Ballots began going out Sunday to the 95,000-plus Native Hawaiian voters who registered by the deadline to help choose 40 delegates to an aha, or constitutional convention.
The voters, who will be able to vote electronically or through the U.S. postal system, will pick from more than 200 listed candidates representing various geographical districts. Big Island voters will choose from 32 candidates running for seven seats. Voting ends Nov. 30.
Those who registered to vote should check the list at kanaiolowalu.org/list to ensure their name is on it, according to Nai Aupuni, the independent group set up to oversee the election, convention and ratification process. Those who think they should have gotten a ballot and do not can contact Elections America at naiaupuni@election-america.com or call Elections America toll-free at (844) 413-2929.
“This is an important election for Hawaiians to exercise our right of self-determination and to discuss self-governance,” Nai Aupuni President Kuhio Asam said in a statement Friday. “The candidates in this election are diverse in their ages, backgrounds and purpose and are representative of a cross-section of the Native Hawaiian community. We encourage all certified Hawaiians to vote.”
The 40 candidates who prevail will meet in Honolulu in February to explore what it takes to reach consensus among Native Hawaiians regarding self-determination. They also may propose a governing document for a ratification vote.
Some Native Hawaiians are protesting the process, and six delegate candidates have asked to be taken off the list.
Divisions among Native Hawaiians about what some see as a U.S. government-guided process of recognition escalated Wednesday with the announcement by prominent Native Hawaiian activist Walter Ritte of Molokai that he is dropping out of the race. Ritte urged a boycott of what he calls a “continuation of the U.S. goal to illegally occupy the Hawaiian Islands.”
Ritte and others say there is no need for the United States to recognize Native Hawaiians as an indigenous people, similar to how Native Indian tribes are recognized on the mainland, because Hawaii was never legally annexed as a territory. Without an annexation treaty, the Hawaiian Kingdom continues to exist under international law, regardless of what the United States does or doesn’t do to recognize its people, they say.
Nai Aupuni, in an unsigned statement Wednesday, discounted those concerns, saying all voices should be heard at the convention.
“(T)he fact that some Native Hawaiians protest because they are concerned that their desired outcome will not be accepted emphasizes the need for a Native Hawaiian convention,” Nai Aupuni said in the statement. “Without a process where elected leaders can discuss various options and issues to find a consensus, the Native Hawaiian community will never proceed forward in unity.”
The Hawaii Island candidates, in alphabetical order are:
•Solomon Aikau, retired lifeguard
•Moanikeala Akaka, trustee for the Office of Hawaiian Affairs, 1984-96
•Alvin Akina Jr., 40 years in hospitality industry, heavy equipment operator in Hawaii National Guard
•Chad Awai, 20-plus years in the tourism industry
•Clarence Ching, attorney and trustee for the Office of Hawaiian Affairs, 1986-90
•Keoni Choy, fishpond manager, golf course maintenance supervisor, mechanic shop owner
•Kalikookalani Chun, committee clerk, legislative aide for Hawaii Legislature since 2001
•Desiree Cruz, talent agency owner, former public relations specialist for Mayor Billy Kenoi, Big Island Visitors Bureau
•Kaipo Dye, Pacific Island Climate Change Cooperative, and University of Hawaii at Manoa Soil Ecology and Biogeochemist
•Norine Fitzgerald, former accountant in law office, now studying mediation and homeschooling a child
•Faye Hanohano-Kaawaloa, state House of Representatives, 2006-14, Kulani Correctional Facility officer, 1982-2006
•Lunakanawai Hauanio, Department of Public Safety sheriff, Hawaiian Law Foundation, Hoona Ohana
•Thomas Hickcox, no information provided
•Herbert Ishibashi Sr., business consultant, land manager, and entrepreneur
•Craig Kahui, executive director Laiopua 2020, 2001-08, former bailiff, commercial fisherman
•Amy Kalili, business manager, editor, operations manager, media program coordinator
•Clifford Kapono, former vice president Motorola, currently independent consultant
•Manuel Kiaha, hospitality industry auditor
•Lei Kihoi, attorney, hooponopono practitioner, mediator, UH instructor
• Harlan Lee, no information provided
•Ralph Lee Jr., no information provided
•Scott Mahoney, unexploded ordnance specialist, stevedore, firefighter
•Joshua Mangauil, founder/director, E Ola Mau I Ka Pono Hawaiian Cultural Center of Hamakua, Hawaiian studies teacher
•Judy Moa, insurance adjuster
•Shane Palacat-Nelsen, no information provided
•Kahiolani Papalimu, no detailed information provided
•Shawn Rivera, construction, mason, carpenter
•Michael Stevens, no information provided
•Diana Suganuma, Native Hawaiian Roll Commission, medical outreach and support assistant
•Michalann Rae Trainer, self-employed, Momilani Farm/ Momilani Productions, Momilani Development, LLC
•Kanoe Wilson, Kamehameha Schools, UH, Bishop Museum
•Karyle Yamane, Kamehameha Schools, Hawaii, UH-Hilo, Office of Hawaiian Affairs