What's Happening?
Voters on Oahu will decide on a charter amendment to establish an Office of 'Oiwi Resources and Cultural Stewardship within the City and County of Honolulu. This proposed agency would be modeled after a similar department in Maui County, which focuses
on preserving natural and cultural resources, giving Native Hawaiians a voice in development, and promoting the Hawaiian language. The new office aims to protect burial sites, revitalize the use of 'ōlelo Hawai'i (Hawaiian language) in city operations, guide development, and increase citizen participation in county government. Entrepreneur Keoni DeFranco, who proposed the amendment, emphasizes the necessity of an agency dedicated to integrating traditional knowledge and stewardship practices into county planning. The director of this office would be appointed by the mayor and confirmed by the City Council, with duties including community engagement, promoting Hawaiian practitioners' involvement in government, fostering healthy ecosystems, and ensuring proper management of 'ōiwi resources.
Why It's Important?
The establishment of this office is significant for several reasons. It seeks to address a long-standing lack of trust between local communities, particularly Native Hawaiians, and city and county operations regarding culturally sensitive areas. Proponents believe that by having a dedicated agency, disputes over the handling of Indigenous resources, which have previously stalled major projects like the Honolulu rail line, can be mitigated. The office would provide input on long-range planning, translate county documents into 'ōlelo Hawai'i, and ensure the language's broader use. This initiative aims to ensure that the culture and language of the first peoples of Hawaii not only survive but thrive. The Office of Hawaiian Affairs (OHA), a statewide agency, has officially supported the Honolulu charter amendment as a practical step toward protecting Native Hawaiian rights at the county level.
What's Next?
If approved by Oahu voters, the new Office of 'Oiwi Resources and Cultural Stewardship would be placed within the mayor's office. The director would be responsible for working with community organizations, promoting the participation of Hawaiian practitioners, and guiding the city in managing 'ōiwi resources. DeFranco suggests the Honolulu office should mirror Maui's department, with divisions focused on safeguarding land and iwi kūpuna (ancestral remains), preserving natural and cultural resources, and uplifting Hawaiian voices in government decision-making. A cultural advisory council, comprising kūpuna, cultural practitioners, and community representatives, would be convened to propose policy and advise the mayor and council. While the cost of implementation is not yet clear for Honolulu, Maui County budgets over $1.6 million annually for its department's operations. The city Department of Planning and Permitting has raised concerns about potential overlaps with the Oahu Historic Preservation Commission, suggesting the need for clear delineation of responsibilities.
Beyond the Headlines
This proposed office represents a deeper commitment to self-determination and cultural preservation for Native Hawaiians within local governance. It acknowledges that traditional knowledge and stewardship practices are crucial for sustainable development and community well-being. The initiative reflects a growing recognition across the U.S. of the importance of Indigenous voices in environmental and cultural policy. By embedding such an office within the county structure, Oahu could set a precedent for other regions grappling with similar issues of cultural heritage and land management. The success of this office would depend on its ability to effectively bridge traditional practices with modern governance, fostering collaboration between diverse stakeholders and rebuilding trust in government institutions. It also highlights the ongoing effort to ensure that the Hawaiian language and cultural identity are not merely preserved but actively integrated into daily life and public administration.
