To me the consequence of that would have been absolutely devastating for the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands.

the obligation of the United States to continue to fulfill the promises made of the provision of housing for the Native Hawaiians.

So it is clear that we have much more work to do.

Thank you, Senator Akaka.

Title VIII of NAHASDA is more than an affordable housing initiative--it is a critical piece of legislation for the people of Hawai`i.

It is our solemn charge as Hawaii's representatives to make sure that the U.S. Congress understands and fulfills its obligations to Native Hawaiians.

I cannot impress upon everyone how critical this bill is, because it will be the funding mechanism for the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands.

the Apology Resolution of 1993, that I know you were very significant in pushing through the U.S. Congress.

I would like to ask that my written testimony become part of the record.

I would like to see us be very strong on simple concepts of fairness and equality.

Fairness and equity should be something that governs our budget, and we cannot continue to expect us or the other states and our insular territories to bear that burden.