STAND. COM. REP. NO.  224

Honolulu, Hawaii

                , 2011

RE:   H.B. No. 1627

      H.D. 1

Honorable Calvin K.Y. Say

Speaker, House of Representatives

Twenty-Sixth State Legislature

Regular Session of 2011

State of Hawaii

Sir:

     Your Committee on Hawaiian Affairs, to which was referred H.B. No. 1627 entitled:

"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO GOVERNMENT,"

begs leave to report as follows:

     The purpose of this bill is to facilitate Hawaiian self-determination by establishing procedures for state recognition of a "first nation" government.

     A concerned individual testified in support of this bill.  The Department of Hawaiian Home Lands, Aha Kiole Advisory Committee, Waimanalo Hawaiian Homes Association, Maunalua Hawaiian Civic Club, and several concerned individuals supported the intent of this measure.  The Kingdom of Hawaii, The Committee of Hawaiian Nationals, The Koani Foundation, and numerous concerned individuals opposed this bill.  The Office of Hawaiian Affairs and concerned individuals submitted comments.

     Your Committee notes that the State has long acknowledged the right of the Hawaiian people to self-determination.  Act 301, Session Laws of Hawaii (SLH) 1991, established the first Sovereignty Advisory Council.  Act 200, SLH 1994, established the Hawaiian Sovereignty Elections Council to hold a plebiscite to determine the will of the Hawaiian people in restoring a nation of their own choosing.  Furthermore, Public Law 103-150, commonly known as the Apology Resolution, acknowledged the role of the United States in the overthrow of the Kingdom of Hawaii.

     Your Committee has amended this bill by:

     (1)  Changing its effective date to July 1, 2093, to encourage further discussion; and

     (2)  Making technical, nonsubstantive amendments for purposes of clarity, consistency, and style.

     As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Hawaiian Affairs that is attached to this report, your Committee is in accord with the intent and purpose of H.B. No. 1627, as amended herein, and recommends that it pass Second Reading in the form attached hereto as H.B. No. 1627, H.D. 1, and be referred to the Committee on Judiciary.

Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committee on Hawaiian Affairs,

____________________________

FAYE HANOHANO, Chair