APPEAL FILED TO STOP PHONY NA`I AUPUNI ELECTION
Judicial Watch and the Grassroot Institute filed an appeal yesterday from the Order of Judge Michael Seabright denying their motion to halt a Na`i Aupuni race-based election to establish a Hawaiian tribe in violation of the US Constitution.
On Friday, Judge Seabright announced his ruling against the Plaintiff's motion for a preliminary injunction.
Though Judge Seabright has not yet issued his written opinion, the fact that the election process is ongoing persuaded the Plaintiffs of the importance of an immediate appeal.
“We feel confident that the appellate courts will stop a racially-divisive state-sponsored election which tramples on constitutional rights,” said former Hawai`i Attorney General Michael A. Lilly who, along with Bob Popper and other attorneys at Judicial Watch, represents the Plaintiffs.
"We believe that the ruling against our preliminary injunction was the wrong decision," said Keli'i Akina, Ph.D., President of the Grassroot Institute and one of the Plaintiffs in the case.
"The law is clear on the issues in this case, and we are certain that an appeal to a higher court will demonstrate that this election is harmful to Native Hawaiians and our constitutional principles."
