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OHA Board of Trustees Chairperson Haunani Apoliona delivers remarks at Friday's news conference with ʻIolani Palace as a backdrop.- Photo: Blaine Fergerstrom
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OHA news conference concerning Hawaii v. OHA U.S. Supreme Court hearing
ʻIolani Palace lawn, Honolulu
HONOLULU — The Office of Hawaiian Affairs today announced the scheduling of events in Hawaiʻi and across the continental U.S. to bring attention to the Feb. 25 oral arguments before the U.S. Supreme Court in Washington, D.C. in the case of State of Hawaii v. Office of Hawaiian Affairs.
"This state appeal has the potential to undermine all Native Hawaiian programs and assets as well as undermine the legal basis for Native Hawaiian federal recognition," OHA Chairperson Haunani Apoliona said during a news conference on the grounds of ʻIolani Palace, an important symbol to the Native Hawaiian community. "A far-reaching decision by the U.S. Supreme Court could affect OHA's ability to carry out its mission of bettering the conditions of Native Hawaiians."
The U.S. Supreme Court has agreed to hear the State Administration's appeal of a Jan. 31, 2008, ruling by the Hawaiʻi Supreme Court which prohibits the state from selling or transferring ceded lands to third parties until the unrelinquished claims of the Native Hawaiian people are resolved.
"We stand behind the decision by the Hawaiʻi Supreme Court," Apoliona said. "Therefore, we once again request that the governor withdraw the appeal. This issue should be decided in Hawaiʻi."
That sentiment is being carried through to events being planned so far in Honolulu, Seattle, San Francisco, Salt Lake City, New Haven, Connecticut, and Washington D.C. on Feb. 25.
Several events are being planned in Hawaiʻi including a vigil at the State Capitol from 4 a.m. to 4 p.m. with participants from across the islands.
At 5 a.m., HST, the time when the justices will hear the oral arguments, prayers and pahu drums will sound. Then, the drums will beat every hour, on the hour, until the end of the vigil. Several churches across Hawaiʻi will also be ringing their bells at 5 a.m. as a sign of solidarity.
Tonight, OHA is producing a one-hour live television show at 7 p.m. on KITV during which viewers will be able to call-in questions for panelists former Gov. John Waiheʻe, State Senate President Colleen Hanabusa, State Rep. Mele Carroll and Chair Apoliona.
"In times of challenge and problem-solving, our ancestors and ʻohana practiced coming together to focus and pool spiritual energies to overcome obstacles toward achieving a successful result. That traditional practice is Kūkulu Kumuhana," Apoliona said. "We ask you to gather your ʻohana and friends to join our spiritual hearts together in Kūkulu Kumuhana to focus and direct our collective positive thoughts during the time the U.S. Supreme Court will hear the ceded lands case."
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