Hawaii Divided on Matter of Native Hawaiian Rights

For years many Hawaiians have fought to be given sovereignty defined by many as a "nation within a nation." But when it comes to Native Hawaiians having the same rights as other indigenous peoples, the people of Hawaii are divided.

Recent news out of Hawaii from the Advertiser reports Republican Governor Linda Lingle in opposition to the bill advanced by Daniel Akaka, long-time Senator from Hawaii. Lingle, who has been known for her support of Native Hawaiian rights, opposes Akaka's bill, according to her spokesman Mark Bennettett, State Attorney General, because she believes the bill will change the relationship Hawaiians have with the state government. It would give them the same powers of self-determination and privileges that were given to Indian tribes on the U.S. mainland. Up until recently most politicians from Hawaii have supported the Akaka bill because it was said to give Native Hawaiians the recognition they have struggled to obtain for many years. This has included the right to self determination similar to American Indians and Native Alaskans. President Barack Obama embraced Akaka's bill, but former President George W. Bush did not because he considered it was race-based, unconstitutional and would single out Hawaiians for special treatment. According to the Associated Press six days ago, the Akaka bill is poised to pass 2 congressional committees. It would, in essence, allow Hawaiians to establish their own government similar to that of Indian tribes. The political divisions in Hawaii are reflected in the response to the Akaka bill. Some of those in opposition to the bill wrote to legislators in Congress to outline how specifically they believe the bill would negatively affect the whole racial and cultural orientation of the islands. Their statements hearken back to the history of Hawaii, reflecting its special nature as a place where every man was to be treated equally /

In closing we would like to point out that in 1840, the Kingdom of Hawaii adopted

a Constitution with a bicameral, multi-racial legislature. The Constitution was signed by

two hands—that of Kamehameha’s son King Kamehameha III and that of the holder of

the second-highest office in the nation, Keoni Ana, the son of the British-born Hawaiian

Minister John Young. Its opening sentence, the substance of which was suggested by an

American missionary, was based loosely on a Biblical verse: “Ua hana mai ke Akua i na

lahuikanaka a pau i ke koko hookahi, e noho like lakou ma ka honua nei me ke kuikahi, a

me ka pomaikai.” Translated, the passage might read: “God has made of one blood all

races of people to dwell upon this Earth in unity and blessedness.”

As the news from the State relates, Hawaii, which advertises itself as the United States flagship of racial and cultural harmony known as "the gathering place," continues to struggle with that concept in the political mix over Hawaii..