Forums offer debate
on Akaka Bill

Supporters and opponents of federal recognition for native Hawaiians are scheduled to meet next week in a televised debate.

The panel discussion is scheduled to air at 8 p.m. Monday on PBS Hawaii and KHON, Channel 2. A two-hour public forum on the issue is then set for 5 p.m. Tuesday at the Japanese Cultural Center of Hawaii.

The events come as the U.S. Senate prepares to take up S. 147, known as the Akaka Bill, on Sept. 6.

Named after chief sponsor U.S. Sen. Daniel Akaka, the bill would recognize a legal and political relationship between the United States and a native Hawaiian governing entity, giving native Hawaiians self-governing rights similar to those of American Indian tribes.

Panelists for the televised debate include Hawaii Attorney General Mark Bennett and Office of Hawaiian Affairs attorney Robert Klein, both of whom support the measure, organizers said.

Opponents scheduled to take part include Bruce Fein, a constitutional law attorney representing the Grassroot Institute of Hawaii; Kaleikoa Kaeo, spokesman for Hui Pu and NOA (Not of America); and Anne Keala Kelly, a native Hawaiian journalist and filmmaker.

The panel discussion will not have a studio audience.

Seating at the public forum, to be moderated by Honolulu Family Court Judge Michael Broderick, will be limited to the first 400 people, organizers said. It will be taped and aired on 'Olelo.

Both events are being sponsored by the League of Women Voters of Hawaii and the Hawaii Institute for Public Affairs.