HAWAIIANS FILE COMPLAINT AGAINST BANK

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Maui News - February 12, 2021 

A Maui-based Native Hawaiian housing advocacy organization on Thursday filed a whistleblower complaint that it called the “last warning” for Bank of America to uphold a long-standing commitment to make $150 million in home loans available on Hawaiian Home Lands. 

The complaint filed by Na Po’e Kokua with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission alleges that Bank of America defrauded its investors by not disclosing its “criminal and civil exposure” for “systemic fraudulent conduct” involving its failed commitments, false statements and false claims, among other actions through the years. 

Na Po’e Kokua President Brandon Maka’awa’awa and attorney Bruce Jacobs said that next step would be a federal lawsuit. 

“This is the last warning for Bank of America to stop disrespecting the people of Hawaii and reach a fair settlement before NPK sues for RICO (Racketeering Influenced, Corrupt Organizations Act) in federal court,” Maka’awa’awa said in the complaint. 

Maka’awa’awa and Jacobs announced the complaint in a news conference facilitated by the Hawaii State Teachers Association on Thursday. 

Maui County Mayor Michael Victorino, Maui County Council Vice-Chairwoman Keani Rawlins-Fernandez, Committee for Better Banks Co-Director Nick Weiner and Hawaii Fair Lending Coalition Coordinator Ian Chan Hodges also appeared at the news conference. 

Bank of America said in an email statement on Thursday afternoon that “while we respect the issues faced by the Native Hawaiian community, this is a meritless claim relating to a pledge made in 1994. The Bank fulfilled its pledge and the state confirmed that in 2007.” 

The bank attached a 2007 letter from the state Department of Hawaiian Home Lands that says “the statement of BoA contributions toward fulfillment of its commitment appear to be in order. The Department of Hawaiian Home Lands (DHHL) is therefore pleased to formally acknowledge that the $150,000,000 commitment has been met by Bank of America.” 

According to public documents and news reports, the Hawaiian Homes Commission in 2012 disputed the earlier letter, saying that the decision had been made without commission approval and agreeing that the bank had still not fully followed through on its pledge. 

In 2018, Gov. David Ige invited bank officials to meet with Na Po’e Kokua in Hawaii and work out a fair settlement, but the issue was never resolved. 

“We feel hurt, I personally feel hurt for the kupuna who are no longer here that originally took on this fight,” Maka’awa’awa said during the news conference. “But this organization was started by kupuna on Maui. Their dream was to have affordable housing options for Hawaiians and their dream got crushed by this commitment not being fulfilled.” 

He said the condition that was supposed to be fulfilled by 1998 was not an act of charity, as Bank of America was able to merge and profit. It was a condition of the bank’s acquisition of Liberty Bank and ordered by the Federal Reserve System, public documents show. 

“They got to grow their wealth, when we got stuck over here holding the bag,” said Maka’awa’awa. 

He added that if the bank fulfilled the commitment, it would assist Hawaiians getting into housing and alleviate some of the housing pressure on other Hawaii residents. 

Na Po’e Kokua also created the Hawaii Fair Lending Coalition as a group of Native Hawaiian housing advocates in 1993....

DONʻT MISS IT - TONIGHT IN WAIMANALO

THIS THURSDAY IN WAIMANALO

AN IMPORTANT MESSAGE FROM PU`UHONUA BUMPY KANAHELE

By now many of you may have heard about the upcoming Hawaiian Constitutional Convention.

Like anything else, there are lots of details and questions that need to be answered.

Therefore, I have arranged to be part of a Hawaiian Constitutional Convention question and answer forum this coming Saturday, August 2nd at 6:00 PM. Potluck - from 5:00 PM to 6:00 PM.

It will be held in the Jarrett Middle School cafeteria, 1903 Palolo Avenue 96816. Visit http://maps.google.com for directions.

The purpose is to not only answer any questions you may have, but also to address any doubts or skepticism as well. Remember, because this is a people driven initiative, the outcome of this Constitutional Convention is in no way pre-determined.

It is a free, fair and impartial process that will seriously entertain all possible choices such as federal recognition, integration (status quo), free association, and independence. It’s true purpose is to implement the “Will of our People,” period.

We will cover topics such as:

What is a Constitutional Convention?
What is the importance of a Hawaiian Constitutional Convention?
Why should we have a Hawaiian Constitutional Convention now?
How does it differ from the Con-Con the state is planning?
Who can participate?
Why should I participate?

The session will be videotaped by Palolo Media Center, to be aired at a later date on `Olelo Community Television and public access throughout Hawai`i. Call them at (808) 737-8803 if you have any questions.

Everyone is invited to attend, especially those of you who have not yet decided whether to support such an effort.

So come on down, bring your `Ohana and friends this Saturday and let’s talk story.

Hope to see you there,

Pu`uhonua Bumpy Kanahele
http://HawaiianConstitutionalConvention.com

HAWAI`I'S DIRTY LITTLE SECRET ON VOICES OF TRUTH - ONE-ON-ONE WITH HAWAI`I'S FUTURE

Mahalo to all who expressed interest in the upcoming Hawai`i National constitutional convention we featured on Free Hawai`i TV this last week.

