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The 10-member Hawaiian caucus of the state Legislature supports federal legislation that establishes the political relationship between Hawaii and the United States. Akaka bill gets
support from Legislature’s
Hawaiian caucusBy Pat Omandam
Star-Bulletin
They say it is the first step toward protecting Hawaiian entitlements and ensuring the federal and state government meet their legal obligations to the Hawaiian people, said state Rep. Michael P. Kahikina (D, Nanakuli).
The legislation, known as the Akaka bill, was re-introduced this week in the U.S. Senate by Hawaii Sens. Daniel K. Akaka and Daniel K. Inouye.
Kahikina said the caucus plans to introduce a resolution to reaffirm this political relationship and is encouraged by the support pledged by House Speaker Calvin Say (D, Palolo) and Gov. Ben Cayetano.
A homesteader, Kahikina said Hawaiians must remain unified and defend their most basic rights as defined under the Hawaiian Homes Commission Act of 1920. Last year's Rice vs. Cayetano decision by the U.S. Supreme Court, which opened up Office of Hawaiian Affairs elections to non-Hawaiian voters and candidates, is having an impact on Hawaiian entitlements because they are now being challenged in federal court.
Kahikina said these programs are not race-based but a "birthright" of Hawaiians based on their political history.
Along with Kahikina, the caucus includes state Reps. Lei Ahu Isa (D, Liliha), Emily Auwae (R, Makaha), Kika Bukoski (R, Upcountry Maui), Ron Davis (R, Lahaina), Ezra Kanoho (D, Kapaa), Bertha Kawakami (D, Koloa), Hermina Morita (D, North Kauai) and Guy Ontai (R, Mililani), as well as state Sen. J. Kalani English (D, Kahului).
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