Posts Tagged ‘Akaka Bill’

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The Akaka Bill only sets-up a process

Tuesday, March 15th, 2005

By: TRUSTEE ROWENA AKANA

Source: March 2005 Ka Wai Ola o OHA Article

`Ano`ai kakou…  The very first federal recognition bill, better known as the “Akaka Bill,” was first introduced back in 2000.  Now, five years later, there is still confusion over what federal recognition would or would not do when there should be none.  Here are a few things to remember:

Kau Inoa

The first step in any process for nationhood is to create an official list of those who want to participate.  To assist in this effort, OHA is supporting the Kau Inoa registration program, which is an independent, community-driven effort developed by broad-based community working groups.  The groups specifically drew upon previous work done by the Oahu Council of Hawaiian Civic Clubs, Ka Lahui, the Royal Order of Kamehameha’s Oahu chapter and the State Council of Hawaiian Homestead Associations.

Registering with Kau Inoa does not mean you automatically support federal recognition.  It simply means that you want to be counted and that you want to participate in shaping the new nation or governing entity.  We urgently need Kau Inoa so that we can get organized and keep in touch with registered participants.

Any person of Native Hawaiian ancestry may voluntarily sign up.  There is no blood quantum requirement, but verification of Hawaiian ancestry is required.  This may be done by one of the following means:  (1) Ancestry verification documents from the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands, OHA’s Operation Ohana program, or OHA’s Hawaiian Registry program; (2) A certified copy of birth certificates, marriage certificates and/or death certificates indicating Hawaiian parentage; or (3) Kumu Ohana or other legally sufficient methods besides those listed above.

Kau Inoa registration is open to Hawaiians anywhere in the world.  According to figures from the 2000 census, there are approximately 240,000 Hawaiians in Hawaii and more than 160,000 Hawaiians across the continental United States.  There is no minimum age to register.  All Kau Inoa registration forms and vital statistics records will be confidentially kept by Hawaii Maoli Inc., a nonprofit arm of the Association of Hawaiian Civic Clubs.

Native Hawaiian Coalition

Another important part of the process is to form a broad-based coalition of Hawaiian community representatives.  The Native Hawaiian Coalition – an independent alliance of organizations and individuals from throughout the Hawaiian community – has been working to help determine the steps for forming a Native Hawaiian governing body.  The Coalition includes nearly all major Hawaiian organizations, as well as the Ali’i trusts, and those with political viewpoints ranging from federal recognition to independence.  Meetings are open to all Hawaiians.  They have already held several meetings and are beginning to get organized.

Both Kau Inoa and the Native Hawaiian Coalition do not depend on the Akaka Bill’s passage.  There is nothing stopping Hawaiians from organizing now.  Those who want to be involved should gather their documents and register with Kau Inoa as soon as possible.

In my view, the Akaka Bill, and I have read the bill over and over; is no threat to Native Hawaiian claims nor does it give a position on Nationhood.  It only forces the Federal Government to recognize a trust relationship with Hawaiians.  It will give us the time we need to form a governing entity before all of our trust assets are taken away.  While legal attacks are eroding our trusts every day, there can be no judgment if Congress shows their support by passing the Akaka bill.

There is much to do and OHA will be working tirelessly to bring people together to make a Native Hawaiian governing entity a reality.  I will continue to keep you posted.  Imua e Hawai’i nei…

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Posted in Government, Political, Sovereignty

United we stand, divided we fall!

Sunday, February 15th, 2004

By: TRUSTEE ROWENA AKANA

Source: February 2004 Ka Wai Ola o OHA Column

`Ano`ai kakou…  As you may have read in the local print media, the U.S. Senate has been reviewing the Akaka Bill (S. 344) and is considering further amendments to the bill.  The Trustees of OHA recently met with our two U.S. Senators and they informed us that a few people in the Justice Department and a few others (no names or affiliations were mentioned) have concerns about our bill.  Since it was not made clear to us as to what those concerns were, I expressed my own about the possibility that Congress may change the bill’s definition of who is Hawaiian.

