Why it’s important…
NHGRA is about fairness in U.S. policy. Currently, Native Hawaiians are the only Native Americans in the U.S. who do not have access to a process of recognition. There are over 560 federally recognized native governments fully functioning within the U.S. today.
Under the U.S. Constitution and Federal Law, America’s native people are recognized as groups, NOT defined by race, but by the fact that their ancestors are aboriginal people who lived and exercised sovereignty in lands that later became part of the United States. It is the pre-existing sovereignty which the U.S. Constitution recognizes and accords a special political and legal status to America’s native people.
NHGRA is a way for Native Hawaiians to express self-determination within the context of U.S. Constitution and law. Sovereignty is the inherent authority of the Native Hawaiian community to govern itself. Though details on how native sovereignty is exercised varies widely, it includes the powers to form a government, determine membership, regulate trade and commerce, regulate domestic relations and levy and collect taxes. Sovereign immunity is one element of sovereignty, and it means the governing entity cannot be sued without the governing entity’s consent. Native governments have a place among the community of governments of the U.S., including federal, state, city and county governments.
Ultimately, Native Hawaiians will enjoy a collective voice and greater political strength to protect their lands, their culture and their way of life, both now and for generations to come
What it does NOT do….
Rumors, mis-information and scare tactics that have unfortunately been used in an attempt to create concerns about the Act are unfounded and completely without merit.
The Act…
- Does NOT allow Hawai‘i to secede from the United States
- Does NOT allow private lands to be taken
- Does NOT allow gaming or gambling in Hawai‘i
- Does NOT create a Native Hawaiian reservation in Hawai‘i
- Is NOT race-based
How can I learn more?
OHA is committed to ensuring the public has the facts and understands what NHGRA means, both for themselves and their families, as well as for all of Hawai‘i. Two, one-hour informational television specials, numerous workshops, videos and fact sheets are just some of the ways OHA has been working to get the information out to the public.
For more information, visit www.oha.org.