Ka Wai Ola - Office of Hawaiian Affairs, Volume 18, Number 10, 1 October 2001 — Community Opinions On Federal Recognition [ARTICLE+ILLUSTRATION]

Community Opinions On Federal Recognition

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W ith a Congressional vote on the Akaka Bill (S. 746) pending, Ka important topic at a time of great urgency. Respondent affiliations were Wai Ola o OHA approached 20 individuals representing a diverse self-identified. cross-section of respected community leaders to give their mana'o We invite KWO readers to send in their own opinions and reactions to on federal recognition. The following comments of those who responded be published later because your mana'o is equally important, and it is your offer a "snapshot" that reflects the vital pulse of the community on this future that is at stake.

Noa Emmett Aluli, M.D. Physician, Moloka'i Family Health Center Founder, Protect Kaho'olawe 'Ohana

Our Grandfather, attorney Noa Webster Aluli, helped draft the Hawaiian Homes Commission Act. In 1935, he testified that under statehood, the federal government must protect the welfare, well-being and non-extinction of Hawaiians and include Native Hawaiians under the Wheeler-Howard Bill (Indian Reorganization Act). I support the efforts of our congressional delegates to establish us with rights equal to those who have legitimate claims to their ancestral lands, traditions, culture and practices. ■

Mel Lonokaiolohia Kalāhiki Hawaiian activist

Federal recognition will put Hawaiians under the federal government. 'A'ole. We are indigenous to the soil of Hawai'i. We have all the resources here in Hawai'i to stand as the naiion that we were. Look at the hewa. All the events from the Bayonet Constitution on are hewa. Self-government is pono. ■

Dr. Lilikala Kame'eleihiwa Director, University of Hawai'i at Mānoa Center for Hawaiian Studies

I support the intent of federal recognition of Hawaiians as a native people, especially with changes in language recommended by Corbett Kalama's working group. However, given the tragic events of last month, I trust that Hawai'i's federal delegation will do its best on our behalf. The Akaka Bill is not a total solution; it doesn't include land or money. So, like the Alaska natives, we'll keep going to Congress to resolve those issues continuously. But federal recognition is a step in the right direction, it's a foot in the door. And it's about time. ■

Kahu Charles Kauluwehi Maxwell Cultural practitioner, Maui Chair, U.S. Civil Rights Commission advisory group

The urgency for passage of the Akaka Bill is the flrst step in being recognized as indigenous people of Hawai'i. Whenever any issues are discussed in Hawai'i, we are left out because we do not have a "seat at the table." Federal recognition cannot affect our efforts for sovereignty. ■

Keanu Sai Agent for the Hawaiian Kingdom at the Permanent Court of Arbitration. The Hague

The federal recognition bill is no different than all previous Congressional Acts "purporting" to have legally affected the population and territory of an American occupied Hawaiian Kingdom since 1898. Hawai'i remains an independent state despite America's occupation, and according to the Oct. 4, 1988 legal opinion from the U.S. Department of Justice concerning Hawai'i: "...[A] legislative act is necessarily without extraterritorial force — confined in its operation to the territory of the state by whose legislature it is enacted." ■

Kekuni Blaisdell, M.D. Physician, professor of medicine Convenor, Ka Pākaukau

U.S. recognition of our invaded and occupied homeland, as required by kanaka maoli, U.S. and international law, will help by acknowledging truth, initiating appropriate justice and relieving the hurt to our people. Proper follow-through will need to include international community oversight, U.S. peaceful withdrawal, the return of all kanaka maoli lands, waters, other natural resources and assets, payment of reparations for injury and payment of back-rent." However, the current Akaka Bill before Congress will offer no help and cause mueh irreversible hann. Auē. ■

Māhealani Kamau'u Administrator, Native Hawaiian Legal Corp.

The state and federal governments control land, natural resources and revenues whieh belong to the Hawaiian people. Until we organize ourselves politically, they will continue to control. Federal recognition provides the most powerful legal defense against lawsuits whieh seek elimination of all Hawaiian programs. It is an opportunity to negotiate for land, resources and compensation. We are not agreeing to federal recognition if the Akaka Bill passes; it is only the U.S. that is agreeing to recognize our Hawaiian government if we someday seek that recognition. ■

Pōkā Laenui (Hayden F. Burgess) Executive Director, Hale Na'au Pono and the lnstitute for the Advancement of Hawaiian Affairs

Recognition would: Help - by securing special places for Native Hawaiians within the constitutional and political structure of the U.S. society, a buffer against attacks to destroy Hawaiian programs. Blessing. Hurt - if treated as a substitute for self-determination, robbing Hawaiian nationals and our posterity of that basic human right. Burden. ■

Rev. Kaleo Patterson Minister/Administrator, Hawai'i Coalition, Kaumakapili Church

Federal recognition is a compromise to a situation whieh has been created by the colonizer. It is a very poor, half-hearted attempt at justice and reconciliation. But it may be the only hope for a people so broken, poor and houseless. It becomes a very difficult hope because the same government that offers it has a history of racism and broken promises. Federal recognition ean succeed only if it allows a people the resources and opportunities to become strong, united, and grounded in a true vision of independence and sovereignty. ■

Mililani B.Trask Executive, Non-Profit Housing Corp. Attorney and former OHA Trustee

The current bill S. 746 is a bad bill. It lacks an inclusive process for recognition. In addition its vague references to the native land trusts are inaccurate and diminish trust assets. S. 746 was never heard in Hawai'i. It is a political vehiele for the state Democratic Party whieh in effect lays the foundation for the U.S. to recognize a state-created nation. Many Hawaiians on the task force oppose this measure, although we supported and worked on S. 2899. Hawaiians should have the right to testify on this measure before the democrats push it into law. ■