To the Forum:Trustee Rowena Akana, Chairperson Aloha Mai Trustee: The recent distribution of flyers titled “Reality vs. Rhetoric” comparing qualifications and historical background between Warren Perry and Randal Wichman is disheartening. These leaflets were distributed to other Hawaiians at the
To the Forum:Trustee Rowena Akana, Chairperson
Aloha Mai
Trustee:
The recent distribution of flyers titled “Reality vs. Rhetoric”
comparing qualifications and historical background between Warren Perry and
Randal Wichman is disheartening. These leaflets were distributed to other
Hawaiians at the recent federal reconciliation hearing at UH Manoa.
This
type of backdoor action lacks generosity, maturity and leaves a distasteful
aroma in the minds of our Hawaiian brothers and sisters. I find these
allegations and comparable notes of the individuals to be erroneous and lacking
evidence.
As a long time friend of Randy Wichman, I would like to provide
clarity in defense to the character and personal integrity of Wichman and why
he is an outstanding choice for Kaua’i’ and the Office of Hawaiian
Affairs.
Wichman lost his business during the height of and aftermath of
Hurricane ‘Iniki. For that matter so did almost 85 percent of the island’s
small businesses. He simply decided not to continue his business, after Kaua’i
Island started to heal itself.
To state publicly that Wichman is a newcomer
to our island is another gross negligence and misinformation. The fact is Randy
was born and raised in Lihu’e and received his education at some of the finest
schools in the country.
To state his community involvement is questionable
is yet another form of incompetent research on the part of the author. The
facts are Randy is directly involved with:
1. Hui Malama ‘Aina
(Ha’ena)
2. Anahola Homesteaders Council (Anahola)
3. Director,
custodial and volunteer curator for Hikinaakala and Poli’ahu Heiau sites
(Wailua Slate of Hawai’i co-management program
4. Former member yet still
involved, Kaua’i Museum (Lihu’e); and
5. Member, Kaua’i County Historic
and Burial Society
Having to know this about Randy Wichman, let us not be
deceived by what we read, I have always been a supporter of Randy Wichman for
the interim position of OHA Trustee and do believe he is a good choice for the
position.
Should my statement for Randy be questionable, then I would like
to offer to the critics against Randy Wichman to join me in a debate on my
weekly radio talk show held every Friday on Kong Radio. The hours between 11
a.m. -12 p.m. They may call in toll free at 1- 888 – 888-5664.
Please be
advised that the caller will be asked to state their name/s and affiliation to
Kaua’i at that time. Mahalo nui for your kind attention to this matter. [Cc:
All OHA Trustees]
Jim Torio
Anahola
