Proposing a constitutional amendment recognizing native Hawaiians as the indigenous people of Hawaii and mandating the State to seek federal recognition of that status.

A BILL FOR AN ACT

SECTION 1. The legislature finds that native Hawaiians, as defined in section 201, Hawaiian Homes Commission Act, 1920, are the indigenous people of Hawaii.

A number of states have officially recognized as indigenous the first nation people in their respective states to confirm government-to-government relationship with the indigenous groups. As a result, more first nation people are seeking the recognition of their respective states. The recognition by this State of the indigenous status of native Hawaiians is a significant advancement toward federal recognition of the indigenous status, and all the challenges, opportunities, and benefits that that status bestows on native Hawaiians, including native Hawaiian sovereignty, federal recognition and benefits, and government-to-government relationships.

The purpose of this Act is to propose a constitutional amendment recognizing native Hawaiians as the indigenous people of Hawaii, and mandating the State to seek federal recognition of native Hawaiians as the indigenous people of Hawaii.

SECTION 2. Article XII of the Constitution of the State of Hawaii is amended by adding a new section to be appropriately designated and to read as follows:

"Section . Native Hawaiians, as defined in section 201 of the Hawaiian Homes Commission Act, 1920, as amended, are the indigenous people of the State of Hawaii. The governor shall seek federal recognition of native Hawaiians as a sovereign people and as the indigenous people of the State of Hawaii. "

SECTION 3. The question to be printed on the ballot shall be as follows:

SECTION 4. New constitutional material is underscored.

SECTION 5. This amendment shall take effect upon compliance with article XVII, section 3, of the Constitution of the State of Hawaii.