EVERYBODY'S FOR THE AKAKA BILL? - GUESS AGAIN!
Akaka Bill Testimony Mixed
Honolulu Advertiser - September 6, 2007
An advisory committee to the U.S. Commission on Civil Rights heard conflicting testimony yesterday at a meeting in Honolulu to gather information about a proposed Native Hawaiian federal recognition bill.
A handful of invited speakers disagreed on whether the long-stalled Akaka bill would help or hurt the cause of Hawaiians....
...others said the bill would either damage efforts to create an independent Hawaiian nation or discriminate against others based on race, observers said.
The Civil Rights Commission's staff in Washington, D.C., directed the advisory committee to hold the briefings because it wanted local input on the bill.
In the past, the committee has supported the bill, but it recently received several new members, including some who are outspoken opponents of the Akaka bill....
There was no opportunity for members of the public to testify at yesterday's briefing, but several public hearings are scheduled across the state next week.
The hearing schedule -
Honolulu - Wednesday, 1 to 5 PM Legislature Building
Hilo - next Thursday, 12:30 to 4:30 PM State Office Building, 75 Aupuni St.
Lihu`e - Sept. 14, 1 to 5 PM Kaua`i Community College Performing Arts Center, 3-1901 Kaumuali`i Highway
