Frequently Asked Questions
BUILDING THE NATION
> Why Create a Native Hawaiian Governing Entity?
Since the illegal Overthrow of the Hawaiian monarchy in 1893, Native Hawaiians have been disenfranchised by the western governments which have controlled them: first the Provisional Government of Hawaii in 1893, followed by the Territorial Government in 1898, and finally the State of Hawaii since 1959. This disenfranchisement is demonstrated by Native Hawaiians΄ lack of success in western forms of education, health, home ownership, financial stability, economic growth, and general welfare. Though federal funds to “rehabilitate” Hawaiians have been available since 1921, the programs have met with limited success.
Since 2000, Native Hawaiians have been under legal attack by plaintiffs who file lawsuits to discontinue programs benefiting Native Hawaiians. Their litigation endangers the historic Ali'i Trusts and the two public trusts (OHA and the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands). They are increasing their attempts at the national level to erode rights, natural resources, and assets of indigenous native peoples across the U.S. These trusts and pieces of legislation were intended to address increasing societal problems for Native Hawaiians and protect their survival in their own homeland.
Native Hawaiians need to protect the remaining natural resources and assets established by Ali'i through several trusts and by Congress through legislation that began more than a century ago. It is urgent and critical for Native Hawaiians to have a unified, single voice that represents the Native Hawaiian electorate in order to protect their sovereign interests in deliberations with governments at the local, state, national, and international levels.
> What do we do?
The creation of a Native Hawaiian governing entity will provide Native Hawaiians with a voice that will be difficult to ignore when it comes to advocating for Native Hawaiians. The voices of 400,000 Native Hawaiians will help to make a difference in improving their social conditions and opportunities for success. Raising the quality of life for Native Hawaiians will have a positive impact on all the communities of Hawaii. Rather than being a drain on the local economy, Native Hawaiians will be productive, contributing citizens in Hawai'i's multi-cultural community – a hopeful future for all of Hawaii nei.
> Why is OHA leading the charge on nation building? OHA is a state agency and owes its allegiance to the State of Hawaii.
When OHA is spending State general fund revenues, it needs to operate as a state agency and, as such, must comply with various state laws and regulations. However, when OHA operates as a trust, its allegiance is to its beneficiaries. OHA believes that a Native Hawaiian Governing Entity will help to improve the conditions of all Hawaiians, a basic mandate of OHA. Further, OHA has the resources to fund this effort.
> How will the community get involved in this process?
Each of the steps that have been outlined calls for the establishment of an oversight committee or commission. Members of the Hawaiian and non-Hawaiian community who are interested in serving on these committees should contact OHA. A list of the committees will soon be published in Ka Wai Ola and other publications.
> How do we build a nation?
The following are steps in the process to build a Native Hawaiian government developed by the Hawaiian community.
1. Kau Inoa - the Native Hawaiian Registration: To participate in forming a Native Hawaiian Governing Entity every Native Hawaiian should register in Kau Inoa.
2. Apportionment: To develop an apportionment plan of representative districts based on the eligible voter population.
3. Elections: To hold an election of representative delegates to participate in a constitutional convention.
4. Convention: To convene a constitutional convention to create organic documents of the Native Hawaiian Governing Entity and explore the rights, responsibilities, and immunities of the governing entity.
5. To ratify the organic documents and all of its articles as developed by the Native Hawaiian Convention delegates.
6. To convene the Native Hawaiian Governing Entity by implementing the provisions of the Native Hawaiian Constitution.
7. To receive recognition of the Governing Entity by the Executive and Legislative Branches of the State of Hawai'i and to negotiate the transfer of the assets of programs benefiting Native Hawaiians to the Native Hawaiian governing entity.
> What is Kau Inoa?
The Kau Inoa registration is simply; (1) a declaration of Hawaiian Ancestry, and (2) an expression of interest to participate in the nation-building process.
> Why do we need a registration?
One of the first steps in forming a governing entity is to compile a list identifying those who want to participate in that government.
