"Clearly, I supported the 1978 constitutional convention, which proposed the creation of OHA, which was ratified by the majority of the people of Hawaii."
"We must ensure that the voices of Native Hawaiians are heard in Congress."
"This bill sets up a process whereby the United States can recognize a constituted Native Hawaiian governing entity."
"All of those kinds of issues, anything that would allow Native Hawaiians to not pay state taxes would have to be agreed to by the State of Hawaii."
"Aloha. Thank you for this opportunity to testify on H.R. 2314."
"This decision does not stand for the proposition that Native Hawaiians are non-indigenous people."
"The legislature of the State of Hawaii, which represents all of the people of Hawaii has time and again passed resolutions in support of this legislation."
"I urge your support of H.R. 2314."
"I believe how we treat our native indigenous people reflects our values and who we are as a country."
"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, to make amends."
"This is not an equal protection issue. I think this is where the crux of the difference is, that this is not a race-based legislation."