Providing For Consideration Of H.R. 2314, Native Hawaiian Government Reorganization Act Of 2009

Floor Speech

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Mr. HONDA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to express my support for H.R. 2314, the Native Hawaiian Government Reorganization Act of 2009. Passage of this legislation is a top priority of the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus, which I currently chair.

I commend Representative NEIL ABERCROMBIE, sponsor of the bill, and the House Committee on Natural Resources for recognizing the importance of self-determination to the Native Hawaiian people.

In 1893, the monarchy of the Kingdom of Hawai'i was overthrown by agents of the United States. This has created wounds and issues that have never been addressed or resolved. The United States took an important first step in reconciling this part of history by passing a resolution which acknowledged the overthrow of the Kingdom of Hawai'i and offered an apology to Native Hawaiians.

While these are laudable efforts, H.R. 2314 would continue the reconciliation and healing process by providing Native Hawaiians the same right of self governance and self determination that is 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.

I urge all of my colleagues to support H.R. 2314 and afford Native Hawaiians the opportunity for self determination and self governance.

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