IF THIS IS INDEED ONE OF THE SUGGESTED CHANGES, I COULD NO LONGER SUPPORT THE BILL’S PASSAGE. 

Some may argue that the changes would allow the bill to finally get passed, but changing the bill by adding language that is not supported by the Hawaiian community makes no sense at all.  Either recognition includes ALL Hawaiians or no Hawaiians at all.

Still others may say, “Isn’t half a loaf better than no loaf?”  That maybe so in some cases, but certainly not when it comes to deciding who will be in the Hawaiian Nation.  Isn’t that what WE HAWAIIANS together must decide?

What’s happening now with the Akaka Bill sounds similar to what Congress did to us in 1920 with the creation of the Department of Hawaiian Homelands and the 50% blood quantum.  They arbitrarily decided who was going to be a Native Hawaiian.  The blood quantum issue has long been a source of division among our people.  Why then would we let them do this to us again?

Detrimental changes to the Akaka Bill by Congress are nothing new.  The 2002 version of the Akaka Bill (S. 746) was very controversial because section 7 of the original Akaka Bill (S. 81), which allows for a fair process for all Hawaiians to be included in the recognition effort, was left out.  The 2003 Akaka Bill (S. 344), continued to lack a section which would allow for a fair process for all Hawaiians to be included in the federal recognition effort.

In mid-May of 2003, I was relieved to learn that the Akaka Bill was amended to include a process for federal recognition that would allow ALL Hawaiians to participate.  The language in the second (current) S. 344 offered and suggested a clear process for recognition that the U.S. Department of the Interior currently uses to recognize Native American tribes.

We are certainly more educated about western law and how politics works in Washington.  Our current population, which is 400,000 strong, could make our own powerful political statement.  Let us tell Congress that we, the Hawaiian community, will decide for ourselves this important question of who will be in our Nation.

We must question why Hawaiians are being treated differently from Native Alaskans and Native Americans.  Congress has the discretion to pass the current Akaka Bill in its entirety and allow us to begin the process of self-determination.  Though the Akaka bill does not give Hawaiians sovereignty, it will allow us to begin our journey.

Why then, are some in Washington  concerned about having too many Hawaiians involved in the process?  Blood quantum and membership issues are not a question for Congress to decide, and we must tell them so.  If this is indeed one of the considered amendments, we must let our Congressional Delegation know that this is a concession we will not make.

We, the Hawaiian people, must never again let Congress or anyone else divide us again.  We are only strong when we are together.  United we stand, divided we fall!  Imua Hawaii Nei…

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Posted in Government, Political, Sovereignty

Reid of Nevada joins Akaka in sponsoring S.344

Saturday, November 15th, 2003

TRUSTEE ROWENA AKANA

November 2003 Ka Wai Ola o OHA Column

‘Ano`ai kakou…  Despite the obstacles that may cause some irritation and delays in the passage of our Hawaiian Recognition Bill (Senate Bill 344), we should all be grateful for the many friends that we have made along the way.

A man of humble beginnings, Senator Harry Reid of Nevada is known as a champion of social causes and has earned the respect and trust of both Democrats and Republicans for his integrity and fairness.  Parade Magazine describes him as one of a handful of leaders in Washington who possesses integrity and guts!  It goes without saying then, that it is a plus to have Senator Reid sign on to our bill.

In late September, the Trustees of OHA, along with the Royal Societies including Makakakawa, the Royal Order of Kamehameha, the Kaahumanu Society, and Hale o Na Ali’i, traveled to Washington D.C. to speak to members of Congress about the importance of passing the Hawaiian Recognition Bill.

While our trip was interrupted by Mother Nature, with one of the nastiest hurricanes to ever hit the east coast, we did manage to make an impact on those we were able to meet.  Our Royal Societies made quite an impression in the halls of Congress and among those they spoke to.  Seeing the royal capes and the ceremonial dress worn by our alii was an unforgettable experience for those who witnessed it.  To explain to the people on the mainland about who Hawaiians are and what we represent is difficult at best for them to imagine.  But to actually see the formal dress and to witness royal ceremonies speaks to volumes of historical insight that cannot be translated into words.

