Ka Wai Ola - Office of Hawaiian Affairs, Volume 17, Number 7, 1 July 2000 — ' On the cusp of federal recognition [ARTICLE+ILLUSTRATION]

' On the cusp of federal recognition

ĪHE JOURNEY to clarify the political relationship between Native Hawaiians and the federal government is under way. Recently, Senator Daniel Akaka announced his plan to introduce a fast-track, short-form bill in Congress. It recognizes that we are indigenous peoples, that we have a speeial relationship to the United States and that self-determination should be restored to us under federal law. This bill is the fīrst step, as it only deals with the issue of achieving federal recognition. It does not discuss lands, reparations or blood quantum. These important issues will be implemented in the second phase of this critical process, whieh will deal with the legislation of a process for Native Hawaiians to form an organizational entity. This measure includes the proposed creation of an office to

focus on Native Hawaiian issues within the U. S. Department of the Interior. There have been rumors circulating in the eommunity that this proposed agency would be, at the federal level, a mirror image of OHA. Let me emphasize that this is not the case, and that the rumors are unsubstantiated. Rather, the purpose of the office is to have a presence in Washington, D.C., that is focused on Native Hawaiian issues, and to monitor and enforce the trust responsibility that the U. S. bears toward Native Hawaiians. This federal office would in no way be eonnected to OHA. At our June 1 meeting, trustees clarified the role of the proposed Office of Native Hawaiian Affairs by approving amendments that would task this office with implementing a process of reconcihation in accordance with the Apology Resolution. The bill would also "effectuate and coor-

dinate trust relationship pohcies between Native Hawauans and the U. S." and "coordinate its efforts through full, regular and appropriate consultation with indigenous Native Hawaiian peoples." It would, as weh, "assist Native Hawauans in facihtating a process for self-determination."

These events are precedent-set-ting. Our community must eome forward to express its feehngs on this bih, as it will undoubtedly become a permanent thread in the fabric of our people. Becoming involved may require some travehng. I am urging Hawaiians to be prepared to go to Washington, D.C., to support this very important measure. Whether by charter fhghts, through Hawaiian Civic Clubs or via other Hawaiian organizations, our people need to be in the nation's capital to show strong support for this biU. Currently, preparations are being made for an Aloha March in August in Washington, D. C. This event wiU feature an educational seminar on Hawauan rights and entitlements at the Smithsonian Institution, as weU as a 24-hour prayer vigil at the U.S. Capitol. Results from a recent media poll indicate the majority of

those poUed are in support of restitution to the Hawaiian people by the U.S. as a result of the overthrow of the Hawaiian monarchy. In addition, threequarters of those polled said they "want something new, a kind of representation that guarantees Hawaiians self-determination, and one crafted by Hawaiians to meet the needs of Hawaiians." This proposed federal biU is the framework from whieh our special political status will be constructed. Now is the time for aU Hawaiians to step to the forefront and take part in the reestablishment of our Hawaiian naūon. We have waited too long not to be part of this important and historic process. If you have any questions regarding the Aloha March, please eaU my office at 5941750. For those with Intemet access, log on to my Web site at http://www.rowenaakana.homestead.com. ■

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