Further discussion on the potential sale of ceded lands – 21 Feb. 2009
February 24, 2009 by admin
We kept the music upbeat and positive for this Saturday morning with the U.S. Supreme Court due to hear a case of extreme importance to Hawaiians on February 25th. The Lingle Administration is appealing the Hawai’i Supreme Court’s ruling that former Kingdom Government and Ali’i lands that have been held in trust by the State may not be sold until a settlement is reached with Native Hawaiians. Office of Hawaiian Affairs Administator Clyde Namu’o made it clear that OHA opposes the State’s appeal and urgently requests that it be dropped. He emphasized that the rationale for such a move on the part of the Lingle Administration has never been adequately explained.
Governor John Waihe’e joined us to say that stated reasons for the appeal, such as the State’s bond rating, are inadequate since the status of these lands has never adversely affected commerce or the state’s ratings in the past. The entire case began under Governor Waihe’e’s administration, so it was fascinating to hear his analysis, and the other means by which he sees any lingering questions in this matter could be resolved. Governor Waihe’e said two burning questions remain in his mind: Why would the Lingle Administration push for a decision on this now? and can State Attorney General Mark Bennett foresee any decision by the U.S. Supreme Court that would NOT jeopardize Hawaiian entitlements? Representative Karen Awana again provided a perspective from the State Legislature where a bill opposing the appeal is making its way through committee hearings. Governor Waihe’e said the State can withdraw its appeal at any time prior to a decision, and may yield to public pressure. He said that would be the best case scenario in this situation.Our mahalo to all of you for going deep into this topic with us, we hope it provides food for thought and conversation around your kitchen table!
‘olelo no’eau
(To be announced)
Further discussion on the potential sale of ceded lands - 21 Feb. 2009 [107:25m]: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download
Can these Stolen(ceded)Lands be separated from any discussion about selling? Nationhood cannot happen if your foundation is in the pawn shop or on the auction block. The value of the dollar is as solid as the various degrees of sunlight, which is difficult to solidify. That is why any discussion to take dollars is not beneficial for Nationhood to take place.
To use these stolen(ceded) lands to
erase our (economically disadvantaged)homeless issues would be viewed by the world as a very noble thing to do considering this is an island viewed as a commodity by our ruling nation. The stumbling block is that our Federal Government looks upon us in a carnally malicious way.