Senate hearing on Native Hawaiian recognition

The Senate Indian Affairs Committee held a hearing this morning on S. 310, the Native Hawaiian Government Reorganization Act of 2007.

The bill would treat Native Hawaiians in the same manner as American Indians and Alaska Natives. It allows for Native Hawaiians to organize a governing entity.

The hearing was broadcast on the Internet. The committee took a recess during the question and answer session with the first panel in order to vote on the Senate floor.

You can download audio clips below:
Opening Remarks

Panel 1 Testimony - Q&A Part 1 - Q&A Part 2
MR. GREGORY KATSAS
Principal Deputy Associate Attorney, U.S. Department of Justice

THE HONORABLE MARK BENNETT
Attorney General, State of Hawaii, Department of the Attorney General
Accompanied by: MR. MICAH KANE, Chairman, Hawaiian Homes Commission, Honolulu, HI

THE HONORABLE HAUNANI APOLIONA
Chair, Board of Trustees, Office of Hawaiian Affairs
Accompanied by: MR. WILLIAM MEHEULA, Legal Counsel to the Office of Hawaiian Affairs, Honolulu, HI

Panel 2 - Testimony - Q&A
PROFESSOR VIET D. DINH
Professor of Law, Georgetown University Law Center

MR. H. WILLIAM BURGESS
Aloha for All

Committee Notice:
LEGISLATIVE HEARING on S. 310, the Native Hawaiian Government Reorganization Act of 2007 (May 3, 2007)

Recognition Bill:
Native Hawaiian Government Reorganization Act (S.310)

Relevant Links:
Office of Hawaiian Affairs - http://www.oha.org

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