Why you should oppose the DOI Proposed Rule.
From AinaLahui.com December 2, 2015
OUR ʻĀINA, OUR KULEANA
Submit Your Form Testimony
In 1993, the U.S., through Public Law 103-150 acknowledged that the Hawaiian people never gave up their rights to their national lands (aka “ceded lands”) to the U.S. government.
Now, the U.S. Department of Interior (DOI) proposed rule would unethically terminate Native Hawaiian rights to millions of acres of HAWAIIAN ‘ĀINA.
The U.S. Department of Interior (DOI) is proposing to re-establish a formal government-to-government relationship with the Native Hawaiian community that will not affect the title, jurisdiction, or status of Federal lands and property in Hawaii. In effect, the U.S. would continue to control nearly 900,000 acres of land in the main Hawaiian Islands and over 88 million acres of the Papahānaumokuākea Marine National Monument. The absence of any reference to Hawaiian lands controlled by the State of Hawai`i in the proposed rule is of grave concern. With this much at stake, we must submit testimony in opposition to the DOI’s proposed rule before December 30.
DHHL Beneficiary Form Testimony
We have added a form testimony specifically for Hawaiian Homestead beneficiaries (Lessees and individuals on wait list) on account of specific references in the rule to the Hawaiian Homes Commission Act (HHCA) and homestead communities. The Department of Hawaiian Homelands (DHHL) has not yet taken a position on the DOI rule even though it has the potential to disband the HHCA altogether. Although the DHHL has a fiduciary obligation to its beneficiaries, the department has not held any informational meetings on the proposed DOI rule in their beneficiary communities. Is it because the DHHL protects the interests of Governor Ige and the State of Hawaii over the interests of their native Hawaiian beneficiaries? Call your DHHL commissioner at (808) 620-9590 and tell them to oppose the DOI proposed rule.
SUBMIT TESTIMONY HERE:
For Native Hawaiians>> LONG FORM Letter | SHORT FORM Letter
For DHHL Beneficiaries>> FORM Letter
For Non-Hawaiians >> LONG FORM Letter | SHORT FORM Letter
Deadline: DECEMBER 30, 2015
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