> Since step one is Registration, step two is Apportionment, and step three is the Election of Delegates to Convention, what is step four?
Step four is the National Building Convention. The elected delegates will have an opportunity to hold hearings, create and debate the various organic documents which eventually will be offered to the Native Hawaiian voters for ratification. All types of governance models will be debated.
> What could a Native Hawaiian governing body do for me?
Generally, governments protect members΄ rights and provide a means for social justice and security. Common services provided by a government include health care, education, economic development, social service programs, emergency services, and resource management and protection.
> Why start this process now?
The current political climate is hostile toward Native Hawaiians. Legal challenges to Native Hawaiian rights and entitlements have escalated. Lawsuits against Native Hawaiian institutions such as DHHL, OHA, and KSBE challenging preference given to Native Hawaiians are widely publicized and well-known. In addition, legislation authorizing federal funds for programs serving Native Hawaiians is being threatened in the U.S. Congress. If we do not act now, over $95 million in federal funds supporting Native Hawaiian education, employment and training, health, housing, and community assistance may be lost. In addition, cultural assets such as iwi kupuna, cultural artifacts, and architectural sites currently protected under the Native America Graves Protection and Repatriation Act (NAGPRA) are at risk. We must protect Native Hawaiian assets and entitlements in order to build a better future for Native Hawaiians – forming a Native Hawaiian Governing Entity will help us defend against legal attacks.
115 years after the illegal overthrow of the Hawaiian Kingdom, it is time for Native Hawaiians, as the indigenous people of Hawai'i, to exercise their inherent human right to self-determination and self-governance. The self-determination process actually began decades ago, and it has gone through various changes and taken different forms. There are many individuals and groups in the Native Hawaiian community taking action to solidify Native Hawaiian rights through the establishment of a new Native Hawaiian governing body. Kau Inoa is the first broad, concerted effort of this kind with sufficient resources to include Native Hawaiians from all walks of life.
The establishment of a new Native Hawaiian government is on the horizon and can be achieved with the will and support of the Native Hawaiian people. Those who register in Kau Inoa will help shape the nation to come.
> Is the enrollment connected to the Akaka Bill?
No. The Kau Inoa process and the formation of a Native Hawaiian governing entity is being undertaken as a Native Hawaiian community initiative completely independent of the Hawaiian federal recognition bill currently before the U.S. Congress.
> What is OHA’s role?
The Office of Hawaiian Affairs' role in this process is as a facilitator only, providing funding and logistical help for this community-driven effort. OHA does not house or control the input of information for the Kau Inoa database.
> How was the process developed?
The Kau Inoa registration process was developed by broad-based community working groups who drew upon previous work done by the O'ahu Council of Hawaiian Civic Clubs, Ka Lāhui, the Royal Order of Kamehameha's O'ahu chapter and the State Council of Hawaiian Homestead Associations.
> What comes after Registration?
The next stages in the Nation Building process have been drafted by a broad-based coalition of Hawaiian community representatives over a period of nearly two years. The steps outlined in the Ho'oulu Lāhui Aloha: To Raise A Beloved Nation plan include appropriation of districts, election of delegates, the 'Aha – Nation Building Convention, ratification of the governing documents, and finally the formation of the government as dictated by the governing documents. Native Hawaiians registered in Kau Inoa would be eligible to run as delegates to the 'aha, vote for delegates, ratify governing documents, and participate in the formation of the government.
> Who owns the Kau Inoa database?
Hawai'i Maoli is the official repository for Kau Inoa registration forms and vital statistics records. The Kau Inoa database will be forwarded to and owned by the Native Hawaiian Governing entity when it is formed. Hawai'i Maoli is a nonprofit arm of the Association of Hawaiian Civic Clubs
> What is Hawaii Maoli?
Hawai'i Maoli Inc. is the nonprofit organization operated by the Association of Hawaiian Civic Clubs that serves as a repository for Kau Inoa registration forms and data. All Kau Inoa registration forms are sent to HM where the registrant's information is entered and held in a secured database.
