WHEELER ARMY AIRFIELD, Hawaii -- Due to sequestration and budget reductions for the upcoming fiscal year, U.S. Army Garrison-Hawaii is unable to continue its Native Hawaiian Liaison contract.
Honua Consulting, which has provided Soldiers and their families with Native Hawaiian events such as hula and craft classes at the Schofield and Fort Shafter libraries and Island Palm Communities' centers, off-post workshops and tours, a monthly electronic newsletter and a Native Hawaiian Liaison.com blog site, will discontinue these activities when the contract ends, Sept. 23.
The garrison remains committed to supporting the objectives of the Native Hawaiian Covenant signed in 2010 between the Army and members of the Native Hawaiian community. The covenant's goal is to forge "a stronger relationship of cooperation, appreciation and understanding of Hawaii's native culture and resources, as well as the Army's role in Hawaii and the inclusiveness of its Soldiers in the local communities."
The garrison is exploring alternatives to offer Soldiers and their family members with opportunities to learn about the Native Hawaiian culture directly from local cultural practitioners.
Island Palm Communities has recently made arrangements to continue classes in lei making, coconut weaving, nose flutes and possibly Native Hawaiian tattoos.
Garrison leadership will continue meetings of its Native Hawaiian Advisory Council, comprised of leading civic, education, religious and community leaders, in an effort to help the Army better understand issues important to Native Hawaiians.
The garrison has recently engaged the Office of Hawaiian Affairs to facilitate both Native Hawaiian concerns and interaction on the military's ability to accomplish its missions, goals and objectives.
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