Regarding SB 2899/HR4904 (The Akaka Bill), I was very disappointed to learn that the Akaka bill did not pass. However, I feel confident that it can be reintroduced next year, no matter what the make up is of the Congress
Regarding SB 2899/HR4904 (The Akaka Bill), I was very disappointed to learn that the Akaka bill did not pass. However, I feel confident that it can be reintroduced next year, no matter what the make up is of the Congress at that time.
I truly believe that Hawaiians, like other native Americans, must be able to impart the importance of the preservation of all native cultures. We must be able to convince the Congress no matter who the prevailing party may be that the preservation of our native Hawaiian heritage is not only important to Hawaiians, but to the state of Hawai’i as well. We are known as the Aloha State because of our people and their spirituality. The uniqueness of Hawai’i and its people must be preserved.
After 105 years, both the U.S. Departments of Justice and Interior have concurred that the U.S. has not dealt fairly with the native Hawaiians and have made recommendations in their report filed August 2000 to the Congress that some restitution, reparation and reconciliation must take place between the U.S. and the native peoples of Hawai’i. This is the message that we must continue to communicate to the Congress until recognition is achieved.
Personally, I will never give up the crusade for recognition for our people until we have received it. I ask the community to be supportive, as they have been in the past, of our efforts to continue seek this ever-elusive native recognition.
Rowena M. N. Akana, Office of Hawaiian Affairs, Trustee-Elect
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