Three native Hawaiian organizations have come under one banner to educate the public about the “Akaka Bill” and a lawsuit seeking to close state agencies serving Hawaiian beneficiaries. The groups are the State Council of Hawaiian Homestead Associations, Hui Kakoo
Three native Hawaiian organizations have come under one banner to educate the public about the “Akaka Bill” and a lawsuit seeking to close state agencies serving Hawaiian beneficiaries.
The groups are the State Council of Hawaiian Homestead Associations, Hui Kakoo Aina Ho opulapula (Hui) and the Association of Hawaiian Civic Clubs. Together they are scheduled to hold workshops on Kauai and on other islands beginning June 10. The round of workshops, intended for Hawaiians and non-Hawaiians, would end in July.
The three Hawaiian groups plan to inform communities about a bill introduced by U.S. House Rep. Daniel Akaka seeking to give federal recognition to Native Hawaiians.
The measure has been opposed by groups seeking resurrection of the Hawaiian Kingdom and independence from the United States. The measure is pending before Congress.
The Hawaiian organizations also will discuss and examine a pending lawsuit that seeks to eliminate the state Office of Hawaiian Affairs, the state Department of Hawaiian Home Lands and the programs the agencies administer.
Sponsors of the workshops will explore the social and economic impacts of the legislation and lawsuits and the formation of public policies.
The Hawaiian groups will be sponsoring workshops “on the most critical piece of public policy since the overthrow (of the Hawaiian monarchy in 1893),” said Tony Sang, chairman of the State Council and a resident of Waimanalo.
The State Council represents more than 22 homestead associations located in Hawaiian Home Land areas around the state, and consists of DHHL lessees and their families.
Hui is a statewide organization that represents applicants on the waiting list to receive a lease on DHHL lands.
Hui president Blossom Feiteira said lawsuits threaten the existence of the Hawaiian Homes program. “Every individual on the land in our homestead communities and on the waiting list is at risk,” she said.
The Association of Hawaiian Civic Clubs supports the social and economic initiatives of Native Hawaiian communities. Association president Charlie Rose said the outcome of the lawsuits and the Akaka bill “will touch every single person in Hawaii, not just Native Hawaiians.” For more information on the workshops, contact the State Council at 1-808-853-2000 or the Council for Native Hawaiian Advancement at 1-808-709-2642.
