Ikaika Hussey, a member of Hui Pu, read a four-page statement to the OHA board at its regular meeting today saying amendments recently proposed for to the bill make its passage "more dangerous than beneficial to our Hawaiian community."

Thirteen Hui Pu members dressed in black stood behind Hussey as he testified.

The Akaka bill starts a process that would lead to federal recognition of a Native Hawaiian entity. Supporters say it is necessary not just to address wrongs committed by the U.S. government, but to stave off legal challenges to programs — including the Office of Hawaiian Affairs and Kamehameha Schools — that give preference to Hawaiians.

Board chairwoman Haunani Apoliona said the amendments are only proposed and not finalized. She said the board continues to support the bill and could not take a vote on changing its stand even if members wanted to because it was not on the agenda for the meeting.