About time we got rid of Hawaiian Entitlements

Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Della Au Belatti on May 12, 2008 at 3:18pm

Hmmmm....I'm betting we share very different views of the world because I don't think I would characterize what we have in our State Constitution as "Hawaiian entitlements" that need "abolishing." Maybe some improvements, maybe some tweaking...I'm not sure, because I don't know enough to know how OHA, DHHL, etc. might be improved. What do others think out there who are more familiar with these institutions?

Also, I would tread down this pathway very carefully. We have access rights to beaches, in large part, because of the recognition that this is a special right that comes out of our unique history as Hawaii and the Hawaiian culture. I wouldn't want to lose these general public trust rights if it is all bundled under "the idea of giving Hawaiians special privileges."

▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by Rick M. on May 12, 2008 at 3:32pm

This is America and it is time Hawaii got with the program re property rights. I think that those who believe in these American values of property rights are in the majority now even though they weren't at the last ConCon. I think we can get this stuff like Hawaiian Homes and special access to MY property taken out of the Constitution.

▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by Della Au Belatti on May 12, 2008 at 3:41pm

I really believe that you will find that a majority of people in this State understand and respect the right of the public to have access to the ocean - not just those who own oceanfront property. I, for one, would not want to see access rights eroded. And, I would also hate to see local people here restricted from our beautiful coastlines much like the way large parts of mainland coastal areas appear to have been restricted.

▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by Rick M. on May 12, 2008 at 3:46pm

I guess we'll have to agree to disagree about this and see which side has the majority come the Concon.

Rick.

▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by Al Beeman on May 12, 2008 at 5:27pm

I hope we are considering a ConCon to tweak our exisiting constitution and perhaps modernize it to take into account the impact of modern communications technologies like the Internet, etc.

I do not want our constitution "rewritten." Nor do I want to see the status of Hawaii's founding culture diminished.

"Pono-ize," Modernize and Rebalance those are my goals for an upcoming ConCon.

▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by Rick M. on May 12, 2008 at 5:55pm

"I do not want our constitution rewritten"

You want to tweak, we want to rewrite. That is the right the ConCon gives us. And the old guard is outnumbered. It is time to bring Hawaii into America and prune away all this old Hawaiian nonsense that is preventing progress. I truly believe that NOW we have the will and the majority to do this.

▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by Daniel Leuck on May 12, 2008 at 6:36pm

Well put, and I am willing to bet you are in the majority even amoungst non-Hawaiian residents born outside the state.

▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by Kaunaloa on May 12, 2008 at 9:57pm

Rick,

while i appreciate your passion for wanting to make institutional changes which you see as "bringing Hawai'i into the 21st century" i must caution you re: "the old guard is outnumbered." There are a lot of people throughout the state who, rightly or wrongly, are under the impression that they would "lose" something if various agencies had their charters and functions altered.

▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by Peter Kay on May 12, 2008 at 10:18pm

I'll go a little further on your side, Della, in that I really wish our leaders would have long ago made the land makai of Kalakaua government property. And for that matter, makai of ocean-following highways (i.e. much of Kalanianaole).

I know that's way too long, but I definitely am grateful for the Hawaiian cultural tradition which lead to making beach access open to all.

▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by Peter Kay on May 12, 2008 at 10:20pm

I would like to believe that the real value of this discussion is that we can understand and explore how to approach an extremely sensitive issue.

I was wondering when this point would come up and I'm glad that it did. It allows this site to demonstrate a balanced point of view.

I'm looking forward to see how this unfolds.

▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by Peter Kay on May 12, 2008 at 10:23pm

Rick,

Look at Della's post that includes a survey. Why don't you put forth a survey and find out if you have a majority?

Certainly these are unscientific, but at least informational.

Go get a free account at Vizu.com, create a survey, and post it in your blog.

▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by Elizabeth Blake on May 13, 2008 at 1:43am

These are not special entitlements - they are rights for the indigenous peoples of Hawaii. If you don't like it - Hawaiian Airlines has recently increased their flights to the mainland, maybe you should take advantage...

And Hawai'i was an established nation - recognized internationally as an independent nation when the Hawai'i became a part of America by force not by choice. So, this is Hawaii. We have been able to live harmoniously on this beautiful island 3000 miles from anywhere because we have RESPECT for one another. There are no majorities among the 8 different cultures that live here.

It seems to me that you feel you have special entitlements to be even considered a kamaaina here in Hawai'i. To be part of the ohana is not about race - but by adoption. I would have to surmise that you do not understand the principles of Ohana and ho'oponopono to declare your edict upon the Hawaiian people.

You need to sit at the feet of a few Aunties and learn before you declare your self King. A word from one non-Hawaiian to another.

▶ Reply to This

▶ Reply to This

• 1
• 2
• 3
• 4