August 12, 2005- Kamehameha Schools

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Aloha,

The ruling by the U.S. Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals on Kamehameha Schools’ admission policy is wrong and unjust. 

Kamehameha Schools is one of the best examples of Hawaii’s diversity.  Children of all backgrounds who have some Native Hawaiian ancestry are admitted. 

Programs such as Kamehameha Schools that benefit Native Hawaiians will continue to be challenged, which is one reason why it is important that the Akaka Bill be passed.  Government and private programs that benefit Native Americans, Alaska Natives and Native Hawaiians – are based on the special political relationship between the federal government and these indigenous people.  They are not race-based. 

Native Hawaiians have been tested many times.  The Kamehameha court decision is just one more test that Hawaiians, together with all the people of Hawaii, will overcome.  And in the process we will become stronger.

Mahalo.  This is Governor Linda Lingle.