The tools we need

The Hawaiian Renaissance of the 1970s marked a turning point in Hawaiian history, when Native Hawaiians began in earnest to revive our culture, reassert our identity and reclaim our rightful status in Hawaii.

It was a reaction to more than 100 years of purported "progress" that had taken place on the backs of the Hawaiian people, who were systematically denied the right to perpetuate our culture, manage our lands and govern our affairs.

The state Office of Hawaiian Affairs was a direct product of the Hawaiian Renaissance.

The 1978 constitutional convention established OHA to better the conditions of Native Hawaiians and to serve as a stepping stone toward the restoration of a self-governing lāhui (nation).

Remarkably, the constitutional amendments of 1978 included a clear commitment of revenues to support OHA’s mission.

However, for decades, the promise of meaningful revenues under the new constitution would remain unfulfilled.

Only after multiple lawsuits, years of advocacy and continuous grassroots pressure, did the governor, OHA and the Legislature finally agree upon the state’s debt to OHA for more than 30 years of unpaid revenues. In 2012, OHA received 30 acres of land in Kakaako Makai, appraised at an estimated $200 million, in satisfaction of this debt.

OHA now seeks to bring the same spirit of renaissance that led to OHA’s creation to our lands in Kakaako.

Admittedly, our 10 parcels contain aging, underused — and in the case of the Fisherman’s Wharf, woefully dilapidated — buildings, warehouses and industrial lots. These parcels stand in stark contrast to the Hawaii Community Development Authority’s verdant Kakaako Waterfront and Gateway parks, the University of Hawaii’s vibrant medical school and the trendy commercial redevelopment just mauka. Unlike these neighboring parcels, OHA’s parcels have yet to realize their true potential.

But we see hope in the future of our newly acquired lands, which will — and must — play a role in the future of Native Hawaiians and the lāhui.

Our trustees are still developing a vision and master plan for our Kakaako Makai lands; however, initial planning shows that OHA may not realize a revenue stream consistent with the $200 million settlement from these lands without being allowed to incorporate some level of residential use.

Therefore, we are asking for the option to explore residential development on just three of our parcels: two lots immediately across from Ala Moana Boulevard, and our only other inland parcel.

We are not seeking to develop residential on any of our waterfront properties, and are committed to enhancing public access to the waterfront.

The Legislature’s approval of our request will reaffirm the state’s commitment to OHA and its mission to better the conditions of Native Hawaiians.

Each and every day, we witness Native Hawaiians struggle in our own homeland, as we fall at or near the bottom of nearly every health, education and income indicator. With the Legislature’s continued support, Kakaako can help us turn the tide in remedying such living legacies of injustice.

Despite Hawaii’s history, the Native Hawaiian people are resilient. They are reinvigorating traditions, reinstituting cultural values, reasserting our rights and moving forward together to fulfill our kuleana.

Revenues from Kakaako will increase OHA’s capacity to improve Native Hawaiian socio-economic conditions, advocate for the perpetuation of Native Hawaiian culture and protect Hawaii’s environment.

Kakaako will also allow OHA to better protect more than 28,000 acres of undeveloped legacy lands, including Waimea Valley on Oahu and Wao Kele o Puna.

One thing is clear: Now, more than ever, giving Native Hawaiians the tools we need to develop our lands can truly uplift the Native Hawaiian people, and turn the next chapter in restoring justice in Hawaii nei.