Political Quotes

“Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support of the Abercrombie substitute amendment. This amendment reflects a compromise between the Hawaii delegation-- who I might add are also duly elected by the people of Hawaii--the State of Hawaii, the Obama administration, Indian Country, and the Native Hawaiian community. Much has been made of remarks and statements by Hawaii's Governor and Attorney General on the substitute amendment. Let me say that the Hawaii delegation took their concerns, which were first raised in December, very seriously and many of their recommendations are reflected in the Abercrombie substitute before you today. Under this bill, the Native Hawaiian governing entity will have the same inherent powers--no more, no less--as other native governments possess, namely, American Indians and Alaska Natives. Hawaiians historically have been the object of unjust and unfair treatment at the hands of our government. Why should we perpetuate such treatment? In seeking to have Native Hawaiians' inherent powers be treated differently from how American Indians and Native Alaskans were treated, the Governor and Attorney General's position opens the door to challenging such powers as exercised by the American Indians and Alaska natives. This is problematic for all native peoples. While the substitute amendment makes changes to this version of the bill, it has in no way changed the intent of the legislation.…”