During a recent government meeting focused on the challenges facing the island of Molokai, community leaders expressed urgent calls for unity and accountability among Hawaiian agencies. The discussions highlighted a pressing need for effective leadership and collaboration to address the issues affecting local residents.
Auntie Irene, a prominent community figure, passionately urged attendees to take action rather than complain from the sidelines. She emphasized the importance of participation in meetings and voiced frustration over the lack of engagement from some community members. \"If you cannot come to the meeting and state your concerns, that's your problem,\" she stated, reinforcing the need for collective responsibility.
Auntie Irene also raised concerns about the financial oversight of the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands (DHHL), which receives $3 million annually from the Office of Hawaiian Affairs (OHA). She questioned whether these funds were being audited properly, suggesting that past practices of field audits should be reinstated to ensure accountability. \"We need to collaborate for the benefit of the people,\" she insisted, referencing the historical commitment to unity among Hawaiian leaders.
The meeting underscored the ongoing struggles faced by the community, with Auntie Irene lamenting the suffering of the people and the slow progress in addressing their needs. She called for direct communication with state representatives to advocate for better support and resources for Hawaiian homes, highlighting the urgency of infrastructure improvements to facilitate housing development.
As the meeting concluded, the sentiment was clear: without decisive action and accountability, the challenges facing Molokai's residents will persist, and the community's vision for a better future remains unfulfilled.