Traditional and customary practices of our native Hawaiians are preserved and perpetuated through the work of the Native Hawaiian Advisory Council. Through informational workshops and seminars, the values and traditions of our people are shared. Networking and advocating with the local communities bring together the knowledge of our council and that of the kupuna to focus on common goals.
Water is the source of life. The availability and the care of our water resources is a very important concern. Protection of the waterways and the constant flow of these waters insure that life shall continue as it has with our kupuna. Preserving the water traditions is a priority of the native Hawaiians.
Respect of Kane, ke Akua, and for ka `aina, our lands, is a responsibility of each and every one of us. We must set aside time in our daily lives to do our share of preserving and perpetuating these native traditions and practices.
Join us and support Ke Kia`i through a tax deductible donation.
`Ohe kapala is the traditional manner in which kapa is decorated. Carved on bamboo, each image is an expression of the artist, giving insight to current or past events and allowing the viewer to understand the culture through the arts.
The symbols of the `ohe kapala festured on this kapa portray the importance of Kane and his many water forms. Cloud forms, moving waters, the piko, and the kalo, are integral components of the water cycle. Pualani Kanaka `ole Kanahele shares her `olelo no`eau which speaks of this water cycle.
This design by Paliku Graphics of Hilo, is made up of Sig Zane and Punawai Rice. Together they have created this image for our current stand on native Hawaiian water rights.
Send check payable to Native Hawaiian Advisory Council:
Mailing: Native Hawaiian Advisory Council, 417-H Uluniu St., Kailua,
Hawai`i 96734
E-mail: nhac@pixi.com
The NHAC is in great need of externs and volunteers (lawyers, secretaries, video camera persons, librarian, file clerks - you name it!) to help meet the tremendous need for legal advocacy to support and advance social, economic and political strategies to enforce and protect Native Hawaiians water rights. Externs and volunteers for NHAC will have the opportunity for hands on experience representing Hawaiian water users before the Water Commission and other state agencies. Duties are expected to include legal research of "cutting edge" Native Hawaiian water rights issues, factual investigation, drafting of citizens' complaints and other pleadings, participation in community building activities, and preparing and presenting testimony on behalf of Hawaiians.
On-going Activities include:
Legal research and development of legal arguments which seek to advance and protect Native Hawaiian traditional and customary procedures related to water resources.
Research and development of legal strategies concerning critical environmental issues raised by the diversion of water from streams and extraction of ground water from aquifers in Hawai'i.
Drafting of a community guide intended to provide information about how to assert, protect and preserve Native Hawaiian water rights, tentatively titled "Know your Native Hawaiian Water Rights".
Writing of press releases regarding matters before the Water Commission.
Preparation of the NHAC newsletter - researching and writing articles and announcements of upcoming administrative and legislative events of interest to Hawaiians.
Review of proposed action items for Water Commission meetings and preparing testimony.
Assistance to Native Hawaiians in preparing testimony on proposed Water Commission actions.