News, notes and anecdotes
on government and politics
Lingle sees uphill battle
for Hawaiian recognitionRepublican Gov. Linda Lingle says she will wait for Hawaii's all-Democratic congressional delegation to signal when is the best time for her to return this summer to Washington, D.C., to lobby for federal recognition of native Hawaiians.
Lingle said last week that passage of the Akaka bill will be difficult and that the U.S. Department of Justice, in particular, "is not naturally supportive" of a measure in which Hawaiians could eventually be granted the same political status as American Indians and Native Alaskans.
Hawaii Attorney General Mark Bennett, she said, has been working behind the scenes talking to counsels at the White House and Justice Department to alleviate concerns, but it is not going to be an easy sell.
"It will be a tough issue, and the issue is not, as I get it now, I don't think it's surrounding as much the race-based question as it is the question of the authority of Congress to make this determination -- that native Hawaiians should be considered in the same category with American Indian tribes," Lingle said last Monday.
"I think that is more of the issue, and that's why the lawyers are so involved in this so intensely right now."
Lingle testified in favor of the Akaka bill in late February before the U.S. Senate Committee on Indian Affairs.
Shaka for Akaka
U.S. Sen. Daniel Akaka will be honored Aug. 28 at a luncheon during an annual conference on Hawaiian issues at the Sheraton Waikiki Hotel.
CORRECTION
Wednesday, July 23, 2003>> A luncheon to honor U.S. Sen. Daniel Akaka will be held Aug. 29 during an annual conference on Hawaiian issues. A story on Page A2 yesterday said incorrectly that it would be on Aug. 28.
The Honolulu Star-Bulletin strives to make its news report fair and accurate. If you have a question or comment about news coverage, call Editor Frank Bridgewater at 529-4791 or email him at fbridgewater@starbulletin.com.
Organizers of the Native Hawaiian Conference say the "Legacy Luncheon" will honor Akaka's long-standing commitment to better Hawaiian communities. It will feature presentations to Akaka by former students, childhood friends, family members and others.
Robert Kihune, co-chairman of the luncheon planning committee, said the tribute is a small way to mark Akaka's years of service to the native community, state and country. Akaka has served Congress since 1976.
Those interested in attending the conference can call 800-709-2642 or visit the Council for Native Hawaiian Advancement's Web site at www.hawaiiancouncil.org. Seats are $30 for conference participants and $50 for nonparticipants.
Legislature Directory
Legislature Bills & Hawaii Revised Statutes
