LIHU‘E — Kana‘iolowalu is coming to Kaua‘i in an effort to reunify Native Hawaiians. The Native Hawaiian Roll Commission is hosting an informational workshop from 9 a.m. to 10:30 a.m., and a commission meeting from 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.,
LIHU‘E — Kana‘iolowalu is coming to Kaua‘i in an effort to reunify Native Hawaiians.
The Native Hawaiian Roll Commission is hosting an informational workshop from 9 a.m. to 10:30 a.m., and a commission meeting from 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m., Saturday at the Kaua‘i Veteran’s Center in Lihu‘e.
The NHRC will host meetings on all of the islands “to register Hawaiians to Kana‘iolowalu, an effort with the purpose of reunifying Hawaiians in the self-recognition of their unrelinquished sovereignty to organize and form a sovereign entity,” according to a release.
The NHRC is looking to register as many Hawaiians as possible by July 2013.
The group is looking for any Native Hawaiian of ancestry to the indigenous people of Hawai‘i prior to 1778, who is at least 16 years old and states a cultural affiliation to the indigenous people.
“Native Hawaiians are on a long and difficult journey to regain control of our collective future, and transmit our culture, knowledge and values to future generations,” Sen. Daniel Akaka said at the Kana‘iolowalu kickoff.
In being the first to sign the petition, Akaka said the year-long initiative “affirms that as a state, we recognize the rights of Native Hawaiians as the indigenous people of Hawai‘i, to perpetuate the culture of our island home. It is time to holomua, to move forward together, and to express our commitment to the future of Hawai‘i and her indigenous people.”
Individuals may enroll to join others in order to determine the governance structure of Native Hawaiians recognized by the State of Hawai‘i.
Non-Hawaiians are also encouraged to sign the petition in support of the measure.
Those interested in attending can email cathy.hedges@kanaiolowalu.org or call (808) 594-0088.
For more information or to register, visit www.kanaiolowalu.org online.
