On the recordFebruary 23, 2010
I can only say I am losing a good friend who will go to better and greater places. You have been an ally to myself and to the feeling of working bipartisan work with the chairman on both sides of the aisle. We have always talked to one another, and we have recognized the importance of being ``the'' Congressman and of listening to the Congressman from that district. I have sponsored this bill every time it has come out of the committee--while I was chairman, before I was chairman, after I was chairman--and I will continue to do that. I understand minority Member Doc Hastings and his position and why he opposes it; but as we talk about this politically, we have to think about the people whom we are affecting by our words. They have been patient, patient, patient, and it is time for us to take the step forward. Is this bill perfect? No. I think it's better after the amendment is adopted. I think it does solve the problems. There is no Indian Country in Hawaii. Land cannot be taken into trusts. A Native Hawaiian governing entity may not exercise jurisdiction over non-Native Hawaiians. The State of Hawaii shall retain regulatory and taxation authority over Native Hawaiians. Yet these are Native Hawaiians, and I can speak with a great deal of pride as to what happened in Alaska.
