Kerry backs Native Hawaiian bill

By Derrick DePledge
Advertiser Capitol Bureau

John Kerry yesterday endorsed the Native Hawaiian federal recognition bill, promising that, if elected president, he would direct the federal government to work closely with Hawaiians on self-determination.

The endorsement by the Democratic nominee will likely have little immediate influence on the bill's fate in Congress, where Hawai'i lawmakers are trying to get it passed before the end of the session. But supporters of the bill say it puts Kerry, a Massachusetts senator, on record in the event he is elected and has the power to set the agenda at federal agencies that have raised questions about Hawaiian sovereignty.

The bill, sponsored primarily by Sen. Daniel Akaka, D-Hawai'i, would recognize Hawaiians as an indigenous people, similar to American Indians and Native Alaskans. It would create a process for Hawaiians to form a sovereign government that could have a government-to-government relationship with the United States and more autonomy over Hawaiian affairs.

"I support this legislation, the Akaka bill," Kerry said in a statement. "As president, I will direct the Departments of Interior and Justice to work closely with the Native Hawaiian people to achieve self-determination under federal law."

Kerry also added that he supports federal programs to improve education, healthcare, housing and economic opportunities for Hawaiians.

The Bush administration has not taken a position on the bill despite the efforts of Gov. Linda Lingle, a Republican who has joined Hawai'i Democrats in Congress in backing the legislation.

Support for the Akaka bill is not unanimous in the Hawaiian community. Some Hawaiians who want independence view it as capitulation to the federal government. Haunani Apoliona, the chairman of the trustees for the state Office of Hawaiian Affairs, said it would be helpful to have a president who believes in Hawaiian self-determination.

"Each individual Hawaiian will have to make their decision," Apoliona said. "But I think it's a positive statement on his part."

But Brennon Morioka, the chairman of the Hawai'i Republican Party, doubts the Kerry endorsement will have much impact on Hawai'i voters. "It would have been helpful if he stood up for the bill in the Senate before he was a candidate," he said.

Reach Derrick DePledge at ddepledge@honoluluadvertiser.com or 525-8070.