If concern about the environment has become such a big issue, the citizens of this state and our elected officials should turn the light of public scrutiny on the Akaka Bill. This legislation could be the Queen Mary of environmental monsters compared to the measly Hawaii Superferry. The risks go far beyond whales and invasive species.

Surprisingly, no one has asked that there be a study to determine its potential economic impact on our state. There have been charges that it is fraught with constitutional and other legal problems, might have serious social implications, and a nagging discomfort that it might cause civil disturbances that could make the Kauai demonstrations look like a preschool outing.

In the absence of any data offering the slightest clue to the potential impacts of this bill, it is reasonable to speculate that the native Hawaiians and the non-Hawaiians could both be adversely affected. For those who have not bothered to read it, there are no assurances whatsoever that passage will result in the creation of a sovereign Hawaiian nation.

Native Hawaiians are directed to hold an election limited to Hawaiians only, in order to select a slate of blood brothers to represent them, a procedure specifically branded as unconstitutional by the Rice vs. Cayetano decision. If this was "Monopoly," the native Hawaiian players would be directed to immediately forfeit all of their money to pay the costs of a prolonged legal battle.

To further complicate the negotiations, the bill provides nothing that will provide the Hawaiian team with leverage necessary to achieve whatever goals their negotiating team brings to the table. Sitting before the nefarious Department of the Interior, the Darth Vader Emperor of the Bureau of Indian Affairs, the negotiators for the Hawaiian people will face a devious adversary without advantage. Because the Bill provides no negotiating weapons to press their advantage, they will be unarmed. For protection, they will have nothing but their wits and their skin.

The non-Hawaiians are also exposed to great danger. No one will represent them in negotiations that could result in the loss of substantial portions of our state being seized by the United States government without compensation, and handed over with the attendant values and tax revenues to the new Hawaiian nation.

No one has the slightest idea whether the confiscation of these properties will be a bonanza or a catastrophe. But there is a genuine potential for serious economic mischief. One thing stands out: not a single politician, political leader, non-Hawaiian or Hawaiian has stated that the Akaka Bill will be pono for the non-Hawaiians or the Hawaiians, and not a one of them has expressed the slightest desire to find out. Makes you wonder, doesn't it?

If the uproar over the Hawaii Superferry is the harbinger of more stringent efforts by the electorate to protect the environment, doesn't it also makes sense to ensure that the people of Hawaii have a greater voice in the approval of important legislation like the Akaka Bill?

Let's ask our elected officials to do a thorough environmental impact statement, without fear or favor, on the potential benefits and dangers of this legislation on all of Hawaii's people -- Hawaiians and non-Hawaiians alike.