STOLEN LANDS DEAL NOW MOVES TO HAWAI`I SENATE
Lawmakers Attempt To Legitimize Lands Stolen From Hawaiian Nation
The fate of the $200 million so-called ceded lands settlement package will be in the hands of the 25 members of the state Senate.
A key senator was noncommittal on the new proposal's chances in that body.
Meanwhile Rep. Sylvia Luke, who voted against the bill, said homesteaders in her district, specifically those living in Papakolea, had expressed strong concerns about the proposal.
"If there's any group of people who should benefit, it's the Native Hawaiians," Luke said.
Many were upset that the Office Of Hawaiian Affairs did not first approach them for their thoughts on the plan, she said.
