I certainly would never consciously put forward a bill I believe to be unconstitutional because I thought it was politically convenient to do it.

We don't want to go to the Supreme Court eventually and then have someone say I know what you want to do, but and that is legitimate because the recognition of indigenous people is, in fact, something that is constitutionally established…

I think we need to understand with a clear perspective that Native Hawaiians are the only other indigenous native peoples under the administration of this great nation very similar, in fact exactly the same, as the American Indians as well…

I think all we are trying to do is to complete the circle to the extent that the Native Hawaiians ought to be given the same treatment as we give Native Alaskans and the American Indians.

What we are dealing with here in practical terms is 1.8 million acres in ceded land, the former crown lands.

When we put western ideas of property and ownership into the equation, well then it became somebody's land.

It has never been racial. It is always been historic and political.

I routinely say to people that I am Hawaii's answer to affirmative action in this regard.

I presume when you say political balance you don't mean those who are for civil rights and those who are against it?

Because they exercise a franchise. They don't have to vote for you, right? They can leave it blank?

Thus, it seems right on this day that we begin the Congressional process that all Native Hawaiians be recognized as indigenous people of Hawaii.

This bill would also provide a structured process to address the longstanding issues resulting from the overthrow of the Kingdom of Hawaii.

I ask support of this measure and to advance the reconciliation process for one of the nation's indigenous people.

If it is, then why are we giving racial preferences in countless numbers of Congressional enactments and laws as well as Supreme Court decision recognizing the special relationship, the trust responsibility that Congress has under the…

This bill was put forward in good faith on the basis of trying to establish legislatively a resolution of issues involving indigenous people.

This injustice created wounds and issues that have never been healed or resolved.

The Native Hawaiian Government Reorganization Act would take another step in the reconciliation process by providing Native Hawaiians with the same right of self-government and self-determination that are afforded to other indigenous…

This suggests well, this is racial preference. If it is, then why are we giving racial preferences in countless numbers of Congressional enactments and laws as well as Supreme Court decision recognizing the special relationship, the trust…

This bill would formalize that relationship and establish parity in Federal policies toward all of our indigenous people.

Thank you, Ms. Heriot. I presume when you say political balance you don't mean those who are for civil rights and those who are against it?

It seems right on this day that we begin the Congressional process that all Native Hawaiians be recognized as indigenous people of Hawaii.

A word to the wise should be sufficient.

I can assure, Madame Chair, I can assure you that there is going to be a bill coming forward that is going to have equal number of Democrats and Republicans on it, that is going to address this question of whether or not we are going to…

This is not a partisan issue, we simply cannot wait.

So we are investing in the military, in military adventurism of one kind or another, with dubious prospects;