Stop the Akaka Bill (S. 344)

The Akaka bill (S. 344), would affirm that the United States has a special political and legal responsibility to promote the welfare of Native Hawaiians. The bill would set up a process for the United States to recognize a Native Hawaiian governing entity as the representative governing body of the Native Hawaiian people.

The founding of a Native Hawaiian government would allow Native Hawaiians to secure their entitlements, culture, resources, rights and land for future generations. To be recognized as a political entity would help to guard against current legal challenges as well as protect federal funding for programs and services which offer Native Hawaiians assistance in education, health, housing, and economic development. It would also allow Native Hawaiians to control their trusts and assets and protect the environment from further destruction. By having elected government officials, Native Hawaiians would have direct (nation to nation) representation in negotiations with the United States instead of relying on the State of Hawaii to do what is just and right.

A Native Hawaiian government would be able to create and enforce laws, including customary laws, and address Native Hawaiian needs and concerns through culturally appropriate means. Having the freedom to implement their own programs provides Hawaiians with the opportunity to administer solutions to help uplift their communities in a sensitive and culturally suitable manner.