Kamehameha
deadline extended

The school will get one more
week to appeal a ruling against
its admission policy

Kamehameha Schools has been granted a week extension to file its petition with the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals to rehear the case on whether its "Hawaiians-only" admission policy violates federal anti-discrimination laws.

In a 2-1 decision last week, the 9th Circuit in San Francisco said the private school's policy was illegal, overturning an earlier decision by U.S. District Judge Alan Kay in Hawaii.

The school now has until Aug. 23 to file a petition for an "en banc" rehearing of the case. If a majority of the 28 judges with the court approve, the case will be reheard before a panel of 11 judges.

The appeal process is expected to take at least a year. Kamehameha also has the option to appeal to the U.S. Supreme Court.

The Kamehameha Schools Alumni Association, meanwhile, is sponsoring a rally and march in San Francisco next Saturday to protest last week's decision.

Supporters are urged to wear red and black clothing and to meet at noon at the 9th Circuit Court building at 7th and Mission streets in downtown San Francisco.

After speeches the march will proceed from the court to U.N. Plaza at 8th and Market streets.

In an e-mail to supporters, organizers of the march said: "We want to draw attention for a pono march and rally. Please keep signage to slogans such as 'Education for Hawaiians,' 'Justice for Hawaiians,' 'Hawaiian Unity' and the like."

The e-mail said, "Let's make sure the judiciary (many of whom likely live in the Bay area) have a completely positive impression of us when the full panel convenes to reconsider" the case of John Doe v. Kamehameha.

Last Saturday, Honolulu police estimated that as many as 15,000 supporters of Kamehameha Schools, mostly dressed in red shirts, attended a march and rally that started on the grounds of Iolani Palace and proceeded to Mauana 'Ala, or the Royal Mausoleum.

Rallies were also held the same day on the neighbor islands.