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Native Hawaiian Government Reorganization Act moving to Senate

MEDIA RELEASE
The Native Hawaiian Government Reorganization Act of 2009 (S. 1011) was approved by the Senate Committee on Indian Affairs today, clearing the way for consideration by the full Senate.
“The bill provides for a structured process of reconciliation for both Native Hawaiians and non-Native Hawaiians to finally address and resolve longstanding issues resulting from Hawaii’s painful history,” said Senator Daniel K. Akaka, author of the bill.
“I am extremely pleased with the acceptance of this bill by the committee. This bill will now be placed on the Senate calendar,” said Senator Daniel K. Inouye.
Before it was reported by the Committee, S. 1011 was amended to reflect months of negotiations with the Department of Justice. The substitute amendment was approved by voice vote.
Yesterday, the House Natural Resources Committee passed H.R. 2314, the House companion bill, without the amendment approved today in the Senate. Gov. Linda Lingle and the state’s Attorney General had voiced concern about the new provisions.
“I talked to both Governor Lingle and Attorney General Mark Bennett today and thanked them for their years of strong support. I know they have concerns about the bill that passed out of the Committee today, and I am committed to working with them on these issues as we move forward,” Akaka said.
“I am committed that before this bill is considered by the full Senate there will be a meaningful opportunity to address the state’s concerns in concert with the Obama administration and the Hawaii Congressional delegation. This is not a closed book.  The time to act will be early in the new year and we must move swiftly to ensure Native Hawaiians regain their rights of self-determination and self-governance,” Inouye said.
“I’m pleased that our Senators were able to move the bill through the Senate Committee on Indian Affairs today, which moves us that much closer to final passage,” said Congressman Neil Abercrombie, the sponsor of the House of Representatives companion bill.  “There will be ample opportunity for dialog as the measure continues through the legislative process.”
“Congress has a real opportunity to pass the Akaka bill next year,” Congresswoman Mazie Hirono said. “We now have a president who not only will sign it into law, but has also been fully engaged in the process. It is my hope that we will soon address the concerns of the state and continue to move forward. I know we all share the goal of self-determination for Native-Hawaiians.”
The substitute amendment was drafted with input from many stakeholders. It makes clear that Native Hawaiians should have the same opportunities for self-determination as other indigenous peoples in the United States. It also provides that past claims already adjudicated cannot be revived, future claims are not affected, and defenses to future claims are not affected.
The Native Hawaiian Governing Entity will still need to comply with all state and federal laws. As in previous versions of the bill, any transfers of land or other assets still require state and federal enacting legislation.
No private property will be affected, and gambling is specifically prohibited.

MEDIA RELEASE

The Native Hawaiian Government Reorganization Act of 2009 (S. 1011) was approved by the Senate Committee on Indian Affairs today, clearing the way for consideration by the full Senate.

“The bill provides for a structured process of reconciliation for both Native Hawaiians and non-Native Hawaiians to finally address and resolve longstanding issues resulting from Hawaii’s painful history,” said Senator Daniel K. Akaka, author of the bill.

“I am extremely pleased with the acceptance of this bill by the committee. This bill will now be placed on the Senate calendar,” said Senator Daniel K. Inouye.

Before it was reported by the Committee, S. 1011 was amended to reflect months of negotiations with the Department of Justice. The substitute amendment was approved by voice vote.

Yesterday, the House Natural Resources Committee passed H.R. 2314, the House companion bill, without the amendment approved today in the Senate. Gov. Linda Lingle and the state’s Attorney General had voiced concern about the new provisions.

“I talked to both Governor Lingle and Attorney General Mark Bennett today and thanked them for their years of strong support. I know they have concerns about the bill that passed out of the Committee today, and I am committed to working with them on these issues as we move forward,” Akaka said.

“I am committed that before this bill is considered by the full Senate there will be a meaningful opportunity to address the state’s concerns in concert with the Obama administration and the Hawaii Congressional delegation. This is not a closed book.  The time to act will be early in the new year and we must move swiftly to ensure Native Hawaiians regain their rights of self-determination and self-governance,” Inouye said.

“I’m pleased that our Senators were able to move the bill through the Senate Committee on Indian Affairs today, which moves us that much closer to final passage,” said Congressman Neil Abercrombie, the sponsor of the House of Representatives companion bill.  “There will be ample opportunity for dialog as the measure continues through the legislative process.”

“Congress has a real opportunity to pass the Akaka bill next year,” Congresswoman Mazie Hirono said. “We now have a president who not only will sign it into law, but has also been fully engaged in the process. It is my hope that we will soon address the concerns of the state and continue to move forward. I know we all share the goal of self-determination for Native-Hawaiians.”

The substitute amendment was drafted with input from many stakeholders. It makes clear that Native Hawaiians should have the same opportunities for self-determination as other indigenous peoples in the United States. It also provides that past claims already adjudicated cannot be revived, future claims are not affected, and defenses to future claims are not affected.

The Native Hawaiian Governing Entity will still need to comply with all state and federal laws. As in previous versions of the bill, any transfers of land or other assets still require state and federal enacting legislation.

No private property will be affected, and gambling is specifically prohibited.

One Response to “Native Hawaiian Government Reorganization Act moving to Senate”

  1. Linda Ballou says:

    I am glad native Hawaiians are receiving recognition after so many years of painful history.

    Linda Ballou author
    Wai-nani, High Chiefess of Hawai’i

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