Our trip was cut short in Washington due to the hurricane, but on the way home, some of us stopped in Arizona and Nevada.  In Arizona, we met with the Inter-Tribal Council of Arizona, which represents 19 local tribes.  Our purpose was to solicit their support for our Hawaiian Recognition Bill.  Their interest and support were encouraging.

Next stop was a Nevada Hoolaulea sponsored by the Mainland Council of Hawaiian Civic Clubs.  The Ho’olaulea was held at Lorenzi Park about 10-minutes from down town Las Vegas and featured nearly 100 craft and food vendors and informational booths.  The state of Nevada is now home to over 40,000 Hawaiians and the Hoolaulea drew 10,000 people.  OHA was there to register Hawaiians for our Registry Program and to educate attendees about the facts of the Recognition Bill. 

OHA’s Hawaiian Registry Program is a very important program.  It is the first step in identifying Hawaiians who want to be identified as Hawaiians and who want to be counted as Hawaiians.  The Hawaiian Registry Picture ID Card, it is hoped, will one day serve as a card that will offer many services to those who have it.

I would like to say Mahalo Nui Loa to Nevada US Senator Harry Reid who came to the Nevada Hoolaulea to speak to the Hawaiians who were there and to assure them of his support for the Hawaiian Recognition Bill.

Lastly, I would like to say to all who read my column that if you have any questions about whether or not the Akaka Bill is good for Hawaiians, I will be available to you and your groups to explain the facts.  Please call my office to set-up a scheduled appointment time for a presentation.  Have a Happy Thanksgiving!

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Posted in Government, Political, Sovereignty

Where Is The Akaka-Stevens Bill?

Monday, September 15th, 2003

TRUSTEE ROWENA AKANA

September 2003 Ka Wai Ola o OHA Column 

Despite the combined efforts of OHA, Governor Lingle, our Congressional delegation, and countless grassroots organizations, the Akaka-Stevens Bill (S.344) did not make it to the floor of Congress for a vote before the Fourth of July recess.  We are now working to ensure the bill is voted on the floor of Congress before it recesses again for the holiday season.

In 2004, both Republicans and Democrats will be concentrating on who will occupy the White House for the following four years.  As most lobbyists know, members of Congress become extra cautious during an important election year.  Congressmen who may or may not have an opinion about the bill will not vote for a bill if they feel it will upset their colleagues or prove to be controversial for them in their own elections.

It is a sad day when doing the right thing could be considered controversial.  No matter how many historical facts are presented, no matter all the legal justification offered, getting Congress to do the right thing is easier said than done.

The political status of Native Hawaiians is a serious matter that should never be used as political leverage between Democrats and Republicans.  By doing so, our effort to achieve federal recognition become much more difficult.  At home, both political parties have strongly supported our efforts and have publicly agreed that this is a nonpartisan issue.  However, comments in the newspapers accusing one party of not doing enough only proves that this is not the case.  Accusations such as these can only hurt our overall efforts.

If the Native Hawaiian community and the general public are to believe that both political parties are working together for the best interests of our community they must prove it by ending their finger-pointing in the media.  All of us are tired of this kind of behavior.

The quest for power and control over political offices by the parties is, in my view, the very thing that is destroying the trust between the people and their elected leaders.  Where does the public fit in this picture?  Are we just pawns to be used as “political footballs” to gain footholds into political power structures?

Passing the Akaka-Stevens bill is the first real step in correcting egregious acts done against us over 110 years ago.  The political blame-game must stop.  If this is truly a nonpartisan effort, what should it matter which political party takes the most credit.  After all, isn’t it the right thing to do?  The point is, how can we convince others of the importance of the Akaka-Stevens bill if we cannot work together in good faith at home? 

Mālama pono!

