The Introduction Of The Native Hawaiian Government Reorginization Act Of 2009

Floor Speech

Mr. ABERCROMBIE. Madam Speaker, I rise today to introduce the Native Hawaiian Government Reorganization Act of 2009, a bill to affirm and formalize the long political relationship between Native Hawaiians and the United States. This measure clarifies that political bond and provides a process for Native Hawaiians to form their own governing body and participate in a government-to-government relationship with the United States. This is a companion measure to legislation being introduced by Senator Daniel Akaka in the Senate this evening.

The United States recognized the sovereignty of the Kingdom of Hawaii more than 175 years ago, accorded the Kingdom full diplomatic recognition and entered into treaties and conventions in 1826, 1842, 1849, 1875 and 1887, all ratified by Congress. The United States has declared in law a special responsibility for the welfare of the Native peoples of the United States, including Native Hawaiians.

P.L. 103-150, the Apology Resolution, extended an apology to the Native people of Hawaii on behalf of the United States for our country's role in the overthrow of the Kingdom of Hawaii in 1893. The Apology Resolution also expressed the commitment of Congress and the President to acknowledge the ramifications of the overthrow, and to support reconciliation efforts between the United States and Native Hawaiians.

This relationship was explicitly affirmed in the Hawaiian Homes Commission Act of 1920, which set aside 200,000 acres of land for homesteading by Native Hawaiians. Legislative history clearly shows that Congress based this action and subsequent legislation on the constitutional precedent in programs enacted to benefit Native Americans. In fact, since Hawaii's admission into the Union fifty years ago, Congress has legislated on behalf of Native Hawaiians, including them as Native Americans in numerous statutes.

The legislation I am introducing today is important not only to Native Hawaiians, but to everyone in Hawaii. It provides a process to address many longstanding issues facing Hawaii's indigenous peoples and the State of Hawaii. In addressing these matters, we have begun a process of healing, a process of reconciliation not only between the United States and the Native people of Hawaii, but within the State of Hawaii.

The essence of Hawaii lies not in the allure of its islands, but in the beauty of its people. The State of Hawaii has recognized the need to preserve the culture, tradition, language and heritage of its indigenous peoples. This measure gives form to the U.S. government's responsibilities in that same effort.

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