I am an immigrant to the islands. My family, both sides, are immigrants to the USA. On the Mainland, I’d be a Pollack. In the islands, I’m a haole. Only Hawaiians are islanders. All the rest of us are immigrants here no matter how deep our roots have grown.

That’s why it is so important to make an educated choice for OHA. A lawsuit has made it policy to let everyone speak for Hawaiians, but it is their future, as a people, at stake. This was once a nation on its own. If you extinguish the Hawaiian in Hawaii, if you do not let the original cultural forces retain their native glory, where on earth are we living?

When it comes time to cast your vote for OHA, consider whose name has been newsworthy and for how long? Bumpy Kanahele has spent a lifetime courageously defending Hawaiian rights. He is opinionated, but no one can deny his opinions are heartfelt. In his campaign, he advocates economic sovereignty rather than political sovereignty for Hawaii because he knows "money talks." Take a look at his Web site, Bumpy Kanahele.com., and see what the man is about.

If you like to "live Hawaii," save what is left. Reward a man for committing his life to a single purpose. Vote Kanahele for trustee of the Office of Hawaiian Affairs. His success will certainly shake up trustees who are complacent, bring new ideas and make good reading.

Maitreyi Light
Wailuku