(c) Copyright 2009 - 2010
Kenneth R. Conklin, Ph.D.
All rights reserved
On this page is the history of the Hawaiian Government Reorganization bill (formerly known as the Hawaiian Recognition bill; always known informally as the Akaka bill) during the 111th Congress (January 1, 2009 to December 31, 2010).
The history includes a collection of all significant news reports, editorials, commentaries, letters to editor, cartoons, excerpts from the Congressional Record, etc.
This period of 2 years has been subdivided into several time periods so that the number of items in each period can remain of manageable size.
Following is a complete index of all items for the entire 2 years of the 111th Congress, in chronological order.
At the beginning and end of each time period in the index there is a link going to the webpage containing full text of all items for that period.
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QUICK REVIEW, AND LINKS, FOR THE HISTORY FROM 2000 THROUGH 2008
For a thorough history of the Native Hawaiian Recognition bill from its birth in February 2000 through the present, exposing the pattern of stealth and deception in creating the bill and trying to pass it, see:
http://www.angelfire.com/hi2/hawaiiansovereignty/Akakahistory.html
For the complete history of the Akaka bill in the 108th Congress alone (2003-2004), including all versions of the bill's text, and news coverage of political activity related to it (a total of perhaps 200 pages plus links to additional subpages), see:
http://www.angelfire.com/hi2/hawaiiansovereignty/AkakaHist108thCong.html
For a short history focusing on the stealth tactics during the 108th Congress, see:
http://www.angelfire.com/hi2/hawaiiansovereignty/AkakaStealth20032004.html
The history for the 109th Congress included pleasant surprises in the House of Representatives. The bill stayed bottled up in the committee which had jurisdiction (Resources) and never even came to a vote in that committee. However, the Judiciary Committee took notice that the bill was threatening to come to the floor in the Senate, and did not want to see a repeat of House stealth maneuvers from previous years. Therefore the House Judiciary Subcommittee on the Constitution held a hearing where opponents of the bill were actually allowed to testify along with supporters of the bill -- the first time any opponents have ever been allowed to testify in any hearing in Washington in either the House or the Senate. As a result of that hearing a group of 21 House members wrote a letter to Speaker Hastert demanding that the bill be killed. (even though it had never yet had a hearing in the Resources committee).
The history for the 109th Congress (2005-2006) was tumultuous in the Senate and in the media. Several Senators blocked the bill by placing holds on it. An attempt to bring the bill to the Senate floor in summer 2005 was blocked by God (Hurricane Katrina). In June 2006 there were more than 4 hours of debate on the Senate floor during a two day period leading up to a recorded vote on a cloture motion (a motion to overcome holds on the bill, cut off debate, and bring the bill to a vote). A cloture motion requires 60 votes. There were only 56 votes in favor, including several Republicans who strongly oppose the bill but had made an agreement in late 2004 to support cloture (although they would then be free to vote against the bill itself, and in fact had publicly announced their opposition). Following the failure of cloture in June 2006, the bill remained dormant through the end of the year. Dozens of nationally-known political commentators wrote articles strongly opposing the bill, and major newspapers published editorials and news reports (including a New York Times editorial in favor of the bill). Website coverage for the 109th Congress includes over 2,000 pages of news reports, commentaries, transcripts of the Senate floor debate from the Congressional Record, etc. An 80-page index lists all items in chronological order and provides links to webpages which provide full text of all items for each segment of time. See:
http://www.angelfire.com/hi2/hawaiiansovereignty/AkakaHist109thCong.html
The 110th Congress ran from January 1, 2007 through December 31, 2008. The U.S. House Committee on Resources passed Akaka bill unamended May 2, 2007. The U.S. Senate Indian Affairs Committee held a hearing on the Akaka bill May 3, 2007 and passed it unamended on May 10, 2007. In October 2007 the Akaka bill was scheduled for floor action in the House. On October 22, 2007 President Bush issued a strongly worded statement opposing the Akaka bill and pledging he would veto it if it reached his desk. Nevertheless, the House held a floor debate on the bill on October 24, and passed the bill by a vote of 261-153 after a failed attempt to amend it and/or send it back to the Resources committee. Every Democrat voted in favor. Transcript of the floor debate, and record of the YEAs and NAYs, is provided. In Honolulu, the Hawaii Advisory Committee to the U.S. Commission on Civil Rights held extensive hearings with testimony on several islands, in the face of a strong and vitriolic propaganda campaign in the media against the committee taking up the issue (the committee in previous years had been stacked in favor of Hawaiian sovereignty, but its membership now was more evenly divided and there were fears it might oppose the bill). On November 15, 2007 the committee voted 8-6 not to make any recommendation to the national commission. Throughout 2008 there were many news reports, letters, and commentary on all sides of the issue, but no further action. The Senate Democrat leadership never tried to bring the bill to the floor because the Republicans made it clear they would filibuster. During the last half of 2008 economic issues, and the election, took priority, and the bill died without ever being brought to the Senate floor. A lengthy index of all significant news reports, letters, cartoons, and commentaries provides links to the full text of every indexed item, broken into several time periods. The index is at:
http://www.angelfire.com/planet/bigfiles40/AkakaHist110thCong.html
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NOW BEGINS THE HISTORY OF THE AKAKA BILL IN THE 111TH CONGRESS, JANUARY 2009 THROUGH DECEMBER 2010
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Akaka bill transition from 110th to 111th Congress -- Selected news reports and commentaries setting the stage for 2009. Analysis, predictions, and commentary after the elections of November 4, 2008 until the end of 2008.
INDEX OF TRANSITIONAL ITEMS FROM NOVEMBER 7 2008 THROUGH DECEMBER 31, 2008. Full text of the items below is available at
http://www.angelfire.com/big09a/AkakaTransition110to111Cong.html
November 7: Ken Conklin publishes major essay in Hawaii Reporter online newspaper describing the likelihood the Akaka bill will be passed and signed into law early in 2009, in view of election results; but offering hope that it might be defeated, and reminding readers that civil rights activists have traditionally used the courts to defend against executive and legislative violations of civil rights.
November 18: "The Hill" (Washington D.D. newspaper dedicated to covering Congress) says "Hawaii stands ready to become the Big Kahuna in Washington" and "The Hawaiian punch in Washington is about to get a lot stronger." because of Senator Inouye's great seniority and power, and the larger Democrat majority.
December 8: Honolulu Advertiser Washington D.C. reporter says chances of enacting Akaka bill are very favorable in 2009. [This newspaper itself is very favorable to the bill, so has biased its report. But see December 9]
December 9: The Maui News carries an Associated Press report, distributed nationwide, saying that Obama's election and larger Democrat majorities in Congress will make it easier to pass the Akaka bill in 2009; but there will be fierce resistance from Senate Republicans who might actually be able to block the bill with a filibuster.
December 22: Honolulu Advertiser reports "The arrival of a new Democratic administration in Washington, coupled with Democratic control of Congress, has given renewed hope to supporters of federal recognition for native Hawaiians." But Grassroot Institute President Emeritus says Congress will be focused intently on the economic issues, and Democrats won't want to waste their political capital on akaka bill until late 2009.
