Native Hawaiian Rights

Remember Statehood Day 1959? Celebration swept through these islands on news of our joining the union of States of the U.S.A. Communities lit bon fires, neighborhoods held impromptu dances, cars blared their horns and people walked the streets with broad grins and greetings, seeing themselves as full-fledged Americans. Hawai`i Democrats and Republicans were together in the quest for Hawaiian Statehood. Hawai`i’s media were in full support as well. Opposition voices were silent.

From Native Hawaiian to Native American?
Originally appeared in the Hawai’i Island Journal, Native Americas Journal and Indian Country Today.

As the Akaka Bill drives forward in Congress, Hawaiian voices are urging a closer look.
by Anne Keala Kelly

Just days after the U.S. Senate web site posted yet another draft of the Akaka Bill (6 and counting) dated June 27th, the handful of Hawaiians who had access to its location got the clearest sense of what federal recognition legislation actually boils down to.