Posted at 2:21 p.m., Monday, August 20, 2007
Civil Rights panel may drop support for Akaka Bill
Associated Press
HONOLULU — The Hawai'i advisory panel to the U.S. Civil Rights Commission is taking up the Akaka Bill.The panel is considering taking a new position on the Native Hawaiian recognition legislation now pending in the U.S. Senate. Until now, the Hawai'i group has been a staunch supporter of the bill. But that position has been disregarded by the U.S. commission, which opposes the bill.
Now the panel has several new members appointed by the commission, including strong opponents of the Akaka Bill.
Members are taking testimony on both sides of the issue in their first hearing on the issue. They are expected to vote on whether to support or oppose the legislation.