December 24: Congresswoman Mazie Hirono (D, HI) says the new Democrat President and larger Democrat majorities in Congress make it likely the Akaka bill will pass; but the very large number of newly elected Representatives give her a big job to "educate" them about the bill.
December 29: Honolulu Star-Bulletin editorial makes a guess about how many votes there will be in the Senate for cloture on the Akaka bill in 2009, and then concludes the bill's backers should press for early action.
December 30: Richard Rowland, founder of Grassroot Institute of Hawaii, short commentary says Akaka bill is going to become law in 2009. It is vague, but one thing for sure -- it will establish a new government in Hawaii, and our people should be allowed to vote on it before it is done without their consent.
END OF INDEX OF TRANSITIONAL ITEMS FROM NOVEMBER 7 2008 THROUGH DECEMBER 31, 2008. Full text of the items above is available at
http://www.angelfire.com/big09a/AkakaTransition110to111Cong.html
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INDEX OF NEWS REPORTS AND COMMENTARIES FOR JANUARY 1, 2009 to February 4, 2009 when the Akaka bill was formally introduced into the 111th Congress. Full text of these items below is available at
http://www.angelfire.com/big09a/AkakaHist111Jan2009.html
January 4, 2009: Whitney Anderson (ethnic Hawaiian former state Senator) says Akaka bill might not be the best path to benefit ethnic Hawaiians, and instead it might be better to amend the Hawaiian Homes Commission Act of 1920.
January 8-9: A major study on the economic impact of the Akaka bill was released by Beacon Hill Institute, a public policy economic think-tank at Suffolk University in Boston. 10-minute video of press conference is available.
January 11: Crystal Kua, spokesperson for OHA, says Beacon Hill Institute study on economic impact of Akaka bill is inaccurate, and unreliable because it was sponsored by opponents of OHA.
January 12: Honolulu Advertiser Washington D.C. correspondent describes the legislation priorities of Hawaii's two Senators and two Representatives; but the Akaka bill is apparently not at the top of their list.
January 13: Honolulu Advertiser columnist David Shapiro encourages Legislature to pass a moratorium on ceded land sales until the Akaka bill has been passed and the Akaka tribe can get control of them.
January 15: 2 letters to editor say Crystal Kua (OHA spokesman) was being dishonest in saying Akaka bill costs would be very small, and the bill should have language to make the U.S. pay all costs instead of Hawaii.
January 16: (1) Honolulu Advertiser editorial urges that the same version of the Akaka bill from 2008 should be re-introduced in Congress in 2009; (2) Andrew Walden commentary notes that the point Advertiser is making is that there were 4 important restrictions on the proposed Akaka tribe that were in the 2008 Akaka bill which had resulted from negotiations with the Bush administration, and which Akaka/Inouye might try to remove from the 2009 version. Walden describes the dangers to Hawaii if those restrictions are removed.
January 18: Excerpts from an online public Q&A with Neil Abercrombie (D, HI)
January 19: Akaka bill is all about money and land (quotes from Neil Abercrombie, Hawaii representative in Congress)
January 23: Open letter to President Obama opposing Akaka bill, written by another man who, like Obama, is part-Caucasian, was born and raised in Hawaii, and attended Punahou school.
January 25: 2 letters raise doubts that Akaka bill would be wise.
January 28: TV station reports conversation with Akaka, who says "The inauguration of Barack Hussein Obama 'keiki o ka Aina o Hawaii' will make a huge different not only in the world and the United States, but for the people of Hawaii."
January 30: TV station reports the OHA trustees went to Washington for Obama's inauguration and also lobbied for the Akaka bill while there.
February 2: Honolulu Star-Bulletin editorial says the Hawaii statehood admission act requires 20% of ceded land revenue be used for ethnic Hawaiians exclusively (FALSE!) and that the state should not sell any ceded lands until the Akaka bill passes and ethnic Hawaiian claims have been settled with the Akaka tribe.
February 4: Ken Conklin major article in Hawaii Reporter discusses bills in Legislature to place moratorium on sales of Hawaii public lands until Akaka bill has been passed and Akaka tribe can negotiate with State. Article includes links to webpages disproving claims in the apology resolution which is the main justification for the Akaka bill.
END OF INDEX OF NEWS REPORTS AND COMMENTARIES FOR JANUARY 1, 2009 to February 4, 2009 when the Akaka bill was formally introduced into the 111th Congress. Full text of these items above is available at
http://www.angelfire.com/big09a/AkakaHist111Jan2009.html
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INDEX OF NEWS REPORTS AND COMMENTARIES FOR FEBRUARY 4, 2009 THROUGH APRIL 30, 2009. Akaka bill formally introduced into the 111th Congress is a very radical version introduced more than 8 years ago, before the Bush administration Dept. of Justice and Republican opposition caused bill supporters to make amendments that protected the people of Hawaii by placing significant restrictions on the future Akaka tribe. President Obama reaffirms support for Akaka bill during White House meeting with reporters. Bill numbers after a March 25 new version are S.708 and H.R.1711. Supreme Court ceded lands decision on March 31 might have an impact on the Akaka bill. Full text of these items below is available at
http://www.angelfire.com/big09a/AkakaHist111Feb2009.html
February 4, 2009: Honolulu Advertiser and Honolulu Star-Bulletin and Pacific Business news report that the Akaka bill has been formally introduced into the 111th Congress, and it is a radical version of the bill from more than 8 years ago, before the Bush administration came into power and before the bill was modified to address concerns of the Department of Justice and Republican opposition.
** NOTE FROM KEN CONKLIN: THE BILL NUMBERS ARE S.381 and H.R.862. In the Senate the bill has been referred to the Committee on Indian Affairs, where both Hawaii Senators Inouye and Akaka are members. In the House the bill has been referred to both the Committee on Resources (which has jurisdiction over all Indian legislation) and the Committee on Judiciary. This is the first time in the bill's 9 year history that the bill has been referred to the Judiciary Committee, although once before the House Judiciary subcommittee on the Constitution (under Republican control) pre-emptively held a hearing on the bill in order to place on the record its concerns that the bill is unconstitutional. Full text of the bill is available at
http://www.angelfire.com/big09a/Akaka020409S381HR862.html
The bill is also available in pdf format, including page numbers and line numbers, produced by the Government Printing Office. Download here:
http://frwebgate.access.gpo.gov/cgi-bin/getdoc.cgi?dbname=111_cong_bills&docid=f:s381is.txt.pdf
February 5: (1) More reporting about the new/old Akaka bill in the local media, taking note that the 2009 version of the bill is missing the restrictions and limitations on the proposed Akaka tribe which worked their way into the bill during the 8 years of President Bush's term in office (such as a prohibition on gambling casinos, a prohibition on taking land into trust to create "Indian country", and a prohibition on claims against military lands); (2) Commentary by minister says it's wrong to ordain special privileges for one racial group, and everyone can and should play by the same set of rules to reach success.
February 6: Governor Lingle says she is unhappy that the prohibition against gambling has been removed from the Akaka bill, and she is silent on whether that will cause her to stop supporting the bill.
February 8: Honolulu Star-Bulletin editorial (for the bazillionth time in 9 years) urges passage of Akaka bill, now unfettered by Bush administration amendments, noting that the Akaka tribe could make megabucks by opening gambling casinos in other states.
