Native Hawaiians

Apology Resolution - Akaka Bill
Native Hawaiians have had a political and legal relationship with the United States for the past 140 years – as shown through treaties with the United States and in over a hundred Federal statutes, including the Hawaii Admissions Act.  But unlike the native people whose federally-recognized status was terminated, the government of Hawaii that represented the Native Hawaiian people was overthrown with the assistance of U.S. troops on January 17, 1893.  A century later, in 1993, Senator Akaka and I sponsored the landmark Apology Resolution in which the United States issued a formal apology for its role in the illegal overthrow of the Hawaiian monarchy.  In this resolution, there was a call for reconciliation. 

The Akaka bill was written to accomplish this goal.  Native Hawaiians seek the full restoration of the government-to-government relationship they had with the United States.  The Akaka bill is important to all citizens of Hawaii.  For those of us who were born and raised in Hawaii, we have always understood that the indigenous people of Hawaii have a status that is unique in our State.  As one who has served the citizens of the State of Hawaii for over 50 years, I believe that there is support for reconciliation and an acknowledgement of the inherent right of Native Hawaiians to self-determination and self-governance. 

Kahoolawe
After the attack on Pearl Harbor, the U.S. declared martial law, which began the use of Kahoolawe as a bombing range.  Later, President Eisenhower transferred the title of Kahoolawe to the U.S. Navy with the provision that it be returned in a condition for “suitable habitation” when no longer needed by the military.  In 1990, at the urging of the Hawaii Congressional Delegation, President George Bush Sr. ordered the Navy to stop the bombing of Kahoolawe.  

In 1993, as Chairman of the Appropriations Subcommittee on Defense, I authored Title X of the Fiscal Year 1994 Department of Defense Appropriations Act, that directed the United States to convey Kahoolawe and its surrounding waters back to the State of Hawaii.  Congress later voted to end military use of Kahoolawe and authorized $400 million for ordnance removal.  The Navy expanded the full $400 million to clean up the unexploded ordnance from the island.  However, there remain areas with UXO still buried in the land or in the surrounding waters.  The official turnover to the State of Hawaii was made on November 11, 2003.  The Kahoolawe Island Reserve Commission oversees the restoration efforts, as well as access to the Island.  Access to Kahoolawe requires escort and careful attention within areas known to contain unexploded ordnance.

Education/Job Training
I supported $335.2 million dollars over 10 years for Native Hawaiian education initiatives focusing on early and pre-school education; Hawaiian language immersion curriculum; recruitment and retention of Native Hawaiian teachers; programs targeted to improve literacy, math and science skills, language arts, the social studies; higher education scholarships; gifted and talented programming; vocational education; and culturally targeted drug prevention and education. 

This includes the Ke Huli Ao Native Hawaiian Law School Center of Excellence at the University of Hawaii to facilitate discourse between the legal community, the Native Hawaiian community, and the community at large.  It promotes education, research, and scholarship on the unique aspects of Native Hawaiian law, including the intersection between local, federal, and international laws affecting Native Hawaiians.  It also offers new courses and supports Native Hawaiian and other law students as they pursue legal careers and leadership roles. 

Other recent grantees include Partners in Development, Kanu o Ka Aina Learning Ohana, Pacific American Foundation, University of Hawaii-Maui Community College, Institute for Native Pacific Education and Culture, Kaala Farm, University of Hawaii, Ke Kula o Samuel Kamakau, Mano Maoli, Alu Like Inc., Project Nana i ka pulapula, and Hoola Lahui Hawaii.

In addition, I provided $6.3 million for the Native Hawaiian library and museum services which provides opportunities for improved library services at the Bishop Museum, Alu Like and related organizations.

The Carl D. Perkins Vocational Education and Applied Technology Education Act authorizing the creation of vocational education programs to improve the employment status of Native Hawaiians.  Alu Like, Inc. is the recipient of these funds to provide education, job training for Native Hawaiians.  Over the last 10 years, $33.8 million has been appropriated for this program.

Native Hawaiian Healthcare
Providing quality healthcare services to Native Hawaiians has always been critical.  Cancer, diabetes, and heart disease continue to plague Native Hawaiians at a greater rate than all other ethnic groups.  Early health prevention and promotion greatly improve the chances of providing proper treatment to increase their longevity.   Over the years I have secured over $115 million for Native Hawaiian healthcare.  These funds have been used through Papa Ola Lokahi to provide preventative care, traditional healing practices, and general health services. 

I have facilitated $20 million in funding over 10 years for the Administration on Aging grants to Native Hawaiian organizations.  This funding promotes the delivery of supportive programs, including nutrition services, to older Native Hawaiians and provides multifaceted systems of support services to family caregivers.

Language
Language is the key to the survival of all cultures.  In 1896 shortly after the overthrow of Queen Liliuokalani, education taught in the Hawaiian language was outlawed.  Nearly 100 years later, in the 1980’s, the number of children under the age of 18 who were native speakers had diminished to about 50.  This called for a unique intervention.  In 1983, Aha Punana Leo was established with federal support to begin the long process of restoring and revitalizing the Native Hawaiian language.  It began with the Native Hawaiian language preschool immersion program.  Today, Native Hawaiian children can obtain their entire K–12 education in Hawaiian. 

In 1990, as the Chair of the Indian Affairs Committee, I authored the Native American Languages Act.  It became the law of the land to support the revival of native languages.  A masters and doctorate in Hawaiian language at the University of Hawaii at Hilo are the first such offerings for native languages in the country.

Culture and the Arts
The Polynesian Voyaging Center provides cultural education programs geared towards enhancing leadership skills and cultural knowledge through ocean voyaging.  With a legacy of ocean exploration as its foundation, $431,000 has been provided to support voyages of discovery; foster respect and learning about Native Hawaiian heritage and culture; and strengthen learning through the integration of voyaging, science and culture experiences into quality educational opportunities.

I provided in excess of $11.6 million in support of the Education through Cultural and Historical Education program, managed by the Bishop Museum, to foster innovative culture-based learning.  These educational programs, shared through partnerships with four mainland states and Alaska, embraces cultural exchanges between schools, museums, and communities.

The Native Hawaiian Culture and Arts Program (NHCAP) was authorized in 1984 to provide a greater sense of cultural awareness and ethnic pride essential to the survival of the Native Hawaiian people.  $6.8 million has been appropriated to support this effort.  NHCAP’s efforts are focused on encouraging Hawaiians to preserve and practice their traditions in a rapidly changing multi-cultural world, and to share and celebrate Hawaiian art and culture with the broader state, national and international community.