Dear committee members:

The United States government assumed responsibility for the plight of native Hawaiians. This is very clear. Congress approved a resolution apologizing for the overthrow of the Hawaiian government and accepted the blame for the problems that are still oppressing native Hawaiians. This resolution was signed by Bill Clinton, President of the United States. This resolution alienated a substantial number of Hawaiians, who now advocate breaking away from the United States and forming their own government. Senator Dan Akaka, a native Hawaiian, introduced legislation in Congress to facilitate the creation of a sovereign Hawaiian nation. This legislation is supported by our congressional delegation, the Governor of Hawaii and a majority of the legislators in our State government.

If the United States government is responsible for the present plight of the native Hawaiians, why is the enormous burden of restitution being shouldered by the non-Hawaiian citizens of the State of Hawaii? Clearly, the cost of compensating the native Hawaiians for the injustices done to them should be paid by the perpetrator, the government of the United States. Congress, our congressional delegation and the elected officials in Hawaii must summon the courage to force our government to face up to its civic and financial responsibilities or they will be doing their Hawaiian constituents and the rest of the nation a grave disservice that history will long remember.

 

James Growney is a U.S. citizen and Native Hawaiian