I was just reading the Akaka bill and various views from the different politicians including the governor of Hawaii's point of view. I thought it's interesting how people are trying to pass this bill to "secure" the Native Hawaiian's rights. Some groups who are for Hawaii's independence is actually against it because they do not believe that Native Hawaiians are part of the Native Indians and that they just want soverignty (spl?).
I wonder with all the Native Hawaiian Affair offices established through out these years, how much has it really helped the Native Hawaiians to improve in their life style and culture? I think it's true that to some extent it is not fair for the Native Hawaiians to have all these benefits compare to the other local people who also have lived here in Hawaii all their lives. Why should they be treated any different? Some of the Native Hawaiians' social economical class is not comparable to the other local families. However, I think it was encouraged by those around them which has become a life style rather than a choice. To many people here in Hawaii, they do not know the other options but the ones that they grew up with. Many of them are not informed about ways that they can change their life. Most people are content with what they have. I think if we can change that perceptions, Native Hawaiians do not need more help because there will be a strong foundation and network for it to build and expand.
I think we do need to help everyone who is involved in the past life style to take initiatives in bettering their lives. Many programs in schools and after schools have been established to inform the youth about it. However, the members of the family need to be informed too. The children need encouragement from the family instead of always trying to follow what their predecessors have done. It's the "following" that has been dragging and preventing the Native Hawaiians to excel.
However, as all social changes, the need for government support is important too. A lot of funding has been allocated into this effort, perhaps there is sitll not enough or perhaps we need more people who are dedicated and educated in this field instead of pouring funding into it. This issue reminds me of many issues in education in the US too.
