The Obama Administration is moving forward with public hearings to discuss whether the federal government should formally recognize any future Native Hawaiian government entity, reports the Star Advertiser (file photo by Dept of Labor).
The process could result in a relationship similar between the federal government and Native Americans.
Hawaii Governor Neil Abercrombie supports the idea.
“I commend the Obama Administration for recognizing and supporting Native Hawaiians as it works to reconcile its relationship with Native Hawaiians at the federal level,” he said.
Among the questions to be answered–whether the Interior Department should assist the Hawaiian community in reorganizing their government and whether the federal government should recognize any new government.
“We applaud the administration’s commitment to an open dialogue, starting with listening sessions in Hawaii to provide ample opportunity for Native Hawaiians and the general public to contribute their comments and concerns,” a statement from Hawaii’s congressional delegation said. “This notice represents an historic opportunity to address years of injustice and marks a positive step forward in the push for Native Hawaiian self-determination.”
You can read about some of those who might oppose federal recognition in the Star Advertiser.