February 9: Honolulu Advertiser editorial says the Akaka bill deserves to be passed, but supporters must be prepared to compromise by re-inserting some of the limits on the Akaka tribe that worked their way into the bill during the past 8 years.
February 10: (1) Washington [D.C.] Times reports Akaka bill is back and likely to pass, but the bill is extremely vague on details, so chaos might ensue. (2) Indian Country Today reports the new/old Akaka bill has been introduced, and includes several falsehoods in its article (for example, "Native Hawaiians" collectively did not own any of the ceded lands; and the Akaka bill does not require any negotiations with the state government or local residents in order for the Akaka tribe to take control of lands or jurisdiction.
February 11: Article in Forbes Magazine about the controversy over gambling in Hawaii notes that the Akaka bill has removed the prohibition on gambling by the Akaka tribe, and that Governor Lingle wants the prohibition reinstated.
February 15: HONOLULU ADVERTISER WASHINGTON CORRESPONDENT REPORTS THAT PRESIDENT OBAMA REAFFIRMED HIS SUPPORT FOR THE AKAKA BILL DURING A MEETING WITH REPORTERS IN THE WHITE HOUSE ON FEBRUARY 11.
February 18: (1) Honolulu Star-Bulletin reports that Lingle plans to discuss the Akaka bill and gambling with Senator Akaka during the National Governors Conference in Washington D.C. next week. (2) Honolulu Advertiser reports that Senator Inouye says now is the time to pass the Akaka bill. "If we can't do it now, we're going to have a hell of a time. But we're going to do our best."
February 22: Major article by Andrew Walden explores the history of greed and corruption behind the Akaka bill: "The Akaka Bill: A Cash Cow for Democrats"
February 23: Jere Krischel writes about the concept of special rights for "indigenous" people in the Akaka bill; concludes that it's essentially meaningless, and perhaps we should have a "Native Human Government."
February 27: Three commentaries about the U.S. Supreme Court oral arguments in the ceded lands case and how the likely outcome of that ruling will interact with the Akaka bill
March 1: Maui News lengthy article describes main reasons supporting the Akaka bill from the perspective of ethnic Hawaiians who want protection from lawsuits regarding racial entitlements, and main reasons opposing Akaka bill from the perspective of ethnic Hawaiians who want total independence from the U.S.; but no dicsussion of mainstream civil rights opposition from the perspective of seeking to protect unity and equality under the law.
March 2: Maui News editorial favors Akaka bill and urges secessionists to stop complaining against it because if they stop the bill then ethnic Hawaiians might get nothing at all.
March 6: Letter to editor in Maui News, from Ken Conklin, protests the fact that the news report of March 1 and editorial of March 2 refer only to ethnic Hawaiians who support the Akaka bill because they are racial separatists or oppose the Akaka bill because they are secessionists, but totally ignore the majority of ethnic Hawaiians and everybody else who are proud to be Americans and who hate the idea of racial separatism.
March 15: (1) Letter to editor in The Washington Times (D.C.) by Ken Conklin notes that the Akaka bill would be 50% more devastating for Hawaii than the creation of a 40-million-member African-American tribe would be for all of America; (2) Open letter to President Obama (webpage) asking him to oppose Akaka bill based on his ideals stated in his Berlin Wall speech, his knowledge of the struggle between racial separatists vs. integrationists in the African-American community, and his expertise as a former professor of Constitutional law.
March 16: Honolulu Advertiser reports: "Akaka bill waiting for breathing room. Senator optimistic about its chances, but national issues are taking precedence now"
March 25, 2009: NEW VERSION OF AKAKA BILL INTRODUCED; S.708 AND H.R.1711, for the sole purpose of adding a provision that allegedly prohibits the Akaka tribe from gambling. Official press release on U.S. Senate webpage for Senator Akaka.
March 26: News reports about new version of Akaka bill
March 29: Webpage by Ken Conklin "New version of Akaka bill -- multiple layers of deception"
March 30: Letter by Ken Conklin in Honolulu Advertiser says gambling is the least important issue in Akaka bill and even if all protections from previous years were restored, the bill is still immoral and unconstitutional.
March 31: (1) and (2) U.S. Supreme Court decision in the Hawaii ceded lands case has implications for the Akaka bill: press release by Grassroot Institute of Hawaii and analysis by an attorney with the CATO institute; (3) Letter notes that Akaka bill new protection against gambling does not provide any protection for tribal/state conflict over criminal and civil law.
April 1: Ted Hong, Hilo attorney, says Supreme Court's ceded lands decision tells us all Hawaii's people have a stake in how the ceded lands are used, and that applies to the Akaka bill as well -- we all have a right to participate in deciding our future.
April 2: Letter says Hawaii Congressional delegation propaganda accompanying new version of Akaka bill was incorrect when it said the U.S. had overthrown the Hawaiian monarchy.
April 5: "Duke" Aiona, Hawaii Lieutenant Governor and candidate for Governor in 2010, confirms that he supported the state's position on the ceded lands lawsuit and also supports the Akaka bill
April 6: Entertainer Keith Haugen says if the Akaka billpasses, Hawaii would become the state with the largest number of native Americans.
April 15: Major commentary opposing the Akaka bill, in the form of a letter to President Obama, written by independence activists (secessionists) Kekuni Blaisdell, Lynette Cruz, George Flores, and many others. The commentary is published April 15 in the national leftwing magazine "Commentary, and reprinted on April 21 in both the Honolulu Star-Bulletin and Hawaii Reporter.
April 24: Honolulu Star-Bulletin runs a commentary by two Kamehameha School alumni supporting the Akaka bill and rebutting the Blaisdell secessionist commentary.
April 28: (1) Major open letter to President Obama opposing the Akaka bill, by Ken Conklin, published in Hawaii Reporter. (2) University of Hawai'i at Mānoa Journalism Students Win FOX News Challenge for their news video on Native Hawaiian independence and the Akaka Bill.
END OF INDEX OF NEWS REPORTS AND COMMENTARIES FOR FEBRUARY 4, 2009 THROUGH APRIL 30, 2009 AND CONTINUING. Akaka bill formally introduced into the 111th Congress is a very radical version introduced more than 8 years ago, before the Bush administration Dept. of Justice and Republican opposition caused bill supporters to make amendments that protected the people of Hawaii by placing significant restrictions on the future Akaka tribe. President Obama reaffirms support for Akaka bill during White House meeting with reporters. Bill numbers after a March 25 new version are S.708 and H.R.1711. Supreme Court ceded lands decision on March 31 might have an impact on the Akaka bill. Full text of these items above is available at
http://www.angelfire.com/big09a/AkakaHist111Feb2009.html
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INDEX OF NEWS REPORTS AND COMMENTARIES FROM MAY 1 THROUGH JUNE 30, 2009. New (old) version of Akaka bill (re)introduced on May 7: S.1011 and HR2314. There are now three pairs of the bill active in Senate and House. House Committee on Natural Resources hearing on June 11 (Kamehameha Day) with 6 invited witnesses. Full text of these items below is available at
http://www.angelfire.com/big09a/AkakaHist111May2009.html
May 6, 2009: (1) Hawaii legislature passes bill making it hard for State to sell any ceded lands, causing State and OHA to agree to dismiss the ceded lands lawsuit remanded to state supreme court, and opponents Attorney General bennett and OHA Chair Haunani Apoliona agree they can now work together to pass the Akaka bill.; (2) "Indian Country Today" interview with Native American Rights Fund head John Echohawk discusses three U.S. Supreme Court decisions, and hope the Akaka bill will pass because restoration of independent nationhood is unlikely.
