An official with the Waimanalo Hawaiian Homes Association said his organization backs a $200 million settlement of ceded lands revenues between the Office of Hawaiian Affairs and the state.

Paul P. Richards, president of the Waimanalo group, said he is asking Senate Hawaiian Affairs chairwoman Jill Tokuda, D-24th (Kailua, Kane'ohe), to have her committee reconsider its March 17 decision to hold the settlement bill indefinitely.

Richards said the opposition presented by the Sovereign Councils of the Hawaiian Homelands Assembly does not represent all homesteaders:

"Many of us support a settlement that will provide more services for the entire Native Hawaiian community," Richards said.

The proposal would have the state give OHA three parcels worth about $187 million, $13 million cash, and a minimum of $15 million annually from here on out.

The House has approved the deal.