the Hawaiian Homes Commission Act is clearly constitutional, because it fulfilled a compelling government interest

the birthplace in our Constitution of the doctrine of equal protection is also, it is the 14th Amendment

The United States has federally recognized more than 560 Indian tribes.

On behalf of the Hawaiian Homes Commission, I ask that you approve this bill so we can work toward recognition and continue doing good work for all the people of Hawaii.

So we really appreciate the contributions that all of you and the panel have made.

It creates a governing entity for Native Hawaiians.

Obviously, if the kind of parade of horribles that some may have dreamed up were happening elsewhere, we would see States and localities and American citizens beating your doors down for changes in our longstanding policy of Indian and…

This legislation provides parity. It enables Hawaii's indigenous people to establish a government-to-government relationship with the United States.

It is time Congress and our Nation take the next step with them in honoring their resilience.

Home ownership is the beginning for somebody to launch their lives off to a much better place.

The United States committed itself to a process of reconciliation with the Native Hawaiian people.

We must ensure that Native Hawaiians have the same opportunities as other Americans.

The United States has not always acted honorably in its treatment of our Nation's First People.

The cost of living in Hawaii is much higher in comparison to other States.

This Senator believes there should be no doubt on the question of the existence of Native Hawaiians.

this is likely, from a community-based organization perspective, likely the single most important public policy piece of legislation for Hawaiians today and for generations to come.

It is needed because in 1893, the Native Hawaiian government, led by Queen Lili'uokalani, was illegally overthrown.

It is only fitting now, in the 50th anniversary of Hawaiian statehood that Congress and the United States take the next step toward bettering the lives of Native Hawaiians by reorganizing the Native Hawaiian government that was overthrown…

There is absolutely nothing in the legislation that I see that is remotely relevant to that alleged risk.

I absolutely agree. I would agree with the statements that have been made before me that the United States has authority to legislate in behalf of Native peoples.

Mahalo. Thank you for your responses.

tribes have, and ought to continue to have the ability to define their own membership further

I would like to also extend that gratitude to Senator Inouye as well as Senator Murkowski, who has been a longstanding supporter with us in this effort.

At the time, President Grover Cleveland characterized America's conduct as an 'act of war' against the Native Hawaiian people.

The authority that you are giving us as an entity, the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands, to do that, is a tremendous authority, a tremendous resource that we are providing our people.