The Introduction of the Native Hawaiian Government Reorganization Act of 2007

THE INTRODUCTION OF THE NATIVE HAWAIIAN GOVERNMENT REORGANIZATION ACT OF 2007

* Mr. ABERCROMBIE. Madam Speaker, I rise today to introduce a bill which is a companion measure to legislation introduced by Senator DANIEL AKAKA in the Senate this morning. This measure is called the Native Hawaiian Government Reorganization Act of 2007. The purpose of the bill is to provide a process for the reorganization of the Native Hawaiian governing entity for the purposes of a federally recognized government-to-government relationship.

* On this day 114 years ago, the monarchy of the Kingdom of Hawaii was overthrown by agents of the United States. This injustice created wounds and issues that have never been healed or resolved. Fourteen years ago, the United States government took a step toward reconciling this part of history by passing a resolution which acknowledged the overthrow of the Kingdom of Hawaii and offered an apology to Native Hawaiians.

* The Native Hawaiian Government Reorganization Act would take another step in the reconciliation process by providing Native Hawaiians the same right of self-governance and self-determination that are afforded to other indigenous peoples. Since Hawaii was annexed as a territory, the United States has treated Native Hawaiians in a manner similar to that of American Indians and Alaska Natives. This bill would formalize that relationship and establish parity in federal policies towards all of our indigenous peoples.

* This bill will also provide a structured process to address the longstanding issues resulting from the overthrow of the Kingdom of Hawaii. This discussion has been avoided for far too long because no one has known how to address or deal with the emotions that arise when these matters are discussed. There has been no structured process. Instead, there has been fear as to what the discussion would entail, causing people to avoid the issues. Such behavior has led to high levels of anger and frustration, as well as misunderstandings between Native Hawaiians and non-Native Hawaiians.

* The bill provides a structured process to negotiate and resolve these issues with the federal and state governments and will alleviate the growing mistrust, misunderstanding, anger, and frustration about these matters.

* This measure is supported by Hawaii's Governor, Linda Lingle, Hawaii's Congressional delegation, and the Hawaii State Legislature. The bill is also supported by a number of organizations in Hawaii who have passed resolutions in support of enacting this bill.

* I ask my colleagues to support this measure and advance the reconciliation process for our people.

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