This blog is about Hawaii's status as an independent country under prolonged illegal occupation by the United States, and the history, culture, law & politics of the islands.
Community Matters, December 3, 2015, with Dr. Kalama O Ka Aina Niheu and legal representative of the Grass Roots Institute of Hawaii (GRIH), Michael Lilly
The U.S. Supreme Court on Wednesday blocked votes from being counted in a unique election that’s considered a major step toward self-governance for Native Hawaiians.
The high court granted an injunction requested by a group of Native Hawaiians and non-Hawaiians challenging the election. […]
The order blocks the counting of votes until at least the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals issues its ruling.
Na‘i Aupuni, the Native Hawaiian organization with a mission to establish a path to Native Hawaiian self-determination, announced today it is extending the deadline to vote to December 21.
“Because voters may not have cast their ballots over concerns and questions on the recent U.S. Supreme Court’s (SCOTUS) decision to temporarily stop the vote count, we are extending the voting deadline to December 21, midnight Hawaii time,” said Bill Meheula, legal counsel for Na‘i Aupuni.
The SCOTUS decision temporarily stayed the vote count and certification of the elected delegates, but did not stop voting.
A U.S. Supreme Court justice on Friday issued a temporary stay blocking the counting of votes in an election that would be a significant step toward Native Hawaiian self-governance.
Justice Anthony Kennedy’s order also stops the certification of any winners pending further direction from him or the entire court.
Native Hawaiians are voting to elect delegates for a convention next year to come up with a self-governance document to be ratified by Native Hawaiians. Voting ends Monday.
Nai Aupuni, the nonprofit organization guiding the election process, is encouraging voters to continue casting votes, said Bill Meheula, an attorney representing the group.
Step back in time to the events following the overthrow of Queen Lili`uokalani with Mai Poina: The Trial of a Queen by Victoria Kneubuhl this Saturday, Nov. 21 at the Maui Arts & Cultural Center. The play takes place in 1895 and shows the unrest brought about by the destruction of Hawaii’s Monarchy. Stay for a discussion of the current implications of this event led by noted Hawaiian scholars and community leaders. $28. 7:30pm. McCoy Studio Theater (1 Cameron Way, Kahului); 808-242-7469, Mauiarts.org