> Is a registration for Hawaiians only legal?
Under the U.S. Constitution and federal law, America's indigenous native people are recognized not because of their race or ethnicity, but because their ancestors exercised sovereignty over the lands and areas that subsequently became part of the U.S. It is for Hawaiians to come together and decide what their nation will look like. After forming a nation, they may choose to include non-Hawaiians the way other native nations have.
> How can I support Kau Inoa as a non-Hawaiian?
Kau Inoa appreciates all of the support from the many non-Hawaiians who have stepped forward. The best way to help Hawaiians is to continue to step forward and be counted by speaking up, writing letters to the editor, and talking to your 'ohana and friends about Hawaiian history. Remind others how important the preservation of Hawaiian culture and values is to keeping Hawai'i this very unique place that we call home.
> Are Hawaiians living on the continent going to be involved in this process?
Yes. OHA is committed to involving all Hawaiians in this process regardless of where they reside. Hawai'i is the homeland of all Hawaiians.
> I am moving to another state. Who do I have to notify?
If you are registered in Kau Inoa and are moving, please update your information with Hawai'i Maoli by calling (808) 394-0050. You may also submit any changes in writing to PO Box 1135, Honolulu, HI 96807 or kauinoa@hawaiimaoli.org
> Does Kau Inoa make us Indians?
No. Kau Inoa does not make you Indians. Kau Inoa is the Native Hawaiian Registry and the first step in the Ho'oulu Lāhui Aloha Nation building plan. Registering in Kau Inoa will give you a voice in the process of forming a Native Hawaiian nation.
> I am a citizen of the United States and a Native Hawaiian. By signing up for Kau Inoa, does that mean that I have to choose between my U.S. citizenship and my Hawaiian citizenship? What will happen to my benefits?
No. You will not have to choose between being an American and being a Hawaiian. The creation of a Native Hawaiian governing entity will not affect your current status in any way. Whether or not you decide to join the new government, you would retain your American citizenship and your Hawai'i State residency. Those who fought to protect America would also retain their veterans΄ (VA) status. If you are a recipient of Social Security, Medicare, Medicaid, and/or receive other benefits from employment or from the city, state or federal governments, these benefits will remain intact. The only changes you may feel will be the additional benefits you may receive as a member of the new Native Hawaiian governing entity.
> Kau Inoa divides Hawaiians and non-Hawaiians, sometimes in the same family. Why does Kau Inoa want to divide us?
Kau Inoa does not support a process which would divide families. Kau Inoa supports a process that allows Native Hawaiians to assert their inherent right to self-determination. By creating a process that will lead to a self-governing nation, Native Hawaiians will be able to strengthen their 'ohana and their communities, because it is about justice. For now, the process must be done by Native Hawaiians.
Ultimately, citizenship in the Native Hawaiian governing entity will be decided upon at the nation-building convention. The discussion on whether or not non-Hawaiians will be included and to what possible extent will occur at that time. If you feel strongly on this issue, urge your Native Hawaiian family and friends to register and participate in this important process.
> Is this another way of getting federal recognition for Hawaiians?
It could be, if Hawaiians participating in the process choose to seek federal recognition. The last step indicates, “if appropriate, move for federal recognition.” The choice to pursue or not to pursue federal recognition is up to the Hawaiian voters. If the convention delegates include a provision in their organic documents that federal recognition should be pursued, and if this provision is ratified by the Hawaiian voters, then pursuit of federal recognition would be appropriate.
REGISTRATION
> Why is registration necessary?
To form a new government, a list must first be compiled of those who want to participate in the formation and establishment of that government. Native Hawaiians must register their names and addresses so that they may be contacted in order to be included in the process. Once registered in Kau Inoa, individuals will have a voice and a choice as to which issues the Native Hawaiian governing entity will address, what services it will provide and how it will function.
> Do I have to live in Hawaii to register?
