VIDEO

The Office of Hawaiian Affairs (OHA) presented a special election Congressional debate on Monday, May 3, 2010 that was broadcast live on KGMB, KHNL and KFVE.

Race For Congress: The Special Election
Original Air Date: May 3, 2010
Hawai‘i News Now -- KGMB, KHNL and KFVE

The debate featured the three major candidates in the special election race to fill the seat vacated in the 1st Congressional District.  Participants included former Congressman Ed Case and State Senate President Colleen Hanabusa-both Democrats, and Honolulu City Councilmember Charles Djou, a Republican. 
 
“We are excited to be able to provide this broadcast so the public will have the opportunity to learn more about each candidate in this important election and hear what   their positions are on Native Hawaiian issues as well as the other issues important to all residents of Hawai‘i,” said Clyde Nāmu‘o, OHA’s Chief Executive Officer,  “We hope this debate will help define the candidates on key issues and aid voters in their decision on who is the right candidate to represent our state.”
 
The debate featured a live audience of invited guests.  The live broadcast was streamed on oha.org and hawaiinewsnow.com.  The program was also rebroadcasedt on Saturday, May 8, 2010 on all three Hawai‘i News Now channels.

 

The Office of Hawaiian Affairs presented a series of two live television specials in January 2010 to inform the public about the Native Hawaiian Government Reorganization Act of 2009. OHA produced two live television specials with community members and legal experts as panelists.

Akaka Bill: Community Forum
Original Air Date: January 7, 2010
KITV Island Television

A panel of esteemed community leaders answered questions on the Native Hawaiian Government Reorganization Act of 2009 during a one-hour live television special that was broadcasted on Thursday, January 7, at 7 p.m. on KITV.

Community leaders as panelists included:

• Lilikalā Kame'eleihiwa, Professor with the University of Hawai'i Kamakūokalani Center for Hawaiian Studies.
  
• Michael Kahikina, Legislative Chair with Sovereign Councils of Hawaiian Homelands Assembly.
  
• Robin Danner, President and Chief Executive Officer of the Council for Native Hawaiian Advancement.
  
• Bruss Keppeler, member of the Association of Hawaiian Civic Clubs.
  

Viewers were encouraged to call in or email their questions in to the show. This was an opportunity for the community to learn about legislation that has the potential to positively advance the lives of both Hawaiians and non-Hawaiians alike.

You can view the questions and answers here.

Hawaiian Recognition Bill: Legal Forum
Original Air Date: January 14, 2010
KITV Island Television

A panel of esteemed legal experts answered questions on the legal implications of the Native Hawaiian Government Reorganization Act of 2009 during a one-hour live television special that was broadcasted on Thursday, January 14, at 7 p.m. on KITV.

This show was the second of two television specials produced by the Office of Hawaiian Affairs on the bill to set up a process for federal recognition of Native Hawaiians as an indigenous people.

Also known as the "Akaka Bill," for its author U.S. Senator Daniel Akaka, this important piece of legislation is now before the U.S. Senate and House of Representatives.

The show, which was moderated by OHA Chief Executive Officer Clyde Nāmu'o, featured a panel of attorneys including:

• The Honorable Mark Bennett, Attorney General of the State of Hawai‘i.
• The Honorable Colleen Hanabusa, President of the Hawai'i State Senate.
• The Honorable Robert Klein, former Senior Associate Justice of the Hawai'i Supreme Court.
• Melody McKenzie, Assistant Professor of Law and Director of the Ka Huli Ao Center for Excellence in Native Hawaiian Law, William S. Richardson School of Law, University of Hawai'i at Mānoa.
• Patricia M. Zell, J.D., an attorney who served for 25 years as Staff Director and Chief Counsel of the U.S. Senate Committee on Indian Affairs.
• Steven Gunn, an attorney and law professor who specializes in the field of Native American Law at Washington University Law School in Missouri.

©2010 OFFICE of HAWAIIAN AFFAIRS