Remember, this con-con is for all the people of Hawai`i, not just some. All are encouraged to educate themselves and participate. It’s about everyone’s future, not just some.

Now there’s a brand new website with more information coming soon – HawaiianConstitutionalConvention.com

We have a brand new Voices Of Truth this week about one of Hawai`i’s dirty little secrets right in front of us – the shocking number of Hawaiians in prison and the fact that more than half of all of Hawai`i’s inmates have been shipped out to privately run institutions in the US.

Prisoner rights advocate Kat Brady tells us the sad truth about Hawai`i’s forgotten.

Hear her important message for us all this week on Voices Of Truth Voices Of Truth – One-On-One With Hawai`i’s Future.

MONDAY, June 30th At 7:00 PM & FRIDAY, July 4th At 5:30 PM – Hawai`i Island – Na Leo, Channel 53
“The Health Of Our Nation – A Visit with Dr. Kawika Liu”

Native Hawaiian pediatrician, Kawika knows the people’s health is directly tied to the health of the land. Talking about the direct physical effects of the illegal US occupation, Dr Liu shows how a Free Hawai`i is such a large part of the solution. Hear what a truly healthy Hawai`i and it’s people could be like. Watch It Here Now -

MONDAY, June 30th At 6:30 PM – Maui – Akaku, Channel 53
THURSDAY, July 3rd At 8:30 PM & FRIDAY, July 4th At 8:30 AM – Kaua`i – Ho`ike, Channel 52
“Kukulu Kumu Hana O Punalu`u – A Visit With Sheryl Waimakalani Iona”

Kukulu kumu hana, which means to pool one’s thoughts to solve common problems, brings children together in a two week immersion program to discover who they are and their connection to the `aina. Sheryl tells us, “We share with them who we see they’ll become. They always end up being it, having pride in themselves, their culture and their ancestors.” Watch It Here Now -

SATURDAY, July 5th At 8:00 PM – O`ahu - `Olelo, Channel 53
“Nothing Can Grow There – A Visit With Kat Brady”

Why are so many Hawaiians behind bars and being shipped out to privately run US prisons in Arizona and Kentucky? Did you know more than half of Hawai`i’s prison population is now on the US continent? You’ll be shocked when you hear why. Discover why Kat says, “the government’s not going to fix these things – it will be the people.” Watch It Here Now -

Voices Of Truth interviews those creating a better future for Hawai`i to discover what made them go from armchair observers to active participants. We hope you’ll be inspired to do the same.

If you support our issues on the Free Hawai`i Broadcasting Network, please email this to a friend to help us continue. A donation today helps further our work. Every single penny counts.

Donate here via PayPal or by mail –
The Koani Foundation
PO Box 1878
Lihu`e, Kaua`i 96766

View VoicesOfTruth anytime here. For news and issues that affect you, watch Free Hawai`i TV. It’s all part of the Free Hawai`i Broadcasting Network.

HAWAI`I NATION CONSTITUTIONAL CONVENTION ANNOUNCED

Honolulu Advertiser - June 25, 2008

Hawaiian rights activist Dennis Pu`uhonua "Bumpy" Kanahele is gaining support for a proposed Native Hawaiian constitutional convention aimed at unifying the historically fractured Hawaiian independence movement....

A Native Hawaiian con-con was supported yesterday by several members of Native Hawaiian organizations, including the Kanaka Maoli Tribunal Komike, the Kaua`i-based Koani Foundation and Hui Pu, an umbrella organization of various independence organizations....

Kanahele said a petition drive to gather supporters for a Native Hawaiian con-con has drawn more than 20,000 signatures.

Read The Entire Story HERE

FREEHAWAII.INFO PRESENTS
FREE HAWAI`I TV
THE FREE HAWAI`I BROADCASTING NETWORK

"REBUILDING OUR NATION"

How Will A Free Hawai`i Be Built?

Is There A Plan? Can Anyone Participate?

Watch & Find Out - We've Got Your Answers!

HAWAI`I CON-CON WANTS YOU ON VOICES OF TRUTH - ONE-ON-ONE WITH HAWAI`I'S FUTURE

If you’re like so many who are fed up with the Office Of Hawaiian Affairs attempts to control and manipulate the creation of a new Hawaiian nation, we’ve got some good news.

Long time Hawaiian patriot Bumpy Kanahele is calling for a constitutional convention, whereby the people will decide their own future in order to build a Free Hawai`i.

This grass roots, from the bottom up process, is open to people of all races.

As Bumpy reminds us, it’s a national thing, not a racial one.

Contrast that with the Akaka bill, which would only include those of fifty percent or more Hawaiian blood.

Watch Free Hawai`i TV this coming Wednesday for all the exciting details, but if you want a head start, go to BumpyKanahele.com to learn more.

