Ka Wai Ola - Office of Hawaiian Affairs, Volume 18, Number 7, 1 July 2001 — How shall Hawaiians proceed toward federal recognition? [ARTICLE+ILLUSTRATION]

How shall Hawaiians proceed toward federal recognition?

Aloha mai e na 'oiwi o Hawai'i. This eighth KWO article in a series of 48 highlights action taken by the OHA board on congressional measures relating to Native Hawaiian recognition. With eight Trustees present and one excused from the meeting, on June 13, by a 6-2 vote, the OHA board voted "to authorize support and endorsement of the timely passage of S. 746/H.R. 617Expressing the policy of the United States regarding the United States relationship with Native Hawaiians and to provide a process for the recognition of the United States of the Native Hawaiian governing entity, and for other purposes." Voting yes were Trustees Akana, Cataluna, DelaCruz, Stender, Waihe'e and Apoliona. Voting no were Trustees Hee and Ota. H.R 617 has successfully cleared its subject committee in the House of Representatives and awaits it vote of the full House; and contains language identical to S. 746. S. 746 at present awaits action in the Senate committee of jurisdiction

that should occur onee the Senate has completed its reorganization process. When S. 746 was introduced in the U.S. Senate on April 6, (the 107th Congress), Senator Akaka stated, "this bill does three things: First, it provides for a process for federal recognition of the Native Hawaiian governing entity. Second, it establishes an office within the Department of Interior to focus on Native Hawaiian issues and to serve as a liaison between native Hawaiians and the Federal government. Finally, it establishes an interagency coordinating group to be composed of representatives of federal agencies whieh administer programs and implement policies impacting Native Hawaiians." (See Sections 4, 5 and 6 of S. 746). Stated explicitly in Section 9 (pages 21 and 22) of S. 746 (Applicability of Certain Federal Laws); "(a) Indian Gaming Regulatory Act — Nothing contained in this Act shall be construed as an authorization for the Native Hawaiian governing entity to eonduct gaming activities under the

authority of the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act (25 U.S.C. 2701 et seq.); (b) Bureau of Indian Affairs — Nothing contained in this Act shall be construed as an authorization for eligibility to participate in any programs and services provided by the Bureau of Indian Affairs for any persons not otherwise eligible for such programs or services." Take time to study the bill yourself. If you have access to the Internet, log on to www.OHA.org, and download a copy of S. 746. If you do not have Internet, eall the OHA office on your island (See page 14 for contach numbers) and ask them to provide you a copy, or eall OHA's main office at 594-1888 and ask for assistance from Public Information or Hawaiian Rights. S. 746, modified from earlier version S81, has no section prescribing the reorganization process for the Native Hawaiian governing entity. Senator Akaka stated, "these modifications reflect the consensus of our delegation that the reorganization process must be determined by the Native Hawaiian eommuni-

ty". Therein lies the challenge to Native Hawaiians. Passage of S. 746 and HR. 617 is but one step. Organizing Native Hawaiians is the eompanion step. What do you think is the best way to build a broad based support among Hawaiians for organizing in pursuit of federal recognition authorized by passage of S. 746/HR 617. Do you have ideas on what the process should include? Is a Hawaiian convention of delegates elected by Hawaiians a mechanism? Is formation of island by island ahupua'a councils to provide input into a convention the answer? What about a confederation of organizations; or a confederation of island ahupua'a to start the talks rolling? I would like to get your thoughts. If you ean share them in a page or two please fax your mana'o to 594-1864. E ho'ā kākou i ka lama kūpono ,, no nā hulu Hawai 'i. ■

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tApoliona, MSW Trustee, At-large