May 7: Honolulu Star-Bulletin editorial says "Let Akaka Bill reconcile ceded lands issue."
May 8: Both Honolulu dailies report that another version of the Akaka bill has been introduced [the third one this year!] and say the reason is to prohibit gambling by the Akaka tribe. They say the bill is one previously introduced in 2007 which passed the House.
** NOTE BY WEBSITE EDITOR KEN CONKLIN:
The Native Hawaiian Government Reorganization bill introduced in the U.S. Senate and U.S. House of Representatives on MAY 7, 2009. In the Senate the bill is S.1011. In the House the bill is H.R.2314. The bills have identical content. FULL TEXT OF THE BILLS IS AT
http://www.angelfire.com/big09a/Akaka050709S1011HR2314.html
Commentary by Ken Conklin:
Akaka Bill Shell Game, May 2009 -- 3 versions are now active in both the House and Senate, but which is the real one?
http://www.angelfire.com/big09a/AkakaShellGameMay2009.html
May 11: Mini-editorial in Honolulu Star-Bulletin once again touts the anti-gambling provision in the May 7 bill as though it is something new, even though the anti-gambling provision in the March 25 version of the bill was identical with the May 7 version.
May 13: (1) "Akaka Bill Shell Game, May 2009 -- 3 versions are now active in both the House and Senate, but which is the real one?" [Hawaii Reporter];
(2) Sacramento Indians hope bill will restore sovereignty -- in Hawaii [Sacramento Bee]; (3) Divided state GOP prepares for annual convention [KPUA Radio AM 670, Hilo Hawaii]
May 30: AP news report: Hawaiian Bill Unlikely Before State's Anniversary [i.e., after Congressional August recess]
June 3 (1) Honolulu Star-Bulletin reports the House Natural Resources Committee will hold a hearing on the Akaka bill -- but fails to tell the date, time, or place of the hearing and which version of the bill will be considered! (2) Honolulu Advertiser reports "breaking news": A full-length documentary, "Hawaii - A Voice for Sovereignty," premieres tomorrow night at the U.S. Capitol Visitor Center to an invited audience of writers, pundits, Washington power brokers and lawmakers. [Ken Conklin's note: This is where the Kamehameha statue formerly in Statuary Hall has now been relocated; there will probably be a lei draping, prayer, and chant.]
June 4: Honolulu Advertiser reports "breaking news" that there will be a hearing on the Akaka bill in the House Natural Resources Committee on Thursday morning June 11 [Kamehameha Day].
June 5: (1) Honolulu Star-Bulletin published a puff piece interview of Clyde Namu'o, OHA Administrator: "With the Akaka Bill set to be heard Thursday by a U.S. House committee, the administrator of OHA talks about prospects for passage"; (2) Honolulu Advertiser reports that OHA trustees have voted to support the Akaka bill [what a shock!] but want some important changes.
June 7: (1) Honolulu Advertiser reports: "Sovereignty documentary debuts in D.C. Filmmaker says Hawaii project changed her life." Film trailer and info website about the film provided in comment by Ken Conklin; (2) Maui News publishes Associated Press report that there are no hearings yet scheduled for Akaka bill -- several days after it became public knowledge that such a hearing has been scheduled for June 11.
June 8: (1) House committee hearing on the Akaka bill set for Thursday June 11 will be webcast live (witness list included); (2) Honolulu Advertiser reports the hearing will be Thursday, noting that's Kamehameha Day; (3) Advertiser reports "With traditional hula and flower lei, more than 400 people gathered in the nation's Capitol yesterday to observe the birthday of King Kamehameha and praise his legacy as a warrior and unifier of the Hawaiian people."
June 9: Honolulu Advertiser editorial urges "Akaka Bill revisions should make it inclusive" by which they mean to agree with OHA's request to amend the bill to include an additional definition of who is eligible to join the Akaka tribe to include anyone descended from a resident of Hawaii before 1778.
June 10: On the day before the House committee hearing, Associated Press circulated an article published in many newspapers and TV newscasts throughout America, describing the Akaka bill and the hopes for its passage.
June 12, 2009: 5 news reports and 2 editorials about the hearing on the Akaka bill on June 11 in the U.S. House Committee on Natural Resources: (1) Hawaii Reporter "Akaka Bill Hearing: Video and Written Testimony by Invited Witnesses in the U.S. House Committee on Natural Resources on June 11, 2009"; (2) Honolulu Star-Bulletin "Akaka Bill's legality debated: The bill gets a new airing with improved odds, but critics charge it is unconstitutional"; (3) The Maui News "Akaka Bill opponents found in the islands, too" and article with identical content in The Cherokee Phoenix "Akaka Bill debate renewed"; (4) The Honolulu Advertiser Headline in the physical newspaper is: ALLIES DEFEND AKAKA BILL. Article title and subtitle are: "Native Hawaiian bill in Congress defended as not 'race-based' -- Isle delegation rebuts racial claims on legislation as Congress renews debate"; (5) Committee on Natural Resources ranking member Rep. Doc Hastings news release and YouTube video "Statement on the Native Hawaiian Government Reorganization Act"; (6) Hawaii Reporter guest editorial "What Kamehameha Hath Joined Together, Let Not Akaka Rip Asunder" (by Kenneth R. Conklin, Ph.D.); (7) Honolulu Star-Bulletin editorial "Akaka Bill should pass with new amendments"
June 13: Maui News editorial says Kamehameha resolved old conflicts by unifying the islands and the Akaka bill will resolve modern conflicts.
June 14: Honolulu Advertiser letter says Obama's stance in favor of Akaka bill weakens his unaugural address calling for unity.
June 16: (1) Very thoughtful analysis of the Akaka bill, including the analogy to a Chicano Nation of Aztlan, written from the perspective of Indian tribes and published in the online magazine "Indian Country Today"; (2) Letter says Akaka bill is racist
June 18: 2 letters to editor note that the Kingdom (unlike the Akaka bill) was not racially exclusionary; and wondering what Rep. Abercrombie was talking about during the House committee hearing when he sais the bill is needed to protect against some nefarious group taking over big pieces of Hawaii's public lands.
June 19: Regular Friday columnist in The Maui News views Akaka bill as a compromise between polar opposites of those who favor full sovereign independence vs. those who oppose race-based special rights.
June 20: New York Times editor describes that Hawaii has fallen on hard times (economy, North Korean missile threat, global warming, endangered species, etc.) and then concludes Congress should pass the Akaka bill.
June 21: Ken Conklin letter in The Maui News entitled "Akaka bill splits what Kamehameha joined."
June 24: (1) Bob Jones, long-time columnist for MidWeek newspaper, says it might be time to kill the Akaka bill, and eventually OHA, and if it passes the Supreme Court will probably rule it unconstitutional; See also July 1 for major rebuttal from OHA chair Haunani Apoliona, and July 8 letter defending Jones; (2) Professor J. Kehaulani Kauanui (Wesleyan University; secessionist) letter in Honolulu Weekly wants that "alternative" newspaper to provide opposition to the Akaka bill since both Honolulu daily papers support it.
