Attorney H. William Burgess, who has led the legal challenge to various native Hawaiian programs, took questions today on The Hot Seat. Gannett News Service library photo | July 2005

Burgess, who has been a vocal critic of the Akaka bill and other Native Hawaiian programs, has lived in Hawai'i for more than 50 years. In his view, his opposition is based on "... advocating for the principle that Aloha is for everyone, i.e, every citizen of Hawai'i is entitled to the equal protection of the laws, whatever his or her ancestry."

He has led the legal challenge to various native Hawaiian programs. His appointment, along with several other appointments of vocal and well-known critics of the Akaka bill, has sparked concern and controversy.

That committee held its first briefing the other week at the State Capitol auditorium, drawing a standing-room-only crowd and spirited public testimony; another hearing was held two days later on Maui. (Additional pubic meetings are slated for Sept. 12 on O'ahu, Sept. 13 in Hilo and Sept. 14 on Kaua'i).

Catch excerpts from today's session in Sunday's Focus section.