February 2, 2004
Contributed by CEO Message
Among the topics of discussion, Native Hawaiian governance has, in recent years, risen in importance. We have listened to many perspectives, staff has embarked on serious research on the matter and deliberation has led to some conclusions, with many, many other questions yet to be answered. Our perspective has, and continues to be, focused on what is best for Kamehameha Schools, its students, and the trust that Pauahi left in our hands.
We expect that in the next year or so, the debate over Governance will build and be a dominant native issue. Each of you will find yourself taking positions and participating in discussions.
For this reason, I feel it is important that each of you know that Kamehameha Schools has taken a clear position on one of the issues: we support federal recognition of Native Hawaiians. We believe that it is through such recognition that much needed programs, services, and lands that benefit Hawaiians, and that are currently in danger of being dissolved, can be protected.
Consistent with this support, Kamehameha Schools has decided to support the recently implemented "Kau Inoa" voter enrollment process. The campaign is designed to enlist the participation of all Native Hawaiians in the formation of a Hawaiian governing entity. Any effort to form a governing entity must be as inclusive as possible, and we support Kau Inoa as the first step in that process. Kamehameha Schools encourages you to learn more about this enrollment process by calling Hawai'i Maoli at 394-0050.
Finally, I do have one note of caution. People have asked whether the Kau Inoa registry process has any connection to Kamehameha SchoolsÇ Hawaiian ancestry registration process run by the Ho'oulu Hawaiian Data Center. There is absolutely no connection. If you are applying for any of our education programs, please continue to do that separate and apart from the Kau Inoa voter registration process.
Before closing, I wish to extend to each of you my deepest gratitude for all of the warmth and welcome extended to my family and to me on our return home. I have been honored with many of you being present at my receptions, and look forward to meeting and talking with you at events and activities throughout the year. Your leadership team at Kamehameha Schools and I pledge our absolute commitment to leading with hearts and minds and a singular focus to assure Pauahi's Legacy Lives.
Me ke aloha pumehana,
Dee Jay Mailer
Chief Executive Officer
Kamehameha Schools
Kamehameha Schools’ policy is to give preference to applicants of Hawaiian ancestry to the extent permitted by law.