June 25: Two letters in Maui News: (1) Akaka bill seeks to manufacture consent of native Hawaiians to transfer of their lands to U.S.; (2) The U.S. received stolen property in Hawaii and owes Hawaiians $100 trillion in damages.
June 28: Letter in Maui News says Akaka bill converts a multiracial nationality (Hawaiian) into a racial group, thus perpetuating the racialization started in the Hawaiian Homes Commission Act of 1921.
END OF INDEX OF NEWS REPORTS AND COMMENTARIES FROM MAY 1 THROUGH JUNE 30, 2009. New (old) version of Akaka bill (re)introduced on May 7: S.1011 and HR2314. There are now three pairs of the bill active in Senate and House. House Committee on Natural Resources hearing on June 11 (Kamehameha Day) with 6 invited witnesses. Full text of these items above is available at
http://www.angelfire.com/big09a/AkakaHist111May2009.html
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INDEX OF NEWS REPORTS AND COMMENTARIES FROM JULY 1 THROUGH AUGUST 31, 2009. House Committee on Natural Resources markup set for July 9 postponed at last minute because Republican minority ranking member demands to know Dept of Justice and Obama administration's views on the bill, and perhaps because of OHA and Native Hawaiian Bar Association objections to restrictions on the powers of the Akaka tribe. ON THURSDAY AUGUST 6 THE U.S. SENATE COMMITTEE ON INDIAN AFFAIRS HELD A HEARING ON S.1011. Webcast, written statements by invited witnesses, news reports are provided. U.S. COMMISSION ON CIVIL RIGHTS BLASTS AKAKA BILL. Full text of these items below is available at
http://www.angelfire.com/big09a/AkakaHist111July2009.html
July 1: Editorials by two OHA trustees in the OHA monthly newspaper for July: (1) Walter Heen says when the Akaka bill passes there will be a firestorm of resistance and opposition from numerous Hawaiian sovereignty groups; (2) Boyd Mossman says Hawaii is part of America now, and when the Akaka bill passes, ethnic Hawaiians will need lots of help from American government to help the new Akaka tribe provide benefits to its members.; (3) OHA "clarifies" what is the Akaka bill definition of "native Hawaiian" for Star-Bulletin newspaper; (4) OHA chair Haunani Apoliona responds to Bob Jones' June 24 article which said it's time to kill the Akaka bill.
July 8: (1) Ken Conklin straight news report in Hawaii Reporter that the House Committee on Natural Resources is scheduled to meet to markup Akaka bill on July 9, including live webcast; (2) Honolulu Advertiser reports online breaking news that the Akaka bill markup has been postponed for an undetermined number of weeks because the Native Hawaiian Bar Association warns that some bill provisions would cripple the Akaka tribe; (3) Ken Conklin updates Hawaii Reporter article to announce the postponement and to describe the protections in the current language of the Akaka bill which caused the Native Hawaiian Bar Association to file objections and delay the markup; (4) Ken Conklin commentary explains why "The Akaka Bill Can be Rejected for Reasons that Do Not Attack the Legitimacy of the Genuine Indian Tribes"; (5) Letter defends Bob Jones Midweek commentary of June 24 that had said it's time to kill the Akaka bill
July 9: (1) Honolulu Advertiser publishes in its print edition a slightly improved version of yesterday's online breaking news report that the House committee meeting was postponed; (2) Scott Crawford (Hawaiian secessionist blogger) published the contents of the Native Hawaiian Bar Association letter to the House committee which caused the committee to postpone the markup meeting.
July 12: Winona Rubin, retired Kamehameha Schools administrator, and activist in numerous racial separatist institutions, writes commentary in Honolulu Advertiser supporting the Akaka bill (even while she acknowledges it is flawed), and ranting against the Grassroot Institute of Hawaii claiming it is a front organization for mainland groups seeking to abolish native Hawaiian rights.
July 16: President emeritus of Grassroot Institute notes that Akaka bill is based on federal apology for alleged federal misdeeds in 1893; yet the burden will be placed on Hawaii residents to pay for it.
July 28: (1 and (2) 2 articles report the remarks of Senators Akaka and Inouye on the Senate floor regarding their resolution celebrating Hawaii's 50th anniversary of statehood. Their comments indicate the U.S. has an obligation in view of the apology resolution of 1993 to pass the Akaka bill. (3) The Hawaii Independent (an ethnic Hawaiian online newsaper promoting an independent nation of Hawaii) has a lengthy and very insightful article about Senate procedures for passing the Akaka bill and who are the Senators to watch.
July 29: Attorney H. William Burgess, a member of the Hawaii Advisory Committee, publishes his letter to the U.S. Commission on Civil Rights describing the most important civil rights issues facing Hawaii. The Akaka bill is high on his list.
July 30: (1) Honolulu Advertiser reports BREAKING NEWS THAT THE U.S. SENATE COMMITTEE ON INDIAN AFFAIRS WILL HOLD A HEARING ON THE AKAKA BILL ON THURSDAY AUGUST 6. (2) Tom Macdonald, spokesman for Aloha For All, notes an article published in the Sacramento Bee indicating that if the Akaka bill passes then many thousands of ethnic Hawaiians living on the mainland are likely to "return" to Hawaii and become a burden on the state's social service network.
July 31: Tom Macdonald reports a list of reparations (land, money, jurisdiction) which OHA said in 1993 would be the result of the apology resolution; these are outcomes the Akaka bill is intended to produce.
August 3: (1) Tom Macdonald published a list of demands for transfer of land, money, and jurisdiction to a Native Hawaiian government that was published by OHA in 1993 in relation to the 100th anniversary of the overthrow of the monarchy and were included in draft legislation for a Native Hawaiian restoration bill to accompany the apology resolution, and compares that list with the actual list of negotiating topics contained in and empowered by the current Akaka bill; (2) Robert R. Kessler open letter to U.S. Senate opposing Akaka bill on grounds it is racially divisive, would cause uncertainty and instability in the already-depressed business environment, and would encourage the secessionist movement.
August 6-7: ON AUGUST 6 THE U.S. SENATE COMMITTEE ON INDIAN AFFAIRS HELD A HEARING ON S.1011, THE AKAKA BILL. Provided on this webpage are the webcast, and written testimonies of invited witnesses, a summary of the oral testimony focusing on the 14th Amendment, and several news reports and commentaries.
August 9: Both the Honolulu Advertiser and the Honolulu Star-Bulletin devote their Sunday editorials to supporting the Akaka bill.
August 10: (1) Columnist Brian Darling in "Human Events" magazine opposes Akaka bill as unconstitutional and because of its impact in Hawaii; (2) "News report" in Honolulu Advertiser says some ethnic Hawaiian activists reject statehood, saying it's a crime because of illegal overthrow of monarchy, illegal annexation, and illegal statehood vote in 1959.
August 11: (1) Hawaii Reporter has detailed news report about major issues raised by all sides in the U.S. Senate committee hearing of August 6 on the Akaka bill; (2) "Aloha For All" communications director issues challenge to Honolulu Advertiser to back up erroneous claims of fact is made in its editorial of August 9 which supported the Akaka bill.
