Ka Wai Ola - Office of Hawaiian Affairs, Volume 17, Number 5, 1 May 2000 — After Rice [ARTICLE]

After Rice

The U.S. Supreme Court in Rice v.s. Cayetano ruled the State of Hawai'i's constitutional provision allowing only Hawaiians to vote for OHA trustees violates the 15th Amendment of the U.S. Constitution. The court narrowly focused its decision on the validity of OHA's voting restriction. In fact, the court specifically stated, "We assume the validity of the underlying administrative structure and trusts." Furthermore, the court purposely avoided addressing whether Native Hawaiians have a political status similar to that of Native Americans and Alaska Natives. While the decision did not diminish the trust assets currently administered by OHA, the media have already reported attomeys are prepared to launeh further attacks on various Hawaiian rights and entitlements. Ka Lāhui Hawai'i shares the Hawaiian community's eoneem with Rice v.?. Cayetano and its potential impact. The court's decision affirmed OHA's role as a state agency and it reiterates the need for federal recognition of the political status of Native Hawaiians. Ka Lāhui calls upon all Hawaiians to support federal recognition and implementation of reconciliation as provided in the Apology Bill. The need for unity and consensus is critical to protecting our rights for the fumre generation of Native Hawaiians. Keali'i'olu'olu Gora Lieutenant Governor Ka Lāhui Hawai'i

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