Nov

03

Senators Among Distinguished Panelist for Discussion of Act 195

Articles / Hawaiian Affairs / In the Community


On October 28, 2011 Senator Clayton Hee (District 23, Kahuku, La‘ie, Ka‘a‘awa, Kane‘ohe) and Senator Malama Solomon (District 1, Waimea, Hamakua, Keaukaha and Hilo) participated in a panel discussion on Act 195, regarding Native Hawaiian recognition by the State of Hawaii.

The event was part of the 52nd Annual Convention of the Association of Hawaiian Civic Clubs (AHCC), which took place from October 24-30.

Other members of the panel included Office of Hawaiian Affairs Trustee Colette Machado and former Governor John D. Waihee, III, who is a member of the Native Hawaiian Roll Call Commission. The panel was moderated by former AHCC president H.K. Bruss Keppeler, Esq.

Act 195 formally recognizes Native Hawaiian people as “the only indigenous, aboriginal, maoli people of Hawai‘i.” In addition to formal recognition by the State of Hawai‘i, the measure also established the Native Hawaiian Roll Call Commission. Members of the commission were appointed by the Governor in September. It is composed of five members, one from each county and one at-large seat. The Commission is tasked with preparing and maintaining a roll of qualified Native Hawaiians as defined by the Act.

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Oct

24

Senators Among Distinguished Panelist for Discussion of Act 195

Articles / Hawaiian Affairs / In the Community / Press Releases

KAHUKU, OAHU — Senator Clayton Hee and Senator Malama Solomon will be participating in a panel discussion on Act 195, regarding Native Hawaiian recognition by the State of Hawaii, on Friday, October 28, 2011.  The discussion begins at 10 a.m. at the Turtle Bay Resort.

The event is part of the 52nd Annual Convention of the Association of Hawaiian Civic Clubs (AHCC), which takes place from October 24-30.

Senator Clayton Hee (District 23, Kahuku, La‘ie, Ka‘a‘awa, Kane‘ohe) and Senator Malama Solomon (District 1, Waimea, Hamakua, Keaukaha and Hilo) led the charge for the passage of Senate Bill 1520, which subsequently became Act 195 when it was signed into law by Gov. Abercrombie in July.

“This landmark legislation is for the Native Hawaiian people, but it is also of vital importance for all the people of the State of Hawaii,” said Sen. Solomon, chief negotiator of the bill.

“This law is one more step, in a journey long overdue, that affirms Native Hawaiians as the first nation of these islands,” said Senator Clayton Hee, author of the bill.

Act 195 formally recognizes Native Hawaiian people as “the only indigenous, aboriginal, maoli people of Hawai‘i.” In addition to formal recognition by the State of Hawai‘i, the measure also established the Native Hawaiian Roll Call Commission.  Members of the commission were appointed by the Governor in September.  It is composed of five members, one from each county and one at-large seat.  The Commission is tasked with preparing and maintaining a roll of qualified Native Hawaiians as defined by the Act.

Other members of the panel include Office of Hawaiian Affairs Trustee Colette Machado and former Governor John D. Waihee, III, who is a member of the Native Hawaiian Roll Call Commission.   The panel will be moderated former AHCC president H.K. Bruss Keppeler, Esq.

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Sep

08

Governor Announces Native Hawaiian Roll Call Commissioners

Articles / Hawaiian Affairs / Press Releases

Mai Ka Lā Hiki A Ka Lā Kau
(Literal: From sunrise to sunset Kaona: Whole life span)

HONOLULU — Governor Neil Abercrombie this afternoon announced his appointments to the Native Hawaiian Roll Commission. Senator Malama Solomon (District 1 – Waimea, Hamakua, North Hilo, Rural South Hilo and Hilo) offers this statement:

“Today we celebrate the members of the Native Hawaiian Roll Commission established by Act 195 of the 2011 Legislative session. This is significant legislation for the Native Hawaiian people, but it is also of vital importance for all of the people of the State of Hawai’i.

I congratulate and thank Governor Abercrombie for acting swiftly in naming the commissioners. For Kanaka Maoli, this measure is one more important step in a very long and arduous journey toward justice. Indeed, this journey has taken more than the span of a single life. It has taken generations.

For all of the people of Hawai’i, it marks a historic and positive step in the reconciliation process mending relations between the State of Hawai„i and the Native Hawaiian people.

The commission will know that Act 195 acknowledges our present reality and urges the process forward. The process enabled by the act is intended to move in concert with the efforts by Senator Daniel Akaka and the Congressional Delegation of Hawai’i to achieve Federal recognition of Native Hawaiians. It is a strong testimony and evidence for our cause pending before Congress.

I stand ready to support and kokua the commissioners as they embark on their duties of this very important commission, as we continue on this journey toward self-governance.”

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Jul

06

Governor Signs Native Hawaiian Recognition Bill into Law

Articles / Hawaiian Affairs / Press Releases

Senators join Governor Abercrombie after the signing of Senate Bill 1520 into law

HONOLULU– Senate Bill 1520, which formally recognizes Native Hawaiian people as “the only indigenous, aboriginal, maoli people of Hawai‘i,” was signed by Governor Neil Abercrombie this afternoon at Washington Place.

“For Kanaka Maoli, this measure is one more important step in a very long and arduous journey toward justice.  Indeed, this journey has taken more than the span of a single life.  It has taken generations,” said Senator Malama Solomon, chief negotiator of the bill.  “For all people of Hawai‘i, it marks a historic and positive step in the reconciliation process mending relations between the State of Hawai‘i mending relations between the State of Hawai‘i and the Native Hawaiian people.”

“This law affirms Native Hawaiians as the first nation of these islands and provides Hawaiians the opportunity to form a new nation within this State of Hawai‘i,” said Senator Clayton Hee, author of the bill. 

 “The signing of this legislation will be remembered by future generations,” said Senator Brickwood Galuteria, chairman of the Senate Committee on Hawaiian Affairs.  “This measure recognizes the first people of Hawai‘i while preserving the diversity that has made Hawai‘i home to us all.”

In addition to formal recognition by the State of Hawai‘i, the measure also requires the Governor to appoint a Native Hawaiian Roll Call Commission that will create and publish a list of people who are of Native Hawaiian descent.  Funding to facilitate the activities of the Native Hawaiian Roll Commission will be provided by the Office of Hawaiian Affairs.   

            For more information on Senate Bill 1520: http://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session2011/lists/measure_indiv.aspx?billtype=SB&billnumber=1520

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