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Posted in Government, Political, Sovereignty

NAPALC Supports Legislation Recognizing Native Hawaiians

Tuesday, September 9th, 2003

By: Andrew Rice, 202-296-2300
September 9, 2003

Source: National Asian Pacific American Legal Consortium Press Release

Washington, D.C.–The National Asian Pacific American Legal Consortium announces its support for legislation sponsored by Sen. Daniel Akaka (D-HI), granting federal recognition of Native Hawaiians.

Senate Bill 344, known as the “Akaka Bill,” would give federal recognition to Native Hawaiians as an indigenous group, qualifying them for health and welfare initiatives currently focused on Native American and Native Alaskan groups. This legislation also establishes a process for the formation of a sovereign entity representing Native Hawaiian interests in a government-to-government relationship with the United States.

“Passage of the Akaka Bill is vital to the preservation of the Hawaiian people and their culture and would continue the reconciliation process between the U.S. Government and the Native Hawaiian people, as authorized in the 1993 Apology Bill,” said Karen K. Narasaki, President and Executive Director of NAPALC

“This legislation extends the federal policy of self-determination and self-governance to Native Hawaiians. It authorizes a process of reorganization of a Native Hawaiian government for the purposes of a federally recognized government-to-government relationship with the United States,” said Sen. Akaka. “This measure establishes parity in federal policies toward American Indians, Alaska Natives and Native Hawaiians. I commend NAPALC for joining the impressive coalition of organizations supporting this important legislation.”

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Posted in Government, Political, Sovereignty

A Process for Nationhood Returns to Akaka Bill

Tuesday, July 15th, 2003

TRUSTEE ROWENA AKANA

July 2003 Ka Wai Ola Article

`Ano`ai kakou…

During OHA’s trip to Washington D.C. in mid-May, I was pleased to learn that the Akaka Bill was amended to include a process for federal recognition.  The language describing the process makes it clear that we will not be obligated to follow it exactly, word-for-word.  It is merely a suggestion based on the process that the U.S. Department of the Interior currently uses to recognize Native American tribes.

One of the concerns I had about the first version of the 2003 Akaka Bill (S.344) was that it lacked a section which would allow for a fair process for all Hawaiians to be included in the federal recognition effort.  The original bill (S.81 in 2000) included a reasonable process, but it was subsequently taken out in later versions.

The first step in the process outlined in the bill is to create an official “roll” (list) of those who can directly trace their ancestry to indigenous Hawaiians who resided in Hawaii on or before Jan. 1, 1893, or those who were eligible during 1921 for the programs authorized by the Hawaiian Homes Commission Act and their lineal descendants.

Once the roll has been finalized by the Department of the Interior, members of the final roll, who are over the age of 18, may run to serve on an Interim Governing Council.  Candidates elected to the Interim Council may then conduct a referendum and draft organic governing documents for a Native Hawaiian governing entity.  The Council may also tackle questions such as the proposed criteria for citizenship, the proposed powers, privileges, immunities, and authorities of the Native Hawaiian governing entity.  They may also consider the civil rights and protection of rights of citizens and other issues it deems appropriate.

The proposed organic governing documents can then be distributed to all Hawaiians on the certified roll and an election held to ratify them.  Additional elections may be held by Hawaiians on the certified roll to elect officers of the new Native Hawaiian governing entity.  The Interim Governing Council will then be terminated after the elected officers take office.

The new Native Hawaiian governing entity may then submit their ratified organic governing documents to Secretary of the Interior to be certified.  Once recognized by the United States, the Native Hawaiian governing entity may enter into negotiations with both the United States and the State of Hawaii to address the transfer and exercise of governmental authorities over lands, natural resources, and other assets.

Opponents of the Akaka Bill should note that S.344 does not settle any claims against the United States nor does the bill authorize the Native Hawaiian governing entity to conduct gaming activities under the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act.

