Bill To Further Self Determination For Native Hawaiians
The Final 35 minutes of the Bill Signing Event At Washington Place
Honolulu –Governor Neil Abercrombie signed into law a measure that
recognizes Native Hawaiians as the indigenous people of Hawai'i. Act
195 gives the Governor the power to appoint a five-member Native
Hawaiian Roll Commission that will build the foundation for
self-determination.
“This is an important step for the future
of Native Hawaiian self-determination and the ability for Native
Hawaiians to decide their own future,” stated Governor Abercrombie.
“This Commission will put together the roll of qualified and interested
Native Hawaiians who want to help determine the course of Hawai'i’s
indigenous people.”
Act 195 starts the process
that will eventually lead to Native Hawaiian Recognition. While in the
U.S. House of Representatives, then-Congressman Abercrombie worked
closely with U.S. Senator Daniel K. Akaka on moving the Native Hawaiian
Government Reorganization Act, which was first introduced in 1999. In
2000 and 2007, then-Congressman Abercrombie successfully shepherded the
legislation through the U.S. House of Representatives committees and won
approval by the full House.
U.S. Senator Akaka, who is in
Washington D.C., praised the bill signing stating: “The enactment of
this bill is yet another example of Hawai'i’s ongoing desire to
recognize the unique contributions and traditions of the Native people
in our state. Native Hawaiian values shape our sense of identity, our
sense of aloha for one another, and our sense of what is pono, what is
just. This new law complements our efforts in Congress and demonstrates
that the people of Hawai'i strongly support the right of Native
Hawaiians to reorganize and perpetuate their culture and way of life.”
More
than 150 people attended today’s bill signing ceremony at Washington
Place this afternoon, including groups representing the ali'i societies
and trusts; OHA trustees, Native Hawaiian civic clubs, and state
lawmakers.
Governor Abercrombie has 180 days to appoint the
five-member Native Hawaiian Roll Commission. The Commission will be
responsible for preparing and maintaining a roll of qualified Native
Hawaiians as defined by the Act. The roll is to be used as the basis for
participation in the organization of a Native Hawaiian governing
entity. The Commission is composed of five members, one from each
county and one at-large seat. Once its work is completed, the Governor
will dissolve the Commission.
“We recognize the special
relationship to Native Hawaiians that is part of our public conscience,
enshrined in our laws, and entrusted to our leaders,” Governor
Abercrombie said. “With the signing of this bill, the State of Hawai'i
is closer to the reorganization of a Native Hawaiian governing entity.
As Native Hawaiians rise, all of Hawai'i rises.”
The Office of
the Governor will announce the application process for consideration to
be named to the Commission later this week.
