Is this the product of the Army’s $500,000 public relations campaign targeting the Native Hawaiian community: a photo opportunity with some Native Hawaiians saying that they support the Army in Hawai’i? Last summer the Army conducted an elaborate public relations campaign flying Native Hawaiian leaders by helicopter into Makua valley to demonstrate its commitment to Native Hawaiian cultural sites and practices. As you can read in their “strategic communications” plan for Makua, the Army deemed the publicity event a success.
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Updated at 2:40 p.m., Tuesday, March 23, 2010
Army, Native Hawaiian community signing symbolic accord tomorrow
Advertiser Staff and News Reports
The Army tomorrow will sign a first-of-its-kind “Native Hawaiian Covenant” with representatives from Native Hawaiian organizations in an effort to improve a sometimes contentious relationship.
The agreement will be signed at 12:30 p.m. at Fort DeRussy.
“The covenant recognizes that Hawai’i’s rich cultural and historical experiences are shaped by the land and surrounding ocean,” said Maj. Gen. Michael J. Terry, commanding general, 8th Theater Sustainment Command. “We acknowledge that the Army has the responsibility of being good stewards for the lands we maintain and that we must be mindful to protect and preserve this fragile environment for future generations.”
The Army said the pledge is a symbolic accord between the Army and the Native Hawaiian community “signifying the commitment to forging a stronger relationship of cooperation, appreciation and understanding of Hawai’i’s native culture and resources.”
The agreement also recognizes the Army’s role in Hawai’i and the soldiers who are a part of the local community.
“We firmly believe that it is possible to protect Hawai’i’s precious cultural and natural environmental resources while still meeting the mission and goals of the Army,” said Matthew T. Margotta, commander of U.S. Army Garrison Hawai’i. “The covenant outlines our pledge to do just that.”
The Army and Native Hawaiians have clashed in the past over the Army’s use of Makua Valley for live-fire training and the decision to bring the Stryker Brigade here.
To strengthen mutual understanding, the Army said the Native Hawaiian Advisory Council was created to guide the Army in working with the Hawaiian community.
The Distinguished Lecture Series also was created featuring prominent Native Hawaiian guest speakers who share the history, culture and customs of Hawai’i with soldiers and their families, the Army said.
Prior to tomorrow’s ceremony, members of the Royal Order of Kamehameha and Benevolent Societies will hold a traditional offering for fallen warrior ancestors.
Rev. William Kaina, the senior pastor of Kawaihao Church, will give the opening invocation, or pule.
Neil Hannahs, Kamehameha Schools and Bishop Estate land manager and a member of the Native Hawaiian Advisory Council, will be one of the guest speakers.
The ceremony will conclude with the ceremonial planting of an ulu tree representing the partnership.
“The ulu is one of the trees brought by canoe to Hawai’i by the first Hawaiians,” said Annelle Amaral, Native Hawaiian liaison to the Army.