Recognition focus of Hawaiian assembly

By Vicki Viotti
Advertiser Staff Writer

Controversies over federal recognition for Native Hawaiians and the admissions policy at Kamehameha Schools drew 650 participants to the four-day Native Hawaiian Conference that begins today.

The conference, which convenes at 10 a.m. at the Sheraton Waikiki, is the second annual event presented by the nonprofit Council for Native Hawaiian Advancement (CNHA).

Rep. Ed Case, D-Hawai'i, will speak at 10:40 a.m., the first of the four members of the state's congressional delegation scheduled to speak at the conference.

At 4 p.m., representatives of key Hawaiian groups will present a panel discussion on federal recognition, the dominant theme of the conference.

Robin Danner, CNHA chief executive officer, called the recognition bill "the most important federal legislation since the overthrow."

Danner also highlighted an appearance tomorrow by Tex Hall, president of the National Congress of American Indians. "He, more than anyone, will have a lot to say about the issue, and with expertise," Danner said.

The program includes myriad workshops celebrating cultural achievements, Danner said, including a presentation by navigator Nainoa Thompson on Saturday,when a Polynesian Voyaging Society canoe departs.

"There's a lot more collaboration and working together in the community than people realize," added Ray Soon, co-chairman of the CNHA board of directors.

Reach Vicki Viotti at vviotti@honoluluadvertiser.com or 525-8053.