State forums on Hawaiian issues begin

Advertiser Staff

The first in a statewide series of public forums on federal recognition for Hawaiians and on the legal threats to Hawaiians-only programs will begin at 6:30 tonight at Blanche Pope Elementary School cafeteria in Waimanalo, and at Wai'anae Intermediate School cafeteria.

The forums are sponsored by the State Council of Hawaiian Homestead Associations, Hui Kako'o 'Aina Ho'opulapula and the Association of Hawaiian Civic Clubs.

Presenters will speak on the Akaka bill, which seeks federal recognition, and on lawsuits targeting Hawaiians-only programs.

Here is the remaining schedule (each forum starts at 6:30 p.m.):

Big Island: June 26, Kuhio Hale, Department of Hawaiian Home Lands (DHHL), Kamuela; June 27, Kaniohale, Laiopua; July 7, Keaukaha Elementary School cafeteria, Hilo.

Moloka'i: July 9, Kulana 'Oiwi, DHHL conference room, Kaunakakai.

Maui: July 15, Hale Pomaika'i, Paukukalo.

Lana'i: July 17, Lana'i School cafeteria, Lana'i City.

Kaua'i: July 23, Anahola Clubhouse, Anahola; July 24, Kekaha Neighborhood Center, Kekaha.