State Senator, Kalani English, Goes Abroad
Part I: Yap

Moloka'i Island Times
Thursday, March 2, 2006

Those who know our State Rep., J. Kalani English, are well aware that he rarely takes time off and that, as a man with vast international experience, he takes advantage of any chance he gets to expand his horizons and do what he's known for - helping Hawai'i and Pacific Islanders as a whole.

We were fortunate enough to have time to "talk story" with Sen. English - albeit on a very busy day ... Opening Day of the Legislature. For that we are most grateful.

What's more - we are pleased to share what we learned about English's world travels in December that took him from the far Pacific to Africa within a span of just a few days. English's first stop was Yap where he attended a meeting of the Association of Pacific Island Legislators (APIL).

As he explained, APIL is an association with capability and permanence which addresses, in depth, substantive regional and international issues facing emerging Pacific governments. These issues differ from year to year and may include everything from resource and economic development, regional security and defense, and health and social services, as well as a myriad of other issues.

The 46th Board of Directors Meeting of APIL, held this past December 1st through 3rd, aimed to increase interest in the Pan Pacific region, and to expand its membership beyond the present U. S. association of islands.

Speaking for other board members of the group, and from his own expertise of the Pacific Basin, English said one of their missions "is to change direction of the organization by being more inclusive."

Inclusiveness during the 46th APIL session was evident when Tahiti and Tokelau were welcomed into the association.

Tokelau, a 3 atoll group made up of some 1,500 citizens, is currently adjusting to de-colonization, having recently achieved i ndependence from New Zealand.

Senator English takes his responsibilities seriously, both as a member of the Executive Board and as the member from Hawai'i who is looked upon for his leadership.

Expansion is something that the dues-driven body of APIL wishes to do slowly and carefully with the next possible entries to the association being New Caledonia, Fiji and Rapa Nui.

In reviewing the challenges facing Tokelau, English said their transition was daunting for a place that wants "to decolonize on its own terms - protecting its culture, history, and language."

In terms of what they have to gain by entry: a more robust self-governance, trade and economic stability. That is where English believes he and his colleagues within APIL can help.

Next week, in part II of this story, we follow Senator English off the beaten path: Morocco, Africa!

Original article URL: http://www.themolokaidispatch.com/back_issues/060302.pdf (page 3)

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