As you can imagine, the process outlined above will take many years to complete.  The organic governing documents alone will probably need to be revised several times before it is ratified by the Hawaiian people.  In the meantime, those who want to be involved should prepare now by gathering their documentation to join the Roll and consider whether to get involved by running for the Interim Governing Council.

There is much to do and OHA will be working tirelessly to bring people together to make a Native Hawaiian governing entity a reality.  I will continue to keep you posted on any and all information regarding this important measure.  A hui hou!

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Posted in Government, Political, Sovereignty

Education Is Key to Hawaiian Federal Recognition Bill Passage

Tuesday, April 15th, 2003

TRUSTEE ROWENA AKANA

April 2003 Ka Wai Ola Article

`Ano`ai Everyone…  In my last article, I wrote about our lobbying efforts in Washington D.C. for the Akaka Bill.  It is important to note that there are significant obstacles to overcome in order to successfully pass the recognition bill.  Not only must it make it through the Congress, it must also pass muster with President Bush and his administration.  This is why Governor Lingle’s time and effort spent in conveying the importance of the recognition bill to Attorney General John Ashcroft, Interior Secretary Gale Norton, and presidential adviser Karl Rove were critical in laying the ground work for its passage.  In the Governor’s words, “I tried to lay the foundation.”  I believe that she has done that.

It has been my experience during my many trips to Washington D.C. that it is very important to educate everyone, including all of the U.S. Senators, Congressmen, and the president’s administration, about Hawaii’s unique history and its Native people.  It is even more critical to continue the education process and maintain our current presence.  Otherwise, it becomes a case of “out of sight, out of mind.”  The opening of the new OHA office in Washington D.C. will be critical in achieving this awareness.

It is very frustrating for me to hear people on the mainland commenting only on our weather and physical beauty.  This is about all that people outside the state know about Hawaii.  Would it not be refreshing to hear people say, “I hear Hawaii has the only royal palace in the country where a King and Queen once lived?”  Emphasizing Hawaii’s unique history could bring about a NEW way to market Hawaii, at a time when many states are competing fiercely for the same dwindling tourist dollars.  The U.S. economy is slowing almost to a halt, and with the delays from security checks and the current war, the competition is only going to get worse.

Since the days of the territorial government, officials have marketed Hawaii as a place to visit.  Never has Hawaii been marketed for its living and breathing Hawaiian culture and language.  By refocusing our marketing strategy to emphasize our Hawaiian people, we could educate the millions who visit our islands and, who in turn, would take this knowledge home and share it with their friends and family.

“Everyone can and must play a role in this education process.”

Education is needed on all fronts.  In our state legislature, in our schools, in our private clubs, in our businesses, and most certainly in our media.  Let us all work together, to tell the real story of our past, which is historically accurate, to everyone we know and to all of the organizations that we belong to, and to everyone who will listen.

Let us move along together, leaving blame behind for our plight, focusing not on political agendas or parties.  After all, Hawaiian Recognition is not a Democratic or Republican issue.  It is an issue of what is right.  Mālama pono!

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Posted in Government, Political, Sovereignty

Hana Hou, One More Time

Saturday, March 15th, 2003

TRUSTEE ROWENA AKANA

March 2003 Ka Wai Ola o OHA Column

Most of the Trustees traveled to Washington D.C. in the last week of February to appear before the US Senate Committee on Indian Affairs where the new “Akaka Bill” (S.344) was heard.  This time, however, we had the support of Governor Linda Lingle.  Having the Governor’s support is a refreshing change after the last eight years of hostility experienced by Hawaiians during the previous state administration.  The Governor gave testimony supporting the intent of the Akaka Bill, but not necessarily supporting all of its content or language.  It is important to note that Governor Lingle has kept her promise to Hawaiians by supporting our efforts for federal recognition, and has done everything that she possibly could, within the limits of the law, to restore OHA’s revenue stream.

In 2000, the very first Akaka Bill, S.81, received many hearings across the State and this allowed for a great deal of community input.  This first bill was passed by the House but was not voted on by the Senate.  An amended version introduced in 2001 also passed the committee, but no floor vote was taken. 

