/cOMMUNITY GATHERING/S.J.R. 2

Aloha! On February 4th there was a community gathering in regards to the potential effects of the proposal to ban Affirmative Action in the State of Utah. We were so fortunate to have 'Anapesi Ka'ili and Lavinia Taumoepeau present to share their thoughts and insights regarding thsi measure. Mahalo nui to Belinda Saltiban for all of her help in getting this gathering organized as well as to Stacy Harvey Wood for being the host.
At the time of the gathering, the proposal was not officially submitted. As of February 5th, Senator Dayton submitted S.J.R. 2, Joint Resolution on Equal Treatment by Government. This is a resurrection of Rep. Oda's bill last year which sought to eliminate Affirmative Action. Please be aware that Affirmative Action refers to programs that are designed to assist traditionally marginalized peoples by means of educational programs, language programs and more. It does NOT refer to hiring practices, which come under Equal Employment Opportunity.
Here is the link to the bill, it does not have "language" to it yet, although it has been submitted and has received a number. You can elect to follow along with the bill by signing up for email notifications near the bottom of the page.

Community Gathering January 18th

There were approximately 20 people at the Community Gathering regarding Affirmative Action on January 18th. While it would have been ideal to have more people attend, those that were there were able to get clarification on what Affirmative Action is and see the potential widespread ramifications should this bill go through.

It was unfortunate that more community leaders were not in attendance, and hopefully the follow up gathering on February 4th draws more people. The follow up gathering will be held on Friday February 4th at 6:30 at the Hawaiian Cultural Center, potluck.

Mahalo nunui to Belinda Saltiban for all of her kokua and to Susan Porter who so generously shared her time and mana'o to help increase awareness amongst our Polynesian community.

Don't forget!

Okay, don't forget, there is a Community Gathering tomorrow night at the Hawaiian Cultural Center, 741 Smelter St. in Midvale, at 6:30 in regards to the proposed amendment to ban affirmative action in the State of Utah. Regardless of whether you agree or disagree with affirmative action, we can all agree that an INFORMED COMMUNITY is a STRONG COMMUNITY. Please join us.

ALSO...the deadline to apply for Kamehameha Schools Ho'omaika'ika'i program/Explorations is February 28th. You can download the application here.

COMMUNITY GATHERING JANUARY 18TH!

Please join us! It has recently come to our attention that many in our Hawaiian and Polynesian community are unaware of the proposed amendment to the Utah State constitution to BAN Affirmative Action. This bill is positioned to go on the ballot for 2012.

This gathering on January 18th will be about getting the information regarding this proposal to our community in order to empower them to make informed decisions. We will have special guest speakers from the University of Utah to share what the proposal is, the possible ramifications and how they impact us as a community and as individuals. Please plan on attending! Mahalo nunui to Lei Aloha O Ka `Ohana through the Hawaiian Cultural Center for all of their kokua with having the gathering there. Mahalo!