No. Kau Inoa registration is open to Native Hawaiians anywhere in the world. According to figures from the 2000 census, there are approximately 240,000 Native Hawaiians in Hawai'i and more than 160,000 Native Hawaiians across the continental United States.
> Do I need a copy of my birth certificate or the original?
A copy of your birth certificate, which states Hawaiian as the race, is acceptable. If it does not state the race as Hawaiian, attach additional biological support documents that links you to your Hawaiian ancestry. (ex: first, parent(s), then, grandparent(s), great grandparents and so on, birth, marriage, or death certificate(s).
> I registered before, but my name or address has changed. How do I make those changes with Kau Inoa?
If you have changed your name or place of residence since you registered with Kau Inoa, please send a written request to Hawai'i Maoli to have them update your information in the Kau Inoa database. Send your letter to: Hawaii Maoli, PO Box 1135, Honolulu, Hi 96807, or e-mail kauinoa@hawaiimaoli.org
> What age do I have to be to sign up?
There is no minimum age to register in Kau Inoa. If a minor is able to understand what it means to Kau Inoa, she/he can sign her/himself. If the child is too young to understand, a parent, grandparent, or legal guardian can sign up the child.
> I am a Native American, can I register in Kau Inoa?
No. Kau Inoa is a registration for Native Hawaiians only. Like other native nations in the U.S., such as the American Indians and Alaska Natives, this is an attempt to build a native nation.
> How can I register my 'ohana on the Continent?
For Hawaiians residing on the Continent, the Kau Inoa registration form can be downloaded by going to the official Kau Inoa website at www.kauinoa.org. You can also register online or call Hawai'i Maoli directly at (808) 394-0050 to request a Kau Inoa registration form.
> How long will the registration process last?
The Kau Inoa registration process is ongoing.
> Where can I register?
You can download a Kau Inoa form at www.kauinoa.org. Print out the form, complete and sign it, then mail it with your Hawaiian ancestry verification document(s) to the official repository organization, Hawai'i Maoli, at the address below:
Hawai'i Maoli
P.O. Box 1135
Honolulu, HI 96807
(808) 394-0050
> I am a graduate of the Kamehameha Schools. Do I qualify for Kau Inoa?
Anyone with Hawaiian ancestry is eligible to register in Kau Inoa. Though you may be a KS graduate, this does not mean that you are automatically enrolled in the Kamehameha Schools (KS) Ho'oulu Hawaiian Data Center (HHDC), which began in 2003. For more information on the KS HHDC, visit www.ksbe.edu/datacenter or phone 808-523-6228.
> My grandparents live on Hawaiian Homelands. Do I qualify for Kau Inoa?
You may be eligible, but you still need to provide documents from the DHHL, or the DOH, that state your ancestry is Hawaiian.
> My father is a lessee on Hawaiian Home Lands. Does that mean I am already verified?
Generally, no. Only the awardee is considered verified.
> My California birth certificate does not state that I am Hawaiian. What should I do?
In addition to submitting a copy of your own birth certificate, you need to submit a parents' birth certificate that states their Hawaiian ancestry. If your parents' birth documents do not state Hawaiian, then you must also submit your grandparents΄ birth certificate stating their Hawaiian ancestry. Copies of marriage and/or death certificates stating Hawaiian race may be submitted.
> Can minors fill out and sign their own registration form?
If the child is of minor age, a parent must sign the registration form in Section F. Then in Section G below, the parent must print their full name, address and their relationship to the registrant.
> Can I register my husband who is stationed in Middle East?
Yes. Fill out the registration form, then complete all the information asked for in Section G.
> How can I help others register in Kau Inoa?
We encourage those interested in becoming a Kau Inoa registrar to get involved by receiving the training and materials needed to register Hawaiians in their community. For those in the continental United States, contact Aulani Apoliona at (808) 594-1912, or e-mail aulania@oha.org. Individuals in Hawaii may contact Chad Lee at (808) 594-0245 or e-mail chadl@oha.org.
