"For the first time in U.S. Census history, "Native Hawaiian" is listed as a choice of ethnicity. To be counted as a "Native Hawaiian" in the 1990 Census, one needed to write in the choice:
A. Why is it significant that "Native Hawaiian" is listed as a choice of ethnicity? What was the count for Native Hawaiians in 1990? In 1980?
B. Why is it important that Native Hawaiians be accurately counted? Describe two examples of how Census numbers have affected the Native Hawaiian community? Describe how the Year 2000 Census will directly affect you."
"Being a nursing student at the University of Hawai'i - Manoa, we
have the highest undergraduate tuition in the school. In my nursing
class there was only one other student who was Hawaiian besides me,
but that student dropped out. Now I am the only Hawaiian in my class.
Census numbers can reveal how underrepresented Hawaiians are in the
health profession and funds from the government could be appropriated
to cover all or a portion of tuition for Native Hawaiians and promote
their enrollment in other underrepresented professions."
"The simple fact that Native Hawaiian is now a choice on the census
is an enormous step in itself. Hawaiians are finally gaining recognition
in the national spectrum, recognition that can only help our people.
We are finally being acknowledged as a race, a culture, a heritage.
We are no longer merely Pacific Islanders, we are our own people
with our own identity. This sense of identity and recognition also
influences and strengthens our fight for land rights and other issues
that affect the Hawaiian community. With unification as a people, our
argument can only become stronger and with that strength we can
influence the government more than we ever could."
"The February 23rd Rice vs. Cayetano ruling has made many Hawaiians
fear that government programs and services for Hawaiians are in
jeopardy. The striking down of the Office of Hawaiian Affairs'
Hawaiians-only elections is casting a shadow over other Hawaiian
programs as well. But in the meantime, as part of the whole Hawaiian
population, I benefit greatly from the separate category in the
2000 Census. Our own category insures more consideration about our
economic and social status. Instead of being grouped with the
Asians/Pacific Islanders, where Hawaiians most likely will be
miscounted, we will get a truer measure. For example, in 1990, the
Asians/Pacific Islanders category totaled 695,236 people. The
Hawaiian count was 138,742. Hawaiians made up 15.24% of the group.
Based on this statistic, we would not receive as much financial aid
because the government sees this population as booming and healthy.
So to receive our own category is truly a blessing because more and
more of my ohana receive the help and support they need. But
what about me personally? How will I benefit? It is all about the
future.
I have a father who is battling terminal cancer, and his medical bills
will be expensive. In addition, I have a brother who will be attending
college in a few short years. Finally, I will be attending the
prestigious Stanford University for college this fall, and Stanford will
not be cheap. Money will be a large problem for my family. An inaccurate
count on the census may cut funding for several programs that could
provide me with scholarship money. This lack of funds could have
adverse effects on my educational pursuits. Stanford University is the
place which will help me reach my full potential by providing me
with the opportunities and the connections I need to succeed and to
bring power to the Hawaiian race. I know that if given the chance,
I can help us."
"The year 2000 Census will directly affect me because I am a Hawaiian
female pursuing a master's degree in Biomedical Sciences at the
University of Hawaii. Scientific research depends on census data.
For example, medical studies, statistical profiles, and maybe my own
research papers will depend on census data.
Since I pay rent for housing, the census is needed to establish fair
market rents and enforce fair lending practices, which is important
to anyone who wants to keep a roof over their head. Also, due to the
fact that I use public transportation, planning for public transportation
services, such as selecting bus routes, requires census numbers
because the bus will not stop is no one knows there is someone waiting.