August 14: Earl Arakaki points out that the Akaka bill is well-named, because in Hawaiian language the word "akaka" is both a noun and verb which means split, crack, or separation.
August 18: (1) Commentary in Honolulu Advertiser by leaders of Aloha For All says "Akaka bill clashes with Hawaii ideals"; (2) "Indian Country Today" reports on Senate Committee on Indian Affairs hearing on Akaka bill on August 6, and emphasizes deep divisions over the bill within the Native Hawaiian community.; (3) Andrew Walden publishes in-depth analysis of the Akaka bill amendments being demanded by OHA and the Native Hawaiian Bar Association, and the devastating effects they would have.
August 19: Honolulu weekly editor Ragnar Carlson first describes his personal opinions in favor of the Akaka bill, and then provides a plain-English description of what's in the Akaka bill which Carlson claims is straightforward and unbiased.
August 24: (1) Jon Van Dyke, UH law professor and frequent paid spokesman for OHA, published commentary in Honolulu Star-Bulletin entitled "Akaka Bill would be 'win-win'"; (2) Michael Bates open letter to Senate opposing Akaka bill; (3) Ken Conklin "Anti-American Rage in Hawaii --
Hawaii golden jubilee includes ripping the 50th star off the U.S. flag and burning it." Says passing Akaka bill would empower radical, racist, anti-Americans.
August 25: (1) Earl Arakaki notes that Senator Akaka's name aptly describes what his bill would do to Hawaii: in Hawaiian "akaka" means a rent, split, chink, separation; to crack, split, scale; (2) The Pacific Citizen (Japanese American Citizens League newspaper) reports that Native Hawaiians are divided on the Akaka bill. "We have been supportive of Native Hawaii sovereignty from the beginning," said Floyd Mori, JACL national director. "Their history is too much like Native Americans who had their land taken away and left to fend for themselves in unwanted spaces. Hawaiians deserve the dignity that is due to them as the original inhabitants of the islands."
August 26: (1) "Native Hawaiian Convention" hears speeches urging support for Akaka bill; (2) President Obama's associate director of community engagement will speak to the convention tomorrow on behalf of the President.
August 27: (1) "[W]hether you focus on the 94 percent approval rate of those actually voting, or the 60 percent approval rate counting all those eligible to vote, a solid majority voted in favor of statehood in 1959."; (2) "Akaka Bill Would Destroy Hawaii's Precious Gift of Aloha"
August 28: (1) U.S. CIVIL RIGHTS COMMISSION letter to Congressional leaders once again blasting the Akaka bill, on official stationery with Commissioners' signatures; (2) Letter to editor from ethnic Hawaiian opposing Akaka bill; (3) News report about speech to Native Hawaiian Convention by Obama spokesman praising ethnic Hawaiians for perseverance.
August 29: 2 letters to editor: Conquerors have enjoyed benefits, now must show sympathy to poor downtrodden Hawaiians (so pass Akaka bill); Supreme Court says ceded lands belong to all Hawaii citizens, so Akaka bill is now anachronistic.
August 30: (1) Honolulu Advertiser (finally!) reports new letter to Congress from U.S. Commission on Civil Rights that blasts the Akaka bill, but Advertiser story spins the "news" report by telling very little of what was in the letter, while giving Rep. Abercrombie's views much more space; (2) Ken Conklin letter in Maui News says learning the truth about Hawaii history takes time and effort far beyond the propaganda phrases in the newspaper, and offers a webpage and a book for readers to study.
August 31: "Akaka Bill a zero-sum game, not 'win-win'" -- rebuttal to Jon Van Dyke's August 24 commentary, by Aloha For All leaders
END OF INDEX OF NEWS REPORTS AND COMMENTARIES FROM JULY 1 THROUGH AUGUST 31, 2009. House Committee on Natural Resources markup set for July 9 postponed at last minute because Republican minority ranking member demands to know Dept of Justice and Obama administration's views on the bill, and perhaps because of OHA and Native Hawaiian Bar Association objections to restrictions on the powers of the Akaka tribe. ON THURSDAY AUGUST 6 THE U.S. SENATE COMMITTEE ON INDIAN AFFAIRS HELD A HEARING ON S.1011. Webcast, written statements by invited witnesses, news reports are provided. U.S. COMMISSION ON CIVIL RIGHTS BLASTS AKAKA BILL. Full text of these items above is available at
http://www.angelfire.com/big09a/AkakaHist111July2009.html
=================
INDEX OF INDEX OF NEWS REPORTS AND COMMENTARIES FROM SEPTEMBER 1, 2009 THROUGH DECEMBER 31, 2009. Washington Times Sept 8 editorial blasts Akaka bill. Congressman Abercrombie announces he will resign in a few weeks to run for Governor, but waiting until important Congressional business is done. House and Senate committees suddenly schedule markup meetings and votes. ZOGBY POLL SHOWS HAWAII PEOPLE STRONGLY OPPOSE THE BILL AND WANT HEARINGS IN HAWAII. DEC. 16 ABERCROMBIE TRIED TO RAM DANGEROUS MAJOR AMENDMENTS THROUGH HOUSE COMMITTEE MARKUP AT LAST MINUTE, BUT HAWAII GOVERNOR AND ATTORNEY GENERAL FOUND OUT AND STRONGLY PROTESTED, SO ABERCROMBIE BACKED OFF AND THE UNAMENDED VERSION PASSED EASILY. DEC. 17 SENATE COMMITTEE PASSED THE VERSION INCLUDING THE DANGEROUS AMENDMENTS.
Full text of these items below is available at
http://www.angelfire.com/big09a/AkakaHist111Sept2009.html
September 1, 2009: (1) and (2) Two minority members of the U.S. Commission on Civil Rights publish a letter to Congressional leaders supporting the Akaka bill and disagreeing with the letter a few days ago by 6 Commissioners who opposed the bill; (3) Southern Poverty Law Center article in its quarterly "Intelligence Report" for Fall 2009 describes anti-Caucasian racial hate crimes in Hawaii, and webpage by Ken Conklin analyzes the article.
Sept. 4: OHA trustee Oswald Stender commentary says "U.S. Commission on Civil Rights skewed. Panel composed of members who have agendas of their own" Response in letter on September 13.
Sept 5: Honolulu Star-Bulletin editorial says the U.S. Civil Rights Commission letter opposing the Akaka bill should be ignored because, the newspaper says (incorrectly), the USCCR is entirely a holdover from the Bush administration.
Sept 6: (1) Commentary by two Hawaiian independence activists: "Akaka Bill supporter [Jon Van Dyke, August 24] ignores inherent Kanaka Maoli rights"; (2) Pablo Wegesend, of German, Hispanic, and Portuguese ancestry, but no Hawaiian native blood, makes objection to Hawaiians who say non-Hawaiians have somewhere else to "go back" to: "Lifelong Hawaii resident has no other place to call home"; (3) Hawaiian independence activist notes that the Kingdom was multiracial, and citizenship should not be conflated with race.
Sept 7: Andrew Walden analyzes infighting among factions of ethnic Hawaiians regarding how the Akaka bill should be amended, and wonders whether the bill will implode.
