| Remarks by OHA Chairperson Haunani Apoliona on Akaka Bill reintroduction |
|
Aloha and thank you for coming to this historic setting today. It was 114 years ago today - the Kingdom of Hawaii was unjustly overthrown - and we Hawaiians began the long process to regain our sovereign identity. Today, in Washington, Senator Daniel Akaka has introduced legislation to recognize Native Hawaiians as the indigenous people of Hawaii. The Office of Hawaiian Affairs welcomes this initiative and we urge all the peoples of Hawaii to join us in seeking what is right for Native Hawaiians. We applaud the immediate introduction in congress. And we look forward to working with members of the U.S. Senate and House, to pass this bill as quickly as possible. There's a lot at stake for the present and future of Native Hawaiians. This is the right time for federal recognition. This bill is part of a long road to reconciliation. And it has a practical impact in this age of lawsuits, as a shield to protect programs that serve Native Hawaiians. The passage will benefit the entire State of Hawaii. As we stand here at Queen Liliuokalani's statue, I'm reminded of the message to Congress on Dec. 18, 1893 from President Grover Cleveland. President Cleveland described the overthrow as an "act of war committed with the participation of a diplomatic representative of the United States without the authority of Congress" and he acknowledged that by such acts, the government of a peaceful and friendly people was overthrown. Queen Liliuokalani, the last reigning monarch of the Hawaiian Kingdom of Hawaii, passed on in 1917. Through much of her life, the queen worked tirelessly to make things right for her people. As Hawaiians, we are fortunate to have the legacy which was left to us by such a great leader, our moi wahine...it is time to make things right. It is time to see the queen's dream become a realty. The time to join together in unity and for the good of all Hawaii Nei is now. The time for federal recognition is now. Aloha. |
| < Prev | Next > |
|---|
