 NHCC Voices Support for the Akaka Bill |
| August 22, 2005 - 07:27 AM - Contributed by:
|
|
The Native Hawaiian Chamber of Commerce (NHCC) announced today its support of S.147, the Native Hawaiian Recognition Act of 2005, also known as the akaka Bill.
“While not perfect, the akaka Bill establishes a process by which native Hawaiians would be recognized by the United States as a political entity,” stated Warren Asing, NHCC president. This legislation would help safeguard federal funding of programs designed to assist Native Hawaiians in need of education, healthcare and housing,” he stated.
According to Asing, the akaka Bill’s enactment could even help protect private programs that provide for the education and social growth of Native Hawaiian children. “As we have seen here in Hawaii, programs, and schools, that benefit Native Hawaiian children are being challenged in the courts,” he said.
Asing believes that the akaka Bill can provide the over arching protection necessary for continuation of those programs. The result would be beneficial to all of our people in Hawaii. Without the akaka Bill, that heavy financial load could ultimately be transferred to the state. The cost is estimated to be approximately 50 to 70 million dollars each year.
For the past 31 years, the Native Hawaiian Chamber of Commerce has promoted and encouraged programs and initiatives that benefit Native Hawaiians engaged in business and the professions. Statistics show that Native Hawaiians rank in the lowest indices of education, health and employment. “We need to change this; and we believe we are making a difference by helping our members become better business people,” Asing reported.
“The Native Hawaiian Chamber of Commerce supports the akaka Bill because we believe it is about justice and reconciliation,” stated NHCC Governmental Affairs Chair, H.K. Bruss Keppeler. “As a native people of the United States, Native Hawaiians deserve to be federally recognized. The akaka Bill establishes a process to do that,” he said.
Founded in 1974, the Native Hawaiian Chamber of Commerce strives to encourage and promote the interests of Native Hawaiians engaged in business and the professions. NHCC members participate in a variety of areas, including economic, social and public affairs.
NHCC’s mission is to strengthen Native Hawaiian businesses and professions by building on the foundations of relationships, resources and Hawaiian values: Aloha, Malama, Ho`okipa, Laulima, `Imi`ike, Lokomaika`i, Pono, Ho`omau, Ha`aha`a and Lokahi.
For more information about the NHCC, please visit our website at www.nativehawaiian.cc
#####
|
|