We’re proud to be a part of Bumpy’s effort to ensure that the people’s voices are heard.

And if you support our issues on the Free Hawai`i Broadcasting Network, please email this to a friend and see below how you can help us continue our work.

By the way, we’re told a brand new shipment of UnKau Inoa t-shirts have arrived but you better get yours fast as they are flying off the shelves and won’t last long.

Call (808) 295-1483 to get your UnKau Inoa shirt today.

People power is what’s it’s all about and we’ve got it for you this week here on Voices Of Truth Voices Of Truth – One-On-One With Hawai`i’s Future.

MONDAY, June 23rd At 7:00 PM & FRIDAY, June 27th At 5:30 PM – Hawai`i Island – Na Leo, Channel 53
SATURDAY, June 28th At 8:00 PM – O`ahu - `Olelo, Channel 53
“Kukulu Kumu Hana O Punalu`u – A Visit With Sheryl Waimakalani Iona”

“We don’t say no, we just say come.”

With those words Kukulu Kumu Hana O Punalu`u, a two week residential summer cultural immersion program for children of Ka`u district on Hawai`i island was born.

Kukulu kumu hana, which means to pool one’s thoughts to solve common problems, brings children down to the beach at Punalu`u to discover who they are and their connection to the `aina.

Started by the late Keola Hanoa, Sheryl Iona stepped in after her cousin’s passing. She had big shoes to fill, but for Sheryl, that was no problem at all.

She tells us, “We share with them who we see they’ll become. They always end up being it, having pride in themselves, their culture and their ancestors.”

Participants now come from all over the island, even foster children, to learn respect, values, commitments and to malama (care for) each other and the `aina.

With the original students now acting as teachers, the circle keep growing as participants learn the cultural importance of cleaning the land, planting, and rising early each morning, chanting to greet the sun.

You’ll be as moved as we were in our amazing visit with Sheryl as she shares with us the secret of her success - “We love these children no matter what and see them as they are. In the end, they always leave feeling good about themselves and their future.”

MONDAY, June 23rd At 6:30 PM – Maui – Akaku, Channel 53
“Hale Halawai – Monument To Activists – A Visit With Soli Papakihei Niheu”

People were concerned about longtime Hawaiian political activist Soli Papakihei Niheu.

In poor health and living in an old one-room structure in Waimea, his friends knew he needed something better.

So they decided to act. They collected contributions, both money and materials, and soon had enough resources to build him a new house.

That’s when Soli stepped forward to let them know he didn’t want a house.

Instead he wanted the one thing missing in Hawai`i that’s common throughout most other islands in the Pacific - a hale halawai.

Similar to the Maori marae in Aotearoa, (New Zealand,) hale halawai is a formal meeting place to receive and host visitors from far and wide, through Hawaiian protocol and hospitality.

Soli saw his hale halawai as a place to host sovereignty movement activists from all over Te Moana Nui – The Polynesian Triangle.

Because Soli had dedicated his life to serving others, they knew they now had to do the same thing for him.

So they built it for him.

In our moving and highly inspirational visit with Soli, you’ll hear him tell his story and see the pictures for yourself of how his hale halawai became reality. Surviving two earthquakes and many other challenges, Soli persevered in his vision of having both a monument to his heroes, the early pioneers of the sovereignty movement, as well as a place for today to teach the young.

THURSDAY, June 26th At 8:30 PM & FRIDAY, June 27th At 8:30 AM – Kaua`i – Ho`ike, Channel 52
“The Health Of Our Nation – A Visit with Dr. Kawika Liu”

It’s no secret the health of Hawaiians today needs to vastly improve.

But what some people may still be unaware of is how it got this way.

Dr. Kawika Liu, a Native Hawaiian pediatrician, sees the answers on a daily basis.

Kawika knows that the health of the people is directly tied to the health of the `aina, and the `aina’s health is tied to the health of the Nation.

On Molokai Dr. Liu witnesses first hand how the continued illegal U.S. occupation of Hawai`i has impacted it’s residents, including, most importantly, Hawai`i’s keiki.

While that may seem far-fetched to some, Kawika talks about the direct physical effects, what caused them and how a Free Hawai`i is such a large part of the solution.

Hear it firsthand from this fiercely dedicated and knowledgeable medical expert who knows, along with his moving description of what a truly healthy Hawai`i and it’s people could be like.

Voices Of Truth interviews those creating a better future for Hawai`i to discover what made them go from armchair observers to active participants in the hopes of inspiring viewers to do the same.

Please consider a donation today to help further our work. Every single penny counts.

You may donate via PayPal at VoicesOfTruthTV.com or by mail –
The Koani Foundation
PO Box 1878
Lihu`e, Kaua`i 96766

If you missed a show, want you see your favorites again or you don’t live in Hawai`i, here’s how to view our shows anytime – visit VoicesOfTruthTV.com and simply click on the episodes you wish to view.

And for news on issues that affect you, watch FreeHawaiiTV.com.

It’s all part of the Free Hawai`i Broadcasting Network.