Sept 8: WASHINGTON TIMES EDITORIAL BLASTS AKAKA BILL.
Sept 11: Honolulu Star-Bulletin mini-editorial notes that Census data on health insurance coverage gives ammunition to opponents of Akaka bill because ethnic Hawaiians have only 18% who lack coverage, whereas Native Americans and Native Alaskans have 31% who lack coverage.
Sept 13: (1) Letter responds to Stender's commentary (Sept 4) by saying ethnic Hawaiians are nothing like an Indian tribe, and there are major reasons why Akaka bill is unconstitutional; (2) President of Native Hawaiian Bar Association commentary demanding changes to Akaka bill to remove restrictions on ability to sue the federal and state governments for past and future grievances and remove protections for the U.S. military against intrusiveness from the Akaka tribe.
Sept 16: Five-hour meeting about the Akaka bill in a labor union hall on Hawaii Island turns nasty as ethnic Hawaiians opposing the bill seem to outnumber those supporting it and heatedly debate them (union leadership supports the bill).
Sept 21: Commentary says the Akaka bill is an unfunded federal mandate. The U.S. confesses in the 1993 apology resolution that it committed a crime against Hawaii in 1893; and in the Akaka bill the U.S. reiterates that confession but then lays the burden on Hawaii to pay restitution by carving up the public lands of Hawaii.
Sept 22: Commentary "Three Eloquent Reasons to Just Say No to the Akaka Bill and the Secessionists" [Supreme Court tells Hawaii the Constitution is part of our heritage; Justice Scalia said there can be no debtor or creditor race; King Kamehameha III said God has made of one blood all races of people]
Sept 25: Article describes how Senator Inouye introduced legislation that "Native American Sovereignty Should Equal That of States"
Sept 27: Honolulu Advertiser editorial praises reorganization plan announced by Office of Hawaiian Affairs, saying it is a good move regardless whether the Akaka bill passes this year or not.
October 9: (1) "Politico" syndicated column describes Senator Akaka as Mr. Congeniality, whose pleasant low-key demeanor is his way of exercising influence; (2) Honolulu Star-Bulletin interviews former governor Ben Cayetano about his recent autobiography, including comments about the Supreme Court's Rice v. Cayetano decision and his belief that it has been clear ever since that decision in 2000 that the Akaka bill is unconstitutional.
Oct 13 and 14: Conklin letter to editor in Star-Bulletin, and longer guest editorial in Hawaii Reporter, notes that newly canonized Saint Damien gave his life to help leprosy patients, most of whom were native Hawaiians; and OHA calls Damien the "patron saint of Native Hawaiians"; but Damien would be prohibited from joining the Akaka tribe because he lacks Hawaiian blood.
October 18: Rebuttal letter to October 13 by Puakea Nogelmeier (Hawaiian language expert) says the Akaka bill is flawed because it should include all descendants of Kingdom subjects regardless of race, and the issue of Damien is irrelevant to the Akaka bill because Damien never applied for citizenship.
October 19: Rebuttal letter to October 13 by Alfred Bloom (expert on Buddhism), says it is reprehensible to politicize Damien's elevation to sainthood; and in any case Damien "would have stood on the side of justice and redressing a wrong, without regard to personal benefit to himself."
October 20: Conklin letter about Saint Damien (somewhat longer version) published in The Maui News
Amazingly, there were no published items about the Akaka bill from October 20 to November 20 !!
November 20: Attorney Paul M. Sullivan updated his 65-page point-by-point rebuttal to the Akaka bill, including cartoons by Daryl Cagle.
December 1: OHA trustee Walter Heen writes a column in the monthly OHA newspaper saying that "It's clear that the 'Akaka Bill' will become law before too long" and describing the process that will take place after it passes, whereby a Native Hawaiian Governing Entity will become established.
December 9: The U.S. Senate Committee on Indian Affairs had set a business meeting for December 9, which was then postponed to December 17. The agenda, on official committee letterhead, lists the Akaka bill as one of two topics to be discussed. However, it would be very difficult for anyone interested solely in the Akaka bill to know that it was included on the agenda, because nowhere on the committee website does it indicate the Akaka bill was to be discussed, unless someone blindly downloads the letterhead agenda not knowing what is on it.
December 10: OHA chair Haunani Apoliona gave her annual "State of OHA" speech, in which she said OHA will work to build readiness for when the Akaka bill passes. OHA Administrator Clyde Namuo said he expects the U.S. Senate to take up the matter early next year, with a vote by late January or February.
December 11: News scoop in Hawaii Reporter (online newspaper): "Akaka Bill Committee Actions for This Coming Week. House committee markup Wednesday December 16; Senate committee meeting on Thursday December 17." Full details, plus a short history of the Akaka bill.
December 12: (1) Andrew Walden in Hawaii Free Press (online) scathingly describes the two committee hearings scheduled for next week, and some details about which ethnic Hawaiian groups have opposed the language of the bill for what reasons; (2) Honolulu Star-Bulletin reports that the House committee hearing is set for next week, but totally neglects to say anything about Senate committee meeting also scheduled for next week even though a large part of the newspaper's report was based an interview with Senator Akaka's spokesman Jesse Broder Van Dyke.
December 13: "Breaking news" reports protest planned tomorrow against Akaka Bill 'sneak attack'
December 14: (1) KITV television "Group Protests Akaka Bill At Capitol;
Leaders Say Senators Trying To Push Bill Through Appropriations; (2) KGMB/KHNL TV "Opponents of Akaka Bill stage protest, accuse senator of ‘back-door' tactics"; (3) Honolulu Advertiser breaking news "Sen. Inouye responds to charges of Akaka Bill 'sneak attack'"; (4) National Review online reports Democrat plan to sneak the Akaka bill through before Christmas, and repeats powerful NRO editorial against the bill from 2006; (5) Andrew Breitbart BIG GOVERNMENT blog publishes lengthy essay opposing Akaka bill by Brian Darling of Heritage Foundation
December 15 Part 1 (before major news): (1) Honolulu Advertiser Washington correspondent reports Sens Akaka and Inouye's rebuttals to accusations of "sneak attack" and says there have been negotiations between Obama's Dept. of Justice and the Hawaii delegation; (2) Honolulu Star-Bulletin reports on protest by 100 Native Hawaiians against the Akaka bill, and emphasizes their demand to have local hearings on the bill in Hawaii; (3) The Washington Examiner regular commentary staff writer says "The bill is mind-bendingly bad in its intent and likely effects, but it has a serious chance of passage."; (4) A leader of the protest at the Capitol publishes lengthy essay saying the sneak attack was stopped by the publicity about the plans for it, and there should be hearings on the bill in Hawaii; (5) CQ Politics, State Track notes that Rep. Abercrombie's early resignation increases the chances for a Republican to win the seat, since a special election is winner-take-all and several popular Democrat candidates might split the vote allowing the lone Republican to win with less than 50%.
