Ka Wai Ola - Office of Hawaiian Affairs, Volume 15, Number 11, 1 November 1998 — APOLOGY LAW [ARTICLE]

APOLOGY LAW

Public Law 103-150: Fifth-year observance

By Clara Kokaiio Editor"s Note: In 1993, President Clirrton signed into law a joint resolution whieh, on behalf of the United States, apologized for the overthrow of the Hawaiian monarchy 100 years before. While Hawaiians originally welcomed this gesture by Congress and tie President, the legislation, popularly known as the Apology Bill, has, atthis point, raised more questions than it has answered among activists. Below is Ms. Kakalia's

introduction, followed by the full text of the law. The Kūkahi Coalition will observe the fifth anniversary of Public Law 103-150, the Apology Bill, on Nov. 21 at the Center for Hawaiian Studies. As keynote speaker, the eoalioh has invited U.S. Senator Daniel Akaka, who introduced this leglslation whieh was subsequerrtly signed into law by President Clinton on Nov. 23, 1993. Under this law, the United States acknowledges the ramifications of the illegal overthrow of the Hawaiian monarchy and recognizes the necessity of providing a proper foundation for reconciliation between the U.S. and the Hawaiian people. At the time of the overthrow, the native population had severely declined in numbers because of disease, and the illegal acts of 1893 rendered natives landless. But as the Apology Bill

correctly states, Hawaiians "never relinquished their claims to their inherent sovereignty as a people over their nationai lands to the United States, either through their monarchy, or through a plebescite or referendum." The Apology Bill calls for the United States to begin "reconciliation" with the Hawaiian people, but it does not define "reconciliation" or provide the process or procedures toward it. Also missing from this Apology Bill is any reference to the lands and water of our Hawaiian people, essential to our livelihood. As the Kūkahi Coalition further reviews and studies the apology document, it will draft legislation on land, water and health matters. Nov. 21 is the target date for a working educational program on Public Law 103-150 at the Center for Hawaiian Studies. For more information eall the coalition chairat 262-8741. ■