The 2002 version of the Akaka Bill, S.746, received no hearings, although there was an effort in the Senate to get the bill to the floor for a vote.  Unfortunately, the effort was not successful.  The Bill was very controversial because it looked nothing like the original Akaka Bill, S.81.  Most critical is that Section 7 of the original Bill, which allows for a fair process for ALL Hawaiians to be included in the recognition effort, was left out.  Other sections of equal importance which addressed land, etc., were also absent in S.746. 

The new 2003 Akaka Bill was introduced as S.344, however it is identical to S.746.  Our Congressional Delegation has promised that there will be a time for community input before the “mark up” (a process that allows for amendments to be made).  Our Congressional Delegation must understand that the Hawaiian community has made it very clear that they want to be included in the “mark up” of the new Akaka Bill.  This is a promise that must be kept. 

I believe that the new Akaka Bill has a better chance of passage in Congress this year than in years past.  Our challenge is to convince not just the Congress but also the Federal Administration that recognizing the Native people of Hawaii is the right thing to do.  All 50 states have federally recognized Native Americans.  Hawaii is the last State to ask Congress to recognize its Native people.

The passage of this year’s Akaka Bill is dependent upon all of our support.  I will keep you posted on any and all information regarding this very important measure.  A hui hou!

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Posted in Government, Political, Sovereignty

Together we stand, divided we fall…Hawaiians must stand together, “Onipa’a”

Sunday, September 15th, 2002

By: Rowena Akana
September 2002

Source: Ka Wai Ola o OHA

In my last article I spoke about going to Washington, D.C. to attend the Roundtable discussions that highlighted the contributions made to America by American Indians, Native Alaskans, and Native Hawaiians.

In their discussions and speeches, both American Indians and Native Alaskans supported the Hawaiian effort for self-determination. The day after the Roundtable discussions a reception was held to honor native heroes who served in various wars. OHA and the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands sponsored the Roundtable discussions and the reception. The two-day event was a nice way to do some public relations. However, the organization hired by the OHA Chair and DHHL gave little or no credit to OHA for its sponsorships. Thus, the attempt to do PR for OHA was unsuccessful. We must be alert to organizations like CNHA who say they represent the people and the Hawaiian community, when in fact, they don’t.

Also, on the Washington scene, the Akaka bill seems to have hit a snag in the Senate with a few Republican senators including Senator Graham of Texas and Senator Kyl of Arizona putting a HOLD on the bill.

On the U.S. House side, Congressman Abercrombie continues to move forward thwarting opposition by Rep. Tom De Lay and a few others who are using the 14th amendment to delay the bill’s passage. I have every confidence in Rep. Abercrombie who was successful in passing the first Akaka bill which could have been much more controversial.

I believe it is very important to note that while we all have been trying to figure out a way to be inclusive and to be sure that ALL Hawaiians have an opportunity to participate in the process to form a nation, the SCHHA, and at least one other group, are planning to develop their own ROLL using the HAWAIIAN HOMESTEADERS TO FORM THEIR NATION. They do not intend to wait for the Akaka bill to pass, nor do they intend to include anyone else in their so-called nation. Their intention is to petition the Department of the Interior with their documents and use the DHHL lands as their land base. While this is not exactly a new idea, the fact that this group thinks that they can get away with it is ridiculous. They believe that Hawaii’s delegation will support this idea. Even if it were true, other Hawaiians will not support the continuation of a divided people. Once and for all we have got to take a stand together. DIVIDED WE WILL FALL. WE CANNOT BUY INTO THE IDEA OF BETTER TO LET SOME PEOPLE GET SOVEREIGNTY THAN NO ONE. Let us not be duped again. A smaller group will be easier to control and so will their assets. Come on, Hawaiians, it is time that we think for ourselves. We cannot let others scare us into a situation that will make things worse for Hawaiians. If recognition is good for some then it is good for ALL HAWAIIANS.

