorney Melody MacKenzie of the UH Richardson School of Law, Esther Kiaaina of the Office of Hawaiian Affairs (OHA), and Lilikala Kame`eleihiwa of the Kamakakuokalani Center for Hawaiian Studies.  They provided a historical background, updates on recent changes to the legislation, and how native Hawaiians can prepare for and participate in what happens if and when the bill passes. 

Mahuahua ai o Hoi
Our non-profit partner, Kako`o `Oiwi, is hard at work briefing potential funders and working with government agencies and others to advance the restoration of the lo`i kalo fields at He`eia wetlands. In a recent site visit with trustees of the Office of Hawaiian Affairs, it was pointed out that the project meets several of OHA’s major objectives in its newly revised strategic plan and has high potential for success in providing food for our island people.

Ha`iku Valley Cultural Preserve
Members of our civic club who are active in the non-profit Ko`olau Foundation are engaged in an ongoing dialogue with both OHA and the Dept. of Hawaiian Home Lands to pursue community and cultural access to Ha`iku valley and – hopefully – establishment of a cultural preserve. The vision is to allow cultural, educational, recreational and environmental activities in the valley while preserving the wahi kapu – sacred places – of Ha`iku.  Ko`olau Foundation, the Ko`olaupoko Hawaiian Civic Club and Kako`o `Oiwi will spearhead a meeting of key stakeholders in the ahupua`a of He`eia soon to renew discussions on issues of mutual interest and concern with regard to opening up Ha`iku valley.

Ko`olaupoko Ahupua`a Boundary Marker Project
We are moving along on our boundary signage project, and have finalized the design of the graphic and signage that will be used.  Letters to both the State and City transportation directors have been sent, asking for their concurrence and acceptance of the signage.  The City transportation director has responded positively, and a letter has been sent to the Honolulu City Council, offering to donate the signs that will be posted along city and county roadways in Ko`olaupoko.  We are awaiting a response from the director of the state Department of Transportation.

Cultural service work at Kawa`ewa`e and Kanehekili Heiau
Our club will be working with others to clean Kawa`ewa`e heiau on Saturday, Aug. 28th, and Kanehekili Heiau on Sunday, Aug. 29th.  The work involves clearing vegetation from these two very sacred places. Volunteers, tools, and refreshments are needed.   

Association of Hawaiian Civic Clubs state convention
Our civic club is preparing to participate in the November convention of the 58 civic clubs from Hawai`i and the continental U.S.  We are calling upon our members to let us know as soon as possible if they are interested in attending the convention, either as a delegate or an alternate.  Participation is open to members whose dues are current and who are able to attend pre-convention caucuses for the club and O`ahu Council.  We are also asking members to let us know if they have any suggestions for resolutions that can be brought to the convention by our club – issues of concern, commendatory, or other matters are generally valid and will be reviewed and forwarded by our board of directors.

Kualoa:  a gathering of the world’s indigenous healers will be welcomed on Sept. 5th
The Ko`olaupoko Hawaiian Civic Club will be participating in a food booth fundraiser at Kualoa Beach Park and will join in the festivities to welcome native healers from around the world on September 5th.  Anyone interested in volunteering to work should contact the civic club office at 235-8111.  

Posted August 14, 2010: