Leaders say timing is right
for Hawaiian recognition bill
Hawaii's top political leaders say now is the time to push for passage of a federal native Hawaiian recognition bill.
"Well, there's an important window. It will open in mid-July and end about the first week of August," U.S. Sen. Daniel Inouye said yesterday following an afternoon top-level strategy meeting at the Governor's Office.
Inouye said this will be the time to debate important bills, such as the Akaka bill, before Congress gets busy with the budget bill.
"I came to this meeting hopeful. I leave this meeting enthused and extremely gratified with the governor's position. With her leadership, together with the coordinated effort of the OHA people and the congressional delegation, we'll have it done.
"It's not going to be easy, but we'll have it done. We can't take 'no' for an alternative," he said.
Support for the Akaka bill, pending before the U.S. Senate, was the focus of the rare gathering that included Lingle, her senior policy advisers and other Cabinet members, nearly all Office of Hawaiian Affairs trustees, Sens. Inouye and Daniel Akaka, and U.S. Reps. Neil Abercrombie and Ed Case.
While the delegation works on Congress, Lingle said it is likely she will return to Washington, D.C., again later this summer to lobby the Republican-controlled White House.
"We've all committed ourselves to do whatever it takes. If that means going to Washington, that's what we'll do. ... Whatever the steps necessary to get this accomplished, we'll do it," Lingle said.
Lingle's trip would mark the second time in about six months she has traveled to the nation's capital on behalf of Hawaiians. In February she lobbied Congress and the Bush administration for the bill that allows native Hawaiians to organize, discuss and then adopt governing documents as the foundation for a native Hawaiian government.
Under the measure, known as S. 344, the U.S. Interior Secretary would certify this new government, thereby granting Hawaiians federal status much the same as American Indians and Alaskan Natives.
Akaka said he and Inouye will approach the U.S. Senate leadership later this month to discuss placing the measure on the calendar for a floor debate and possible passage.
This is the fourth year Akaka has attempted to pass a federal recognition bill. Proponents of such a plan say it will help thwart ongoing lawsuits against government programs for Hawaiians offered by OHA and the Hawaiian Homes Commission, which plaintiffs have argued are race-based and unconstitutional.
OHA Chairwoman Haunani Apoliona said yesterday the agency will continue its unified position on recognition, as well as on the implementation and organizing of the proposed native governing entity.
"It's great to be part of a team, working with our congressional delegation and our governor," Apoliona said.