Hirono, Schatz renew quest for Native Hawaiian measure

U.S. Sen. Brian Schatz plans to meet next week with former Gov. John Wai­hee, chairman of the state Native Hawaiian Roll Commission, to develop a strategy on how to continue the state delegation’s pursuit of federal recognition of Native Hawaiians.

In a conference call with reporters Tuesday, Schatz and U.S. Sen. Mazie Hirono pledged to continue the work of their predecessors, U.S. Sens. Daniel Ino­uye and Daniel Akaka, in trying to attain federal recognition for Native Hawaiians similar to that granted Native Americans and Native Alaskans.

Schatz is in prime position to continue the work after being assigned to the Senate Indian Affairs Committee.

"This is a right thing to do for not just Hawaiians, but everyone in the state of Hawaii," Schatz said. "It’s also the right thing to do in terms of national policy, so our delegation is totally unified and dedicated to trying to get this done."

The Akaka Bill, named after its primary sponsor, has passed the House three times but has stalled in the Senate since 2000 because of opposition from conservative Republicans who consider it race-based discrimination. It would create a process for Hawaiians to form their own governing entity and negotiate with federal and state governments on land use and cultural issues.

Hirono noted the measure is supported by the Obama administration and that it is up to the Hawaii delegation to work across party lines to win support.

"A large part of that is going to be a continuing education process," Hirono said. "But we certainly are going to meet as a delegation to see, strategically, how we can proceed."

Despite the best attempts of Akaka and Ino­uye — both of whom served on the Indian Affairs Committee, including Akaka as chairman — the bill has never faced a straight up-or-down vote on the Senate floor.

In one of his final floor speeches, on the day that Ino­uye’s body lay in state at the U.S. Capitol after his death Dec. 17, Akaka urged senators to pass the bill in honor of his late colleague.

"(Inouye) constantly reminded our colleagues in the Senate about our nation’s trust responsibilities — and our treaty obligations — to America’s first peoples," Akaka said. "Dan believed that through self-determination and self-governance, these communities could thrive and contribute to the greatness of the United States."

Schatz and Hirono acknowledged the uphill battle faced by Hawaii’s delegation — one of the most junior in Congress — and said they have been building relationships across party lines that they feel will be key to getting work done.

"It’s going to be a tough road," Schatz said. "We’re going to work very hard with the leadership in the state of Hawaii, with Gov. Wai­hee, who’s leading the Roll Commission, with the Office of Hawaiian Affairs and with other folks to develop the right approach."

Schatz said he planned to have a strategy session with Wai­hee in Hawaii next week. Wai­hee did not return messages seeking comment Tuesday.

The commission was established in 2011 to support federal recognition efforts by working to prepare and maintain a roll of qualified Hawaiians, laying the groundwork for forming a Native Hawaiian government.