Asian American Journalists Association Town Hall on Native Hawaiian Issues June 22, 2006

A public town hall on Native Hawaiian issues, including a history and the future of the sovereignty movement. Panelists will discuss the issue of Native Hawaiian sovereignty and what place the Akaka Bill holds in the larger debate.

The proposed Native Hawaiian Government Reorganization Act of 2005 -- called the Akaka Bill after its chief sponsor, U.S. Senator Daniel Akaka -- creates a process that could lead to the reorganization of a Native Hawaiian governing entity.

Supporters believe the bill is necessary to stave off attacks on programs that give preferences to Hawaiians. Critics of the legislation believe it is race-based and have also raised issues related to federal government liability, military readiness, gaming, and civil and criminal jurisdiction. Others believe the measure does not go far enough in addressing America's role in the overthrow of the Hawaiian monarchy. The measure has been stymied for six years, in part because of concern by some lawmakers that it could lead to attempts by Hawai'i to secede from the Union.

The town hall will take place from 7 to 9 p.m. in the Kaua'i and Maui Rooms of the Sheraton Waikiki Hotel. Speakers for the town hall include: Jon Osorio, chairman, University of Hawai'i at Manoa Center for Hawaiian Studies; Toni Lee, president of the Association of Hawaiian Civic Clubs; Clyde Namuo, administrator of the Office of Hawaiian Affairs; Sandra Puanani Burgess of the Grassroot Institute of Hawaii; and Poka Laenui, executive director of Hale Na'au Pono. There is no charge for this event.

The town hall is part of the 2006 national convention of the Asian American Journalists Association.

Official Website: http://www.aaja.org