PDHblog
This is a place for members of Progressive Democrats of Hawai‘i to express their thoughts
and exasperations about political happenings. The opinions and views are not necessarily
those of PDH's steering committee or membership as a whole.

Ever since the OHA election process was opened up to everyone by the Supreme Court, I have been hesitant to participate in it. I feel that it is not my kuleana; OHA, or any agency that deals only with Hawaiian affairs should be voted on by Hawaiians. Fact of the matter, however, is that if non-Hawaiians like myself who DO believe in Hawaiian self-determination do not vote in OHA, then haole like the ones that challenged OHA to begin with will have a disproportionate say in Hawaiian governance. Sadly this year, I spent more time trying to educate myself about the BOE candidates and the Constitutional and Charter changes and when I voted yesterday I left the OHA section blank because I did not feel like I knew enough about the candidates. How is a non-Hawaiian supposed to get an idea of what candidates would be best for the Hawaiian community?

Yesterday, we wandered over to the get out the vote rally in front of Iolani Palace aimed at the Hawaiian community. Candidates passed through shaking hands, but were not given microphone time. Linda Lingle shook my hand and said, “thankyou” as I wore my Akaka shirt and Impeach Bush/Cheney button. Why did she say thankyou?? I thought it was strange. Anyway, as I was enjoying the beautiful voice of Raiatea Helm, another haole woman wandered up to us and started conversation. I guess she felt we would be approachable since we were also white. She lamented the fact that she did not know who she should vote for on the OHA part of the ballot. She came to this rally hoping to learn more about the candidates and was disappointed that there was no information available. Then she launched into a tirade about how she hates contemporary Hawaiian music… as I was swaying my hips and trying to enjoy it. After arguing with her about the value of the ukulele (which she mis-pronounced) and discovering that she has only been in Hawai‘i for 3 years, I slowly tried to wander away from her so that I could enjoy the music in peace. The ironic part was that this annoying haole, who did not seem to appreciate certain aspects of Hawaiian culture, actually had really good intentions.

Today I got an email from a friend who is familiar with OHA’s operations… If only I got it sooner! This person is recommending Manu Boyd and forwarded on an endorsement from Robert Cazimero.

Aloha,

I am pleased to support the candidacy of my long-time student and friend, Manu Boyd, as an at-large trustee for the Office of Hawaiian Affairs, which he has served for more than 14 years as culture specialist, editor and public information director.

I first met Manu 28 years ago, when he was a teen at Kamehameha Schools and began dancing in my Halau Na Kamalei. In 1995, after 17 years of training and experience, I graduated him through traditional ‘uniki rites as a kumu hula, a hula master.

In 1997, he established his own school, Halau o ke ‘A‘ali‘i Ku Makani. Fluent in Hawaiian, Manu is also a prolific songwriter and a highly regarded chanter. He earned a bachelor’s degree from the University of Hawai‘i Kamakakuokalani Center for Hawaiian Studies, and has served the community on numerous boards and commissions for many years.

He has become a strong leader, a respected cultural resource and a celebrated entertainer. Since he established the Hawaiian music group Ho‘okena in 1986, he has collected numerous Na Hoku Hanohano awards, and in 2005, a Grammy nomination.

I invite everyone to find out more about Manu at his website, www.manuboyd.com, and to join me in supporting him as an at-large candidate for the OHA Board of Trustees. I trust him to inspire positive change. So should you.

Mahalo nui ke kako‘o. I thank you for your consideration and support!

Robert Uluwehi Cazimero, chairman
Committee to Elect Manu Boyd