Ka Wai Ola - Office of Hawaiian Affairs, Volume 10, Number 2, 1 February 1993 — Akaka outlines steps for action in Congress [ARTICLE+ILLUSTRATION]

Akaka outlines steps for action in Congress

Aloha kākou. We are here today to observe the centennial of the overthrow of the

Kingdom of Hawai'i - the forceful deposition of our beloved Queen Lili'uokalani, who, 100 years ago today, had her lawful authority taken away by an unlawful act. In an era of dramatic governmental and social evolution

throughout our world community, at a time when America righteously leads civilized coalitions in harsh sanctions and military actions against tyrants around the globe - it is an incredible irony that, having had the most politicallydeveloped nation of all indigenous peoples in the history of the United States itself, native Hawaiians continue to be the only such population that has never been compensated or accorded some form of selfdetermination. However, there is yet another great irony at work here. One from whieh we ean, instead, take hope. While we mark the eentennial of the darkest moment in our history, I am firmly eonvinced that we also face the brightest opportunity we have ever had to achieve nationwide recognition and support for the native Hawaiian cause.

We have all seen the signs, experienced what heightened awareness ean do and sensed the immense potential of the truth being set free. We have friends across this country - across the Pacific - across our world - who are willing to rise, rally and join our cry for justice. All that is needed to stir their spirits is for the simple facts to be revealed - facts too long ignored, inequities too long hidden from too many people. We must tell the real story of our people. Journalists from Tokyo, Japan to San Jose, California to Hartford, Connecticut to Milan, Italy have been calling my office virtually every day, wanting to know more about what happened on and since January 17, 1893. And onee they discover the real story, their eagerness to reveal it to others cannot be eontained. The seeds of knowledge are being planted everywhere, and I ean only believe that the fruits of understanding and new strength are almost certain to grow in abundance as never before. Don't misunderstand me. I am not blinded by optimism. There are potentially significant pitfalls, and we must exercise the greatest of caution in avoiding them. First, we must ensure that we are never diverted from our ulti-

mate goals, either by others or by ourselves. Everyone - Hawaiians and non-Hawaiians

alike - everyone must understand that any differing approaches to the complex issues that challenge us do not diminish our legitimate right to redress and the unity of fundamental purpose we all share. Second, we

native Hawaiians should be watchful against the insinuation of exploitative "eonspiracy theories" whieh only rouse distrust among our own people and plaee even more false barriers between us and the existing social and political structures. Finally, we must also be careful that our quest for justice is never confused with any national debate on affirmative action. Our cause is historically unique, and it must be addressed accordingly. Indeed, the biggest task ahead for many of us will be educating the United States Congress on how the historical facts and socio-political consequences of the Overthrow markedly distinguish the claims of native Hawaiians from all others. I am confident that, in this new era of our nation's political development, we will see the triggering of a clear realization that all Americans ean only be strengthened by the recognition and redress of the wrongs perpetuated against native Hawaiians. As you may recall, in his speech on November 3, President-elect Clinton spoke of the willingness of the ClintonGore Administration to face problems too long ignored. He proclaimed his eleehon a victory for people who feel left out and left behind. If we are to take him at his word, and I do, then we must seize the moment.

Two weeks ago, I wrote to Bill Clinton to make sure that his early attention was brought to the plight of the native Hawaiian people. Detailing the actions of the United States in the overthrow of Queen Lili'uokalani, 1 attempted to convey to him how January 17, 1893 was a day whose infamy has lingered undiminished for a hundred years in the souls of native Hawaiians. Moreover, I told him that the genuine compassion and the real sense of promise that were the hallmarks of his campaign give me great faith that the wrongs committed against native Hawaiians and the injustices they have suffered may finally be properly addressed. eonūnueā next page

Sen. Abraham Akaka

Sen. Akaka's message

continued from page 13 I offered him six ongoing and new initiatives that his Administration and the Congress should undertake: 1 ) Extend a formal, solemn apology to native Hawaiians for the overthrow of Queen Lili'uokalani. 2) Proceed with the eleanup, restoration, and return of Kaho'olawe.

3) Fulfill, in totality of intent, the commitment made by the federal government 70 years ago under the Hawaiian Homes Commission Act. 4) Absolutely renounce the Reagan-Bush policy whieh maintains that efforts to redress wrongs committed against native Hawaiians violate the Equal Protection Clause of the Constitution . 5) Formally reject the 1983

Majority Report of the Native Hawaiians Study Commission, whieh concluded that the U.S. government has no moral or legal responsibility for the actions of its agents in the 1893 overthrow. And finally, and most importantly, 6) Join in the effort to have the federal government establish and eommenee a process of selfdetermination for native Hawaiians. My friends, we must never give up our pursuit for justice. We must keep focused on our eommon cause. We must spread the word with welcoming arms. Diversity should not bring divisiveness. We must never lose faith. We must stand firm! 'Onipa'a! Be steadfast! 'Onipa'a!