Press Conference today against Akaka bill

**FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE **

NOTICE OF PRESS CONFERENCE
ALL MEDIA AND PRESS INVITED
TUESDAY, MAY 4, 2004
9:45 AM AT THE STEPS OF `IOLANI PALACE

AKAKA BILL EXTINGUISHES NATIVE HAWAIIAN CLAIMS

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Honolulu, Hawai'i, May 3, 2004 -- Native Hawaiians stand in opposition to key provisions of the Akaka-Stevens Bill (S. 344), which the U.S. Senate passed on April 30th. New amendments have been added to ensure that Hawaiian claims for the illegal overthrow and for economic development rights under treaties will be extinguished within 20 years. Because the Senate has already passed the bill and the House of Representatives Resources Committee is expected to hear the measure within the month, many Hawaiian organizations want to bring awareness to the community that time is of the essence to stop this bill. Upon passage of the bill, a 20-year time clock will start ticking for the complete elimination of the Hawaiian peoples claims to inherent sovereignty as a people and over our national lands.

The new 7th version of the bill has been introduced without the involvement or consent of the Native Hawaiian community. The legislative measure proposes a process for reorganization of a Native Hawaiian governing entity under the control of the Secretary of Interior and that is contingent upon negotiations regarding the transfer of lands, assets, and governmental powers. Despite the bills extreme importance to Hawaiians and the entire State of Hawai`i, there have been no statewide hearings on the bill since the first version surfaced 4 years ago.

Another new addition to the Bill is the requirement that the U.S. and the State of Hawaii must pass additional legislation to implement any global settlement for Hawaiian lands, natural resources, assets, protection of existing rights, and governmental powers before the Hawaiian nation is recognized.

`Ilio`ulaokalani Coalition, Native Hawaiian Education O`ahu Island Council, Waikiki Hawaiian Civic Club, and a cohort of long time Hawaiian sovereignty activists will be holding a press conference on Tuesday, May 4 at 9:45 a.m. on the steps of the `Iolani Palace to voice urgent concerns from the Hawaiian community. We will stand together as Hawaiian community organizations to uphold the right of self-determination of the Hawaiian peoples.

CONTACT
Contact Person: Malia Nobrega
Phone Number: 286-5461
Email Address: malianob@aol.com

Posted: Tue - May 4, 2004 at 08:34 AM

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Press Conference today against Akaka bill

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