OHA To Host TV Specials On Akaka Bill

The Office of Hawaiian Affairs will host two live television specials this month focusing on the “Akaka Bill” more formally known as the Native Hawaiian Government Reorganization Act of 2009.

OHA hopes to use the airings as a way to better inform the public about the measure that is now before the U.S. Senate and House of Representatives.

While the bill in its various forms and transitions over the years has drawn support an opposition alike, the Office of Hawaiian Affairs has long been a supporter of the measure.  The bill was crafted to provide a process of federal recognition to Native Hawaiians.

“We are hopeful that the final version of the bill will be one that all parties can move forward with,” said Clyde Nämu‘o, OHA’s Chief Executive Officer.

“This is a complicated bill. We want to help both Hawaiians and non-Hawaiians alike understand what this bill means, answer people’s questions, and help everyone prepare for what we believe will be successful passage of this landmark legislation,” said Nämu‘o.

The two live television specials will be produced by OHA and will include participation from community members, legal experts, and panelists.

The first show, which will air on Thursday, January 7, at 8 p.m. on KITV, will feature:

• Lilikalä Kame‘eleihiwa, Professor with the University of Hawai‘i Kamaküokalani Center for Hawaiian Studies.
• Michael Kahikina, Legislative Chair with Sovereign Councils of Hawaiian Homelands Assembly.
• Robin Danner, President and Chief Executive Officer of the Council for Native Hawaiian Advancement.
• Bruss Keppeler, member of the Association of Hawaiian Civic Clubs.

The second show will broadcast on Thursday, January 14, at 7 p.m. on KITV and will feature the legal implications of the bill before a panel of legal experts.  Both shows will also be streamed live on KITV.com.

OHA has provided an email address for the public to email questions in advance to:  akakabill@oha.org.  Viewers will also be able to call in their questions on the nights of the shows.

(Posted by Wendy Osher; supporting information provided by the Office of Hawaiian Affairs)

Abercrombie To Leave Congress On Feb 28 To Focus On Gubernatorial Bid

U.S. Congressman Neil Abercrombie will leave his post in Washington on February 28^th to focus on his run for Hawaii governor.  The 71-year-old lawmaker is resigning after serving 19 years in Congress.  He said the departure date will enable state elections officials to plan for a timely and cost-effective special election for his First Congressional District seat.

U.S. Representative Neil Abercrombie issued the following statement regarding his resignation from the U.S. House:

“Three weeks ago, I announced my intention to resign from the U.S. House of Representatives in order to devote all my efforts to the 2010 campaign for governor of the State of Hawaii—a decision that followed a tremendous amount of thought and careful consideration. It was a decision inspired by the thousands of people who are frustrated by a collapse of leadership in our community but are encouraged by the opportunity in this New Year for a change in direction for our people and our state.

“Since announcing my intentions, I have consulted closely with the people I have worked with during my 19 years in Congress, including members of the Hawaii congressional delegation, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, and the chairmen of two of my committees, the House Armed Services Committee and the Natural Resources Committee. These discussions have helped me to ensure that I will be able to fulfill the remaining duties requiring my presence in the House. This work, most notably, involves providing my continuing support for legislation on health care and the Akaka Bill. I’ve discussed with House Armed Services Committee Chairman Ike Skelton the transition of my chairmanship of the Subcommittee on Air and Land Forces. I’ve also discussed the Akaka Bill with Natural Resources Committee Chairman Nick Rahall who will continue working for all of us to move the measure to the House floor where it has received approval before

“As a result of these discussions, I can now set the effective date of my resignation for February 28, 2010, which will enable state elections officials to plan for a timely and cost-effective special election for the First Congressional District to select a successor who will carry on the work of the people.

“The past few weeks have reminded me that my 19 years in Washington, D.C. as a U.S. Representative from Hawaii have allowed me to build strong, lasting, and life-long relationships with many colleagues on both sides of the aisle on Capitol Hill and throughout the federal government. Most of all, I have been privileged to be a part of an effective Hawaii congressional delegation which has accomplished so much to improve the quality of life for the people of Hawaii and nation. I take all of these experiences and friendships with me into the future, as part of a proven partnership involving the state government, Congress, and now the White House, to change the direction and leadership of our state.”