Bloc party
State Rep. Cynthia Thielen made an unannounced appearance at the Native Votes luncheon on the closing day of the 5th annual Native Hawaiian Convention last week. The Republican challenger for Sen. Daniel Akaka’s Senate seat meandered around the ballroom from table to native Hawaiian-filled table, repeating a half-minute-long spiel about how she in her ‘radical’ element had assisted Dr. Emmett Aluli in representing Protect Kaho’olawe ‘Ohana in federal court in 1979, underscoring her commitment to native Hawaiian interests. It was a bold move in a roomful of staunch Akaka supporters, one that she should have asked permission to make.
Thielen’s intrusion was followed by keynoter Billy Kenoi, executive assistant to Big Island Mayor Harry Kim. In an energetic speech both comical and poignant, Kenoi explained the importance of the collective native Hawaiian vote–a potential 153,000 voters, approximately 15.7 percent of total eligible Hawai’i voters–encouraging native Hawaiians to ‘bring up issues we agree on and push them’ because ‘as a community we are under assault.’ He stressed unifying issues as opposed to divisive ones, one of them, incidentally, being Case’s criticism of Sen. Akaka’s age.
‘How dare you?’ Kenoi asked rhetorically, voicing how offensive it was that Akaka was attacked not because of policy mistakes, not because he was dishonorable, but ”cause he was kupuna.’
‘Values matter in Hawai’i. Respect matters. For the kupuna and for the keiki. For the ‘ohana,’ he continued, adding compassion and dignity for everyone as values that unite native Hawaiians. ‘Why shouldn’t we vote as a bloc? Don’t let anyone else define us. Let us define ourselves.’
Outside the ballroom, official registrars were ready to register new voters. The push on behalf of a coalition of native Hawaiian groups brought together by the Council for Native Hawaiian Advancement is working to demonstrate that the sleeping giant that is the native Hawaiian vote is waking up.
Earlier in the week, Gov. Linda Lingle and Democratic gubernatorial candidate Randy Iwase addressed the group, stating their positions on issues including overcrowded prisons, the homeless, charter schools, ceded lands and the Akaka bill. Both candidates promised to support recognition for native Hawaiians at the federal level.
Kenoi reiterated the Rock the Native Vote motto ‘No Vote No Grumble,’ saying that as a young, politically active Hawaiian who wanted to learn how to effect change, he was warned, ‘Curiosity killed the cat.’ Sure, he quipped, ‘But satisfaction brought him back.’
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