| Author |
 Topic  |
|
|
wcerto
Ahonui
USA
5052 Posts |
 Posted - 02/05/2009 : 08:36:40 AM
|
from www.oha.org web site:
Akaka Bill reintroduced in Senate, House
Written by Public Information Office
Wednesday, 04 February 2009
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: February 4, 2009
Contact: Jesse Broder Van Dyke (Akaka): (202) 224-7045
Akaka Bill reintroduced in Senate, HouseDownload a PDF of this release
Washington, D.C. - U.S. Senator Daniel K. Akaka (D-Hawaii) today introduced The Native Hawaiian Government Reorganization Act of 2009 with Senator Daniel K. Inouye (D-Hawaii) as an original cosponsor. Congressman Neil Abercrombie (D-Hawaii) introduced a companion bill in the U.S. House of Representatives with Congresswoman Mazie Hirono (D-Hawaii) cosponsoring. The text of the bill introduced today is identical to the bill passed by the House in 2000.
The bill would begin a process to form a Native Hawaiian government that could negotiate with the state and federal government on behalf of Hawaii's indigenous people. Any agreements would require implementing legislation by the state or federal government; no jurisdiction would be changed without approval. The bill would provide parity in federal policies that empower other indigenous peoples, American Indians and Alaska Natives, to participate in a government-to-government relationship with the United States.
In his floor statement today, Senator Akaka said: "Building on the constitutionally sound and deliberate efforts of Congress and the State of Hawaii, it is necessary that Native Hawaiians be able to reorganize a government and enter into discussions with the federal and state governments. My bill would ensure there is a structured process by which Native Hawaiians and the people of Hawaii can come together, resolve such complicated issues, and move forward together as a state."
Senator Inouye said: “This is a good bill and it is long overdue. The Hawaii Congressional Delegation will do its utmost to successfully pass this measure.”
Congressman Abercrombie said: “The legislation we are introducing today is important, not only to Native Hawaiians, but to everyone in Hawaii. It provides a process to address longstanding issues facing Hawaii’s indigenous peoples and the State of Hawaii. In addressing these matters, we have begun a process of healing, a process of reconciliation not only between the United States and the Native people of Hawaii, but within the State.”
Congresswoman Hirono said: “It is a matter of decency—of human and civil rights—for the Congress to provide for a process of self-determination for an indigenous, native people. The House has twice voted to support federal recognition for Native Hawaiians, and I look forward to working with the Hawaii delegation on passing the bill again and having our Hawaii-born President Obama sign it into law."
Commonly known as the “Akaka Bill,” the Native Hawaiian Government Reorganization Act enjoys bipartisan support. In Hawaii, the bill is strongly supported by Governor Linda Lingle, and the State legislature has passed three resolutions in support of federal recognition for Native Hawaiians. In 2007, Hawaii State Attorney General Mark Bennett testified in strong support of the legislation before the Senate Indian Affairs Committee. Nationally, organizations such as the American Bar Association, Japanese American Citizen League, and the National Indian Education Association have passed resolutions in support. The largest national Indian organization, National Congress of American Indians, and the largest organization representing the Native people of Alaska, the Alaska Federation of Natives, have consistently expressed their strong support.
While Congress has traditionally treated Native Hawaiians in a manner similar to American Indians and Alaska Natives, the federal policy of self-governance and self-determination has not been formally extended to Native Hawaiians. Upon enactment the bill itself does not extend federal recognition - it authorizes the process for federal recognition.
Opponents to the bill have sought to spread misinformation about the legislation. It is important to clarify that:
The bill does NOT allow Hawaii to secede from the United States.
The bill does NOT allow private lands to be taken.
The bill does NOT authorize gaming in Hawaii.
The bill does NOT create a reservation in Hawaii.
The Native Hawaiian Government Reorganization Act does three things:
It establishes the Office of Native Hawaiian Relations in the Department of the Interior to serve as a liaison between Native Hawaiians and the United States.
It establishes the Native Hawaiian Interagency Task Force to be composed of federal officials from agencies which administer Native Hawaiian programs, intended to increase coordination between the Native Hawaiians and the federal government.
It provides a process of reorganization of the Native Hawaiian government for the purpose of a federally recognized government-to-government relationship with the United States.
This inclusive, democratic negotiations process represents both Native Hawaiians and non-Native Hawaiians. Negotiations between the recognized Native Hawaiian government, the United States, and the state of Hawaii will address issues such as criminal and civil jurisdiction, historical grievances, and jurisdiction and control of natural resources, lands, and assets. There are many checks and balances in this process and any agreements reached will require implementing legislation on the state and federal levels. While the bill provides structure, it also provides the Native Hawaiian community with the flexibility to truly reorganize its government.
“This process is important for all people of Hawaii, so we can finally resolve the longstanding issues resulting from the overthrow of the Kingdom of Hawaii and move forward together to provide a better future for the children of Hawaii. We have an established record of the United States' commitment to reconciliation with Native Hawaiians. This legislation is a necessary next step to build upon that foundation and honor that commitment,” Senator Akaka added.
Senator Akaka's statement introducing the bill, to be published in the Congressional Record for today’s date, is available at this link or http://tr.im/enc2.
The Senate bill is now referred to the Senate Committee on Indian Affairs, and the House bill to the House Committee on Natural Resources.
-END-
Jesse Broder Van Dyke
Press Secretary
United States Senator Daniel K. Akaka (D-HI)
Front Desk: (202) 224-6361
Direct line: (202) 224-7045
Fax: (202) 224-2126
Email: Jesse_BroderVanDyke @ akaka.senate.gov
|
Me ke aloha
Malama pono,
Wanda |
|
|
wcerto
Ahonui
USA
5052 Posts |
Posted - 02/05/2009 : 08:41:01 AM
|
| All I got to say if it passes, I hope the "Hawaiian Relations" attached to Dept. of Interior does mobettah den Bureau of Indian Affairs did for the First People. (I get some dakine koko and it tends to rile me). |
Me ke aloha
Malama pono,
Wanda |
 |
|
|
Retro
Ahonui
USA
2368 Posts |
Posted - 02/07/2009 : 08:28:10 AM
|
| Note also that this is the same bill that was originally introduced in 2000, NOT the version defeated last year (the one that had a bunch of attachments that the previous administration wanted). |
|
|
|
PoiDog
Lokahi
245 Posts |
Posted - 02/09/2009 : 09:02:38 AM
|
Lingle has decided that Lingle (not Hawaiians) should decide what is best for Hawaiians...The issue in today's paper is gambling. She does not want Hawaiians to choose to allow gambling or not to allow gambling. The smoke is clearing. I see the back-pedaling coming... 
|
Aloha,
da Poi Dog |
|
|
| |
Topic |
|
|
|
Topic Locked
