LAHAINA » All but one of the more than 100 people who spoke before a federal panel Monday night rejected the idea of possible federal recognition of a future Native Hawaiian government, arguing the U.S. has no jurisdiction over Hawaii.
U.S. Department of the Interior officials held the 14th of 15 public meetings statewide at Kamehameha III Elementary on Maui. The group is posing questions about whether the department should initiate a rule-making process that could set the framework for re-establishing a government-to-government relationship with the Native Hawaiian community.
"We recognize that our presence here may be insulting to some of you," said Rhea Suh, interior assistant secretary for policy, management and budget. "We’re asking you to consider an option, an option that does not exist for you right now. … It really boils down to that simple question: Do you want that option?"
As at other meetings around the state, West Maui residents overwhelmingly replied, "No."
"Hawaiians are not an Indian tribe," said Dennis O’Shea. "We’re a sovereign kingdom."
He called the process just another attempt to get the Akaka Bill passed.
Keeaumoku Kapu added, "When you go home to Washington, you tell those people up there that we want to be left alone to make our own decisions as kanaka. … This is our decision, this is our choice. We don’t need people coming over here and trying to tell us this is the road we need to choose."
Many said the federal government should leave the organization of a Native Hawaiian government up to Hawaiians. Others expressed frustration that the U.S. has continued to occupy the islands since the 1893 overthrow.
"The past 200 years, what you guys did for us?" asked Kalei Kauhane. "What did America do to Hawaii? Kill our people, rape our land, steal our water and lie to the world. … That’s all you guys did for us. You guys never do nothing positive for us. Nothing."
Several residents said it’s unthinkable that the U.S. is proposing a possible government-to-government relationship with Hawaiians.
"America, it’s time to free Hawaii. It’s been enough already," said John Kinimaka. "According to international law, the only remedy to crimes of this magnitude is restitution and restoration. Time to pay up."
Several West Maui residents said they were offended that the federal government didn’t consult Hawaiians before launching its listening tour.
"Unless you come to the table and start from the very beginning, that’s all you’re going to get: No, no, no," Ezekiel Kalua said.
The gathering ended with the crowd joining hands and singing "Hawaii Pono‘i" and "Hawaii Aloha."
The panel will conclude its Hawaii meetings Tuesday at Pomaikai Elementary in Kahului. After a two-week break, the meetings will next move to Indian country on the mainland. Comments also can be submitted online at www.regulations.gov.
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KOKUA LINE: June Watanabe is on vacation. Her column returns next week.
