2016 Democrat Platform: Hawaiians Among “Indigenous Tribal Nations”

Star Adv July 12, 2016 (excerpt)

…Since 1992, the Democrats have tucked something into their national platform recognizing Hawaiians.

Twenty-four years ago, concern about Hawaiians was tacked onto a section titled “Civil and Equal Rights.”

It urged the U.S. “to recognize its trustee obligations to the inhabitants of Hawaii generally, and to Native Hawaiians in particular.”

Over the years it grew with more stipulations. Former Gov. John Waihee helped support the Hawaiian recognition plank, but he noted that with a nod toward “economy of language, there has been some shrinkage.”

Before last week, the Democrats’ national platform said “Democrats also support efforts for self-determination and sovereignty of Native Hawaiians.”

The amended platform plank is stuck (strategically placed) in a section, “Honoring Indigenous Tribal Nations,” but (and) goes at some length to discuss (tribal) self-governance and self-determination and then urge “proactive actions by the federal government to enhance Native Hawaiian culture, health, language, and education.”

Waihee praised the addition, saying the “symbolism is important.”…

Hanabusa said her amendment was prepared with help from the local Democrats’ Native Hawaiian caucus….

read ... Fake Indian Tribe

PDF: Draft 2016 Dem Platform (see pg 19-20)

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Democratic Party Continues Support for Native Hawaiian Self-Governance

News Release from Democratic Party of Hawaii July 13, 2016

At 12:21 a.m. Sunday, July 10, 2016, Democrat Colleen Hanabusa, Hawai‘i Representative to the National Platform Committee, advised via email: “The Caucus’ proposed language, with the following amendment to your first sentence, ‘Democrats also support efforts for self-governance and self determination of Native Hawaiians. Native Hawaiians are the indigenous, aboriginal people of Hawai‘i whose values and culture are the foundation of the Hawaiian Islands. We support proactive actions by the federal government to enhance Native Hawaiian culture, health, language, and education. We recognize and honor the contributions and sacrifices made in service to our country by Native Hawaiians,’ passed unanimously, just now.”

Quoting Leimomi Khan, Chair of the Hawaiian Affairs Caucus, “The adoption of our platform proposal by the National Democratic Party Platform Committee signifies the continuing support of the Democratic Party for Native Hawaiians since the formation of the Democratic Party of Hawaii on April 30, 1900 by supporters of Queen Lili’uokalani.”

We are proud of this accomplishment. Mahalo to Colleen Hanabusa for being our champion in advocating for passage by the Democratic Party Platform Committee, and the 182 members of the Platform Committee who voted unanimously in favor of it.

Next step: The Platform will be voted upon by all delegates at the Democratic Party Convention in Philadelphia, July 25-28, 2016.

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