July 15, 2005- Akaka Bill

WEEKLY RADIO ADDRESS – AKAKA BILL – July 15, 2005

Click here to listen to this address.

Aloha,

For nearly 100 years, the U.S. Congress has recognized Native Hawaiians as an indigenous people. 

The Akaka Bill would formalize this relationship and will help protect state and federal programs that benefit Native Hawaiians.

The Akaka Bill will give Native Hawaiians the same type of federal recognition afforded to American Indians and Alaska Natives, and it will set up a process to create a self-governing entity for the Native Hawaiian people.

It will help preserve Native Hawaiian culture, which is essential to protecting the uniqueness of Hawaii and the quality of life for all our residents.

As the U.S. Senate vote gets underway, I will be in Washington, united with our Congressional delegation, Office of Hawaiian Affairs, other Native Hawaiian organizations, and supporters from diverse backgrounds from across our state and nation.

Mahalo.

This is Governor Linda Lingle.