Let us begin to work together to unite for the cause of recognition. Let us begin to agree on the things that we can agree to and set aside the things we differ on and move forward together for the future generations of Hawaiians yet to come.

We cannot continue to let others decide our future. To those who say to us…it is better to let those select few move ahead Without the rest of the people, we need to say to them, “we will be one nation, one people, and we will decide who will be in our nation.”

Let us be as our Queen wished…..ONIPA’A, steadfast in what is good!

“I appeal to you… that there be no division among you, but that you be united in the same mind and the same purpose.”___I Corinthians 1:10

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Posted in Sovereignty

Board of Trustees Finally Passes A Program For Kupuna Health!

Thursday, August 15th, 2002

By Rowena Akana
August 2002

Source: Ka Wai Ola o OHA

SAGE PLUS: A Beginning

On June 20, 2002, the OHA Board of Trustees passed a program to ensure that Kupuna will be counseled on signing up for medical benefits they may be eligible for.

The Native Hawaiian Task Force was convened in 1999. The group was charged with developing health care options for OHA to pursue and originally focused on four underserved groups–keiki, ‘opio, kupuna,and underinsured makua. After reviewing many health care options, the task force decided that OHA should, in the least, provide a service to help kupuna sign up for any medical benefits they may be eligible for. OHA will partner with the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services and the SAGE PLUS Program, operated by the State of Hawaii Executive Office on Aging, to develop an outreach program to ensure Native Hawaiian Kupuna are getting all of the Medicare and Medicaid benefits to which they are entitled.

The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services estimates that at least 50% of seniors who are eligible for Medicare Savings programs and/or Medicaid are not receiviing these benefits. It has been determined that over 16,000 Native Hawaiian kupuna are potentially eligible for program benefits. We would like to reach as many of this group as we can.

SAGE PLUS is a program which trains peer volunteers to provide information to senior citizens regarding available programs and eligibility requirements for Medicare and other benefits. The program also ensures that volunteers are linked into a network of providers who assist kupuna in a variety of areas. SAGE PLUS provides the initial training (two 8-hour sessions) and monthly follow-up to peer volunteers on each island. O’ahu volunteers receive weekly follow-up meetings. These follow-up meetings are necessary to keep the volunteers up to date. The volunteers will be trained to

* Explain Medicare, Medicare supplements, Medicare choices, and Medicaid;
* Explain benefits and coverage;
* Assist in completing and submitting claim forms, and
* Assist in contacting appropriate agencies to gather information and to make appropriate referrals.

At this time, my heartfelt thanks to the Native Hawaiian Task Force members and former members for all the time and effort they put in getting a health project passed to help our kupuna:

Current members: Dr. Thomas Au (Kauka Hui); Kim Birnie (Kauka Hui); Beth Geisting (Primary Care Assoc.); Claire Hughes (DOH, OHE); Richard Jackson (Queen’s Health Systems); Na’u Kamali’i (Papa Ola Lokahi); Kirk Lange (DOH OHP); Pi’ilani Pang (HMSA Uninsured Project); Mary Rydell (Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services); Hardy Spoehr (Papa Ola Lokahi); and Paul Tom (HMA, Inc.). Past members have included Dr. Charmin Akina, Dr. Naleen Andrade, Gladys Brandt, Stephen Chong, Beadie Dawson, Sam Millington, Professor Noreen Mokuau, Charles Nakoa, Richard Paglinawan, Robert Oshiro, Sister Beatrice Tom, and Dr. Benjamin Young.

On another note:

“For the Love of Country: A Discussion About Native Americans Contribution to the U.S.” will be held on July 15 and 16, hosted by the Senate Indian Affairs Committee, the Alaska Federation of Natives, National Congress of American Indians, DHHL, OHA, and Senators Akaka and Inouye.

This effort is being planned to help garner support for the passage of Senate Bill 746, better known as the Akaka Bill. My next column will be devoted to this event–bringing you up close to all the events that took place in Washington, D.C. during this two-day event. Until then, a hui hou!

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Posted in OHA

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