Don't wait, sign up for training today!
> Since I vote in the OHA election and receive my OHA newspaper, does that mean I am included in their registrations?
No. Hawaiians had to apply for OHA΄s Operation 'Ohana (green card) or OHA΄s Hawaiian Registry Program (red photo card) registries, or specifically request the OHA KWO newspaper and provide their mailing address.
> My family is planning our next reunion. Is it possible to register the family during the reunion?
Kau Inoa would be happy to attend your family reunion and conduct registration. If a family is interested in having Kau Inoa at their reunion, or interested in being trained to conduct Kau Inoa registration, please contact John Rosa at 594-1902 or e-mail john@oha.org.
> How many events can a Kau Inoa grantee do per year?
Kau Inoa welcomes all individuals who are interested in serving their communities as a Kau Inoa grantee. The number of events a grantee does per year depends on the number of events in their communities and their availability. There is no limit on the number of awards an applicant may receive each year. Multiple awards per year may be given to organizations and individuals who wish to engage in more than one activity per year. All grantees are required to comply by the Kau Inoa grantee guidelines.
> Can the information provided when I signed up for Kau Inoa be used to notify me about the process of creating a Native Hawaiian governing entity. This would include, but not limited to any election information, campaign announcements, and updates.
Yes, if you checked the appropriate box in the Kau Inoa registration form.
ANCESTRY VERIFICATION
> Why do I need to verify that I am Hawaiian for Kau Inoa?
Although Hawaiians know they are Hawaiian, the reason for having a system of ancestry verification is to ensure that non-Hawaiians do not register, and that those who attempt to undermine the forming of a Native Hawaiian government do not register under the guise of being Hawaiian.
> How can I verify my Hawaiian ancestry?
Your Hawaiian ancestry may be verified as follows:
• Individuals may have previously submitted ancestry verification documents to:
- Department of Hawaiian Home Lands
- Kamehameha School's Ho'oulu Hawaiian Data Center
- OHA's Operation Ohana or Hawaiian Registry programs
• A copy of certified birth certificate(s), marriage certificate(s) and/or death certificate(s), linking you to your biological Hawaiian ancestor, is required for verification purposes.
• Depending on the organization you registered with, applicants should have received either a letter or a card confirming the verification of their Hawaiian ancestry support documents.
• The easiest way to verify your Hawaiian ancestry is to provide a copy of a certified birth certificate, marriage certificate, or death certificate stating Hawaiian race that can link you to your Hawaiian ancestry. You may obtain original birth documents from the Hawai'i State Department of Health (DOH), or contact the state vital statistics office wherever the birth took place.
> What if I need help verifying my ancestry?
If none of the above applies to you, check and initial the box in section C of the Kau Inoa form, that states you require assistance with verifying your Hawaiian ancestry authorizing Hawai'i Maoli to release your information to OHA for the purpose of researching your family records at the State of Hawai'ï Department of Health (DOH).
> If the Hawaiian Registry Program and Kau Inoa are affiliated with each other, why do we have to give our birth certificates twice and fill out different forms?
OHA, as well as other Hawaiian organizations, is reaching out to all Hawaiians to educate and assist with this first step--Kau Inoa registration--towards building a native Hawaiian self-governing entity.
The difference between the two registries is:
• HAWAIIAN REGISTRY IS AN OHA PROGRAM. (www.oha.org)
- A color photo ancestry verification card is issued to the applicant after support documents verify their Hawaiian ancestry.
- OHA keeps a list of all Hawaiian beneficiaries, no matter where they live.
- When beneficiaries do business with OHA, their Hawaiian ancestry has already been verified.
- You may use your OHA Hawaiian Registry ancestry verification card to register with Kau Inoa.
- You may contact any OHA office for assistance.
• KAU INOA IS A HAWAIIAN COMMUNITY DATA BASE (www.kauinoa.org)
- A postcard with a Kau Inoa I.D. Number above your name and address is mailed to you after your Hawaiian ancestry has been verified.
