On the recordMarch 30, 2011
Today a united Hawaii delegation will be introducing the Native Hawaiian Government Reorganization Act in both Chambers of Congress. Long denied the recognition and rights accorded to America's other indigenous people, this bill will finally enable Native Hawaiians to embark on their long awaited process of achieving self-determination. On the House side, Congresswoman Hanabusa and I have the great pleasure of being joined in this effort by Congressman Don Young, Congressman Eni Faleomavaega, Congresswoman Madeleine Bordallo and Congressman Tom Cole. All are longstanding friends of Hawaii and Native Hawaiians. How we treat our native indigenous people reflects our values and who we are as a country. Clearly, there is much in the history of our interactions with the native people of what is now the United States that makes us less than proud. The American Indians, Alaska Natives, and Native Hawaiians, all indigenous people, have suffered at the hands of our Government. But one of the great attributes of America has always been the ability to look objectively at our history, learn from it, and when possible make amends. The bill we are introducing today has been more than 10 years in the making. It has been a deliberative and open legislative process. There have been 12 congressional hearings on Native Hawaiian recognition, five of which were held in Hawaii. These bills have been marked up by committees in both Chambers.…
