Hawaiians to discuss constitution options

By Vicki Viotti
Advertiser Staff Writer

A two-day symposium to discuss the various kinds of constitutions Native Hawaiians might consider in their development of self-governance will convene at 9 a.m. today at the Hilton Hawaiian Village.

The symposium, which will take place in the Coral IV Ballroom, is coordinated by The Council for Native Hawaiian Advancement (CNHA), a nonprofit organization of more than 90 Hawaiian member organizations.

Other co-sponsors are the Association of Hawaiian Civic Clubs, Imua Group, Native Hawaiian Economic Alliance, Native Hawaiian Legal Corporation, Native Hawaiian Bar Association and the State Council of Hawaiian Homestead Associations.

The event is aimed at presenting constitutional development as a tool for people to protect culture and to serve communities, said Robin Danner, CNHA president.

Participants will discuss various constitutions developed by the Hawaiian monarchy, Hawaiian sovereignty groups, Pacific nations, American Indian and Alaska Native nations on the continent.

The symposium will feature an educational workshop, "The Making of a Constitution," presented by Pat Sekaquaptewa, director of the Native Nations Law and Policy Center at UCLA.

The speakers will include Lt. Gov. James "Duke" Aiona and, giving the keynote address, native-rights lawyer David Case.

Registration fee is $65 for the two-day event. Information is available at 521-5011 or online: www.hawaiiancouncil.org.

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