DECEMBER 15 PART 2. 2 MAJOR NEWS ITEMS:
(A) ZOGBY POLL ON AKAKA BILL, INCLUDING PDF FILE WITH FULL TEXT OF THE QUESTIONS AND PERCENTAGES OF EACH RESPONSE; AND
(B) DISCLOSURE THAT SECRET NEGOTIATIONS AMONG DEMOCRATS HAVE PRODUCED MAJOR AMENDMENTS TO THE BILL THAT WILL BE RAMMED THROUGH THE MARKUPS IN THE HOUSE AND SENATE COMMITTEES THIS WEEK, AND HAWAII'S GOVERNOR AND ATTORNEY GENERAL STRONGLY OPPOSE THOSE AMENDMENTS. SOME OF THE TEXT OF THE AMENDMENTS IS INCLUDED IN THE AG LETTER AND THE DANGERS ARE DISCUSSED THERE.
December 16: (1) Honolulu Advertiser reports Governor Lingle opposes the amended version of the Akaka bill which Abercrombie plans to substitute during the committee meeting today.; (2) Maui News, and Honolulu Star-Bulletin, report that Attorney General Bennet wrote to the committee that changes proposed by Abercrombie would unacceptably alter the relationships between federal and state governments and the native Hawaiian governing entity the measure would create. "This creates a whole set of unknowns," Bennett said in an interview yesterday. "We welcome an opportunity to have a discussion (about) the changes and the impact, but were never afforded that."; (3) Associated Press report printed in hundreds of newspaper (including Taiwan!): Bennett said authority granted the new government entity originally was intended to come about only after negotiations and after the passage of legislation enacted by Congress, and when applicable, by the state. But an amended version of the bill makes immediate changes that are not subject to negotiation and none of which (to our knowledge) has been evaluated for its impact on Hawaii. Congressional aides said that changes being proposed to the bill were sought by lawyers at the Justice Department.; (4) Press release from committee's top Republican complains "Democrat Majority Proceeds with Markup of Native Hawaiian Bill Despite Strong Opposition"; (5) "Breaking news" says Abercrombie still pushing new version of bill but will let Attorney General Bennett talk with him about it before the full House votes on it; (6) New Orleans TV station gives lengthy report on Abercrombie vs. Bennett; (7) Abercrombie official statement says committee passed the bill "as I introduced it earlier this year, without change or amendment."; (8) Doc Hastings, top Republican on committee, issues statement "It was the correct course of action for Democrats to abandon their rush to adopt the proposed changes to the Akaka Bill at today’s hastily-scheduled markup."; (9) KITV4 News: "The opposition of revised legislation to grant federal recognition to Native Hawaiians has prompted finger pointing and division from Honolulu to Capitol Hill."; (10) Columnist who favors Akaka bill says slow down and think carefully; (11) Widely distributed AP news report says Abercrombie promised that he would work with state officials to address concerns that the measure doesn't protect the state's rights and interests as the new government is formed.; (12) Official minutes of the committee meeting (Akaka portion only); (13) Chairman Rahall's press release expressing his personal views as top Democrat.
December 17: (1) WALL STREET JOURNAL editorial against the Akaka bill. "Aloha, Segregation. The Akaka bill would create a race-based state in Hawaii."; (2) Honolulu Advertiser (morning) reports Abercrombie withdrew his amended version and the House committee yesterday passed the Akaka bill without any amendments; (3) Advertiser breaking news later reports the Senate committee has passed an amended version of the Akaka bill unanimously on a voice vote -- presumably the same amended version Abercrombie had tried and failed to pass yesterday in the House committee; (4) KIV4 reports the Senate committee passed the amended version of the Akaka bill, which Governor Lingle opposes, and Akaka promises to meet with Lingle to discuss is.
December 18: (1) Honolulu Advertiser reports the Senate committee yesterday passed the Akaka bill in a version as amended with help on the dradfting of the amendments from the Obama administration, and Akaka and Inouye promised to work with Lingle to resolve the State's concerns before the bill goes to the Senate floor; (2) Honolulu Advertiser editorial says "Congress, state need unity on Akaka bill" and notes some of the very important changes suddenly placed in the bill; (3) Honolulu Star-Bulletin short AP article merely says Akaka bill has passed both committees but does not mention that the two versions are very different; (4) Human Events magazine (online) gives detailed report on the overall Akaka bill and the differences between the two versions; and the opposition of Hawaii's Governor and Attorney General; and the Zogby poll showing most Hawaii people oppose the bill; (5) Letter to editor says many Hawaii people oppose Akaka bill, and we need hearings in Hawaii for public testimony.
December 19: (1) Honolulu Advertiser reports that the new version of the Akaka bill passed by the Senate committee is strongly opposed by Governor Lingle, who also complains she was never consulted about it.; (2) Honolulu Star-Bulletin provides additional details; (3) Attorney John Vecchione, writing on "The Frum Forum" blog, says he is a political conservative and explains why conservatives should support the Akaka bill as an exercise in self-determination and because America should keep its word.
December 20: (1) Senator Dan Akaka writes commentary in Honolulu Advertiser defending his newly amended version of the Akaka bill which passed the Senate committee on December 17; (2) Hawaii Attorney General Mark Bennett writes commentary in Honolulu Advertiser criticizing the newly amended version of the Akaka bill, saying "The new provisions have never been the subject of a public hearing or public testimony, and there has been no public explanation or discussion of the impact of the new provisions on Hawai'i and our citizens. ... At the very least, public hearings should be held on the drastic changes being proposed so their impact on Hawai'i can be fully discussed, debated, and understood."; (3) Honolulu Star-Bulletin editorial calls for public hearings on the Akaka bill in Hawaii during the holiday recess.; (4) Letter notes that Inouye's protest that he would never try to pass Akaka bill as part of a defense appropriations bill is silly, because that's exactly what Inouye has often done.; (5) Andrew Walden article in Hawaii Free Press examines requirements for membership in the Akaka tribe as described in the version of the bill that passed the Senate committee, and concludes "More than 73% of Hawaiians not "Qualified" for membership in Akaka Tribe."; (6) Andrew Walden article in Hawaii Free Press notes that many Indian tribes have been dis-enrolling numerous members in order to increase the dollar payout per person, from casino revenues and other sources, to remaining members.
END OF INDEX OF NEWS REPORTS AND COMMENTARIES FROM SEPTEMBER 1, 2009 THROUGH DECEMBER 31, 2009. Washington Times Sept 8 editorial blasts Akaka bill. Congressman Abercrombie announces he will resign in a few weeks to run for Governor, but waiting until important Congressional business is done. House and Senate committees suddenly schedule markup meetings and votes. ZOGBY POLL SHOWS HAWAII PEOPLE STRONGLY OPPOSE THE BILL AND WANT HEARINGS IN HAWAII. DEC. 16 ABERCROMBIE TRIED TO RAM DANGEROUS MAJOR AMENDMENTS THROUGH HOUSE COMMITTEE MARKUP AT LAST MINUTE, BUT HAWAII GOVERNOR AND ATTORNEY GENERAL FOUND OUT AND STRONGLY PROTESTED, SO ABERCROMBIE BACKED OFF AND THE UNAMENDED VERSION PASSED EASILY. DEC. 17 SENATE COMMITTEE PASSED THE VERSION INCLUDING THE DANGEROUS AMENDMENTS.
Full text of these items above is available at
http://www.angelfire.com/big09a/AkakaHist111Sept2009.html
====================
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