[Congressional Record Volume 155, Number 22 (Wednesday, February 4, 2009)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E210]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 THE INTRODUCTION OF THE NATIVE HAWAIIAN GOVERNMENT REORGANIZATION ACT 
                                OF 2009

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. NEIL ABERCROMBIE

                               of hawaii

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, February 4, 2009

  Mr. ABERCROMBIE. Madam Speaker, I rise today to introduce the Native 
Hawaiian Government Reorganization Act of 2009, a bill to affirm and 
formalize the long political relationship between Native Hawaiians and 
the United States. This measure clarifies that political bond and 
provides a process for Native Hawaiians to form their own governing 
body and participate in a government-to-government relationship with 
the United States. This is a companion measure to legislation being 
introduced by Senator Daniel Akaka in the Senate this evening.
  The United States recognized the sovereignty of the Kingdom of Hawaii 
more than 175 years ago, accorded the Kingdom full diplomatic 
recognition and entered into treaties and conventions in 1826, 1842, 
1849, 1875 and 1887, all ratified by Congress. The United States has 
declared in law a special responsibility for the welfare of the Native 
peoples of the United States, including Native Hawaiians.
  P.L. 103-150, the Apology Resolution, extended an apology to the 
Native people of Hawaii on behalf of the United States for our 
country's role in the overthrow of the Kingdom of Hawaii in 1893. The 
Apology Resolution also expressed the commitment of Congress and the 
President to acknowledge the ramifications of the overthrow, and to 
support reconciliation efforts between the United States and Native 
Hawaiians.
  This relationship was explicitly affirmed in the Hawaiian Homes 
Commission Act of 1920, which set aside 200,000 acres of land for 
homesteading by Native Hawaiians. Legislative history clearly shows 
that Congress based this action and subsequent legislation on the 
constitutional precedent in programs enacted to benefit Native 
Americans. In fact, since Hawaii's admission into the Union fifty years 
ago, Congress has legislated on behalf of Native Hawaiians, including 
them as Native Americans in numerous statutes.
  The legislation I am introducing today is important not only to 
Native Hawaiians, but to everyone in Hawaii. It provides a process to 
address many longstanding issues facing Hawaii's indigenous peoples and 
the State of Hawaii. In addressing these matters, we have begun a 
process of healing, a process of reconciliation not only between the 
United States and the Native people of Hawaii, but within the State of 
Hawaii.
  The essence of Hawaii lies not in the allure of its islands, but in 
the beauty of its people. The State of Hawaii has recognized the need 
to preserve the culture, tradition, language and heritage of its 
indigenous peoples. This measure gives form to the U.S. government's 
responsibilities in that same effort.

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