Issue Position: Native Hawaiians

Issue Position

While the Governor's responsibility is to all Hawaii's people, I recognize the special relationship to Native Hawaiians that is part of our public conscience, enshrined in our laws, and entrusted to our leaders. As Native Hawaiians rise, all of Hawaii benefits.

I will use my experience and relationships with the White House and Congress to advance the interests of Native Hawaiians, work to obtain continued federal funding, and build broader federal support for Native Hawaiian programs. I will continue to support Hawaiian self-determination as a proactive Governor who will consult broadly with all sides, build on the many strengths in the Hawaiian community, and resolve historic controversies with regard to ceded lands, Hawaiian Home Lands, water rights, gathering rights, and other issues. In the House of Representatives, I lead passage of the Akaka Bill three times, and as Governor, I will continue to work until this landmark legislation becomes law.

In an Abercrombie Administration, the state will work as an active partner with Kamehameha Schools and other Hawaiian organizations to advance preschool education, lift public schools, fairly fund and promote the success of Hawaiian charter schools, promote Native Hawaiian enrollment and success in higher education, and build capacity in Hawaiian communities. I also understand and support the unique importance of leadership development among Native Hawaiians in the public and private sectors.

I will continue my long-time support of Community Health Centers and will work to enable Native Hawaiian Health organizations such as Papa Ola Lokahi to become self-sustaining. My health policy focuses on access to culturally appropriate care and addresses substance abuse problems that are particularly devastating in the Hawaiian community, health education, preventive medicine, social determinants of health such as poverty, and the root causes of chronic diseases such as diabetes and asthma, which are disproportionately affecting Hawaiians.

I have always believed and acted on the premise that Hawaiians should control their own destiny, including managing their own resources. I will work with the Hawaiian people to resolve issues of the disposition of ceded lands so that legal obligations are fulfilled and trust is rebuilt. And I will once and for all settle the dispute over ceded lands revenues by bringing all parties together in support of lasting solutions.

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