FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: March 15, 2006

CNHA LAUNCHES NATIVE VOTES COUNT CAMPAIGN

HONOLULU, HI - The Council for Native Hawaiian Advancement (CNHA) announced today its Native Votes Count campaign to increase voter education and awareness and encourage the Native Hawaiian community to get out the vote.  CNHA will work with community-based groups to coordinate access to Native Votes Count banners, signs and t-shirts, and ensure they have access to the information necessary to conduct voter registration drives.

"This is our 3rd year of promoting voter education in Hawaii," said Jade Danner, CNHA Vice President.  "With the elections coming up in November, there are some critical races, including the house seat vacated by Representative Case and the Senate seat held by Senator Akaka."  She added, "Our aim is to support and encourage our communities to participate in the process–to choose candidates they believe will be reflections of Hawaii’s people and can achieve Hawaii’s public policy needs.  Our mantra to our community is get informed, get involved and get voting."

CNHA will be focused on several local seats in addition to those at the federal level. "At the state government level, the Governor’s race is on, and there are five seats at the Office of Hawaiian Affairs (OHA)," Danner remarked.  "The OHA seats are important to our community, and as a public trust, to all of Hawaii.  How the resources held in trust are managed, indeed deployed, in our communities can make a significant impact for Hawaiians, and the overall well-being of Hawaii."

CNHA, as one of the largest national organizations serving Hawaiian communities and with more than 140 members engaged in community development, sees the OHA seats as critical opportunities to set the policy direction and strategic course of the agency.  "We encourage individuals to give their attention to these seats at the state level, in addition to the important federal seats up in the House and the Senate."

Native Votes Count will be the main theme of the voter education campaign, designed to provide community organizations with the resources and materials they need to register eligible residents.  "We will once again partner with several organizations and community groups in this campaign.  It’s just great to see the energy at the community level," Danner continued.  "Our role is really supportive–to provide the materials and any assistance we can."

On the Akaka/Case race, Danner surmised that the race between the two Democrats isn't about new or old party Democrats as much as it is about the style and approach of each candidate.  "We work in D.C. a lot with federal agencies and policy makers on economic and social issues–the style and demeanor of each member of our delegation matters, particularly in the Senate,” Danner said.  “I think Hawaii residents will consider how they want our state to be perceived and represented in D.C., and in what manner they want their business accomplished,” Danner said. “Certainly the candidates are in stark contrast in this regard.  Every eligible voter should get out and express their mana‘o at the ballot box."

CNHA is a national, member-based nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting community development in Native communities.  Operating a Public Policy Center, CNHA conducts educational workshops on federal legislation of interest to Native communities in the areas of healthcare, education, affordable housing, cultural preservation and economic development.  To request voter education supplies, community organizations should contact CNHA’s Public Policy Center via telephone at 808.521.5011 or toll free at 800.709.2642, via e-mail at info@hawaiiancouncil.org or visit our website at www.hawaiiancouncil.org.

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Media Contact:
Lilia Kapuniai, Vice President
Council for Native Hawaiian Advancement
Phone: 808.521.5011 or 800.709.2642
www.hawaiiancouncil.org
www.hawaiianwayfund.org
www.anapacific.org
www.dhhlhoap.org
www.hhtech.net
www.nativealliance.com