- The Kau Inoa data base is maintained by Hawai'i Maoli, Inc., a nonprofit arm of the Association of Hawaiian Civic Clubs.
- You are registering to have a voice in forming a Native Hawaiian self-governing entity.
- You will be kept informed by Hawai'i Maoli.
- You may contact Hawai'i Maoli for your Kau Inoa registration information at
808-394-0050 or kauinoa@hawaiimaoli.org
> What are the OHA ancestry verification programs?
The OHA programs listed on the Kau Inoa form are OHA Operation 'Ohana, which has since been archived. Operation 'Ohana applicants were issued a green card. The current OHA ancestry verification program, Hawaiian Registry, provides registrants with a color photo card after each persons’ Hawaiian support documents have been verified. A 5 year expiration date aides in maintaining up-to-date information in the OHA Hawaiian Registry data base.
If you are enrolled in either program, check the proper OHA box on the Kau Inoa form and initial. By doing so, you are authorizing OHA to verify your Hawaiian ancestry for you, and if all records and documents are valid, you will not need to submit any verification documents.
> Can I register for both OHA Hawaiian Registry and Kau Inoa at the same time?
Yes. There is a form available at OHA that allows you to register for Kau Inoa and the OHA Hawaiian Registry Program (HRP) at the same time.
If you are already registered in Kau Inoa, but not in HRP, please contact:
OHA Hawaiian Registry at (808) 594-1914
If you are registered in HRP and would like to register in Kau Inoa, contact:
Dede Alo at (808) 594-0219.
> What is the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands (DHHL)?
The Department of Hawaiian Home Lands is the State department that parcels out Homestead lands to Hawaiians who verify they have a blood quantum of at least 50%.
> What if I am already verified through DHHL?
If you own a house on Hawaiian Home Lands, are due to inherit Hawaiian Home Lands, or if you are on the wait list, check and initial the DHHL box in section C of the Kau Inoa form, and attach a copy of your DHHL verification letter, or other DHHL certified documents, as proof of your Hawaiian ancestry. By doing so you are declaring that DHHL has verified your Hawaiian ancestry.
> What is the KS Ho'oulu Hawaiian Data Center?
The Kamehameha Schools Ho'oulu Hawaiian Data Center is Kamehameha΄s Hawaiian ancestry verification database. For possible scholarships or enrollment in a KS school or program, you need to enroll in the KS data center. Visit www.ksbe.edu/datacenter or phone 808-523-6228.
> What if I am already verified through Kamehameha Schools?
In section C of the Kau Inoa form, check the Kamehameha School box, and attach a copy of your KS HHDC verification letter that states your KS HHDC I.D. No., as proof of your Hawaiian ancestry.
> If my children are in the KS Ho'oulu Hawaiian Data Center, am I also in the database?
No. Each individual needs to submit an application form to the data center with the proper ancestry verification documentation.
> Can I register people who are not related to me?
No.
> Can I register my parents/children/siblings?
Yes. You will need to fill out section G to explain your relationship. It is important that you notify the individual you are registering that you have registered him/her in Kau Inoa.
> Will I receive help if I need to verify I am Hawaiian?
Yes. In section C of the Kau Inoa form, check box 4 and initial. You are authorizing OHA to verify that your birth certificate states Hawaiian race with the Department of Health (DOH).
> If I was adopted, how do I prove I am Hawaiian?
Contact the circuit court where the adoption took place, submit a letter/form requesting your biological parents' ancestry, and they will provide you with a certified document that identifies your ethnicity without naming the biological parent(s).
> Can my information be used to verify the ancestry of other family members?
Only with your permission by checking and initialing the appropriate box in section D of the Kau Inoa form is your information to be used by other family members.
> What if I am already verified through OHA΄s Hawaiian Registry or Operation 'Ohana programs?
In section C of the Kau Inoa form, check the box and initial either the Operation 'Ohana, or the Hawaiian Registry. If available, write your card number on the line next to the program.
