OHA To Host TV Specials On Akaka Bill

The Office of Hawaiian Affairs will host two live television specials this month focusing on the “Akaka Bill” more formally known as the Native Hawaiian Government Reorganization Act of 2009.

OHA hopes to use the airings as a way to better inform the public about the measure that is now before the U.S. Senate and House of Representatives.

While the bill in its various forms and transitions over the years has drawn support an opposition alike, the Office of Hawaiian Affairs has long been a supporter of the measure.  The bill was crafted to provide a process of federal recognition to Native Hawaiians.

“We are hopeful that the final version of the bill will be one that all parties can move forward with,” said Clyde Nämu‘o, OHA’s Chief Executive Officer.

“This is a complicated bill. We want to help both Hawaiians and non-Hawaiians alike understand what this bill means, answer people’s questions, and help everyone prepare for what we believe will be successful passage of this landmark legislation,” said Nämu‘o.

The two live television specials will be produced by OHA and will include participation from community members, legal experts, and panelists.

The first show, which will air on Thursday, January 7, at 8 p.m. on KITV, will feature:

• Lilikalä Kame‘eleihiwa, Professor with the University of Hawai‘i Kamaküokalani Center for Hawaiian Studies.
• Michael Kahikina, Legislative Chair with Sovereign Councils of Hawaiian Homelands Assembly.
• Robin Danner, President and Chief Executive Officer of the Council for Native Hawaiian Advancement.
• Bruss Keppeler, member of the Association of Hawaiian Civic Clubs.

The second show will broadcast on Thursday, January 14, at 7 p.m. on KITV and will feature the legal implications of the bill before a panel of legal experts.  Both shows will also be streamed live on KITV.com.

OHA has provided an email address for the public to email questions in advance to:  akakabill@oha.org.  Viewers will also be able to call in their questions on the nights of the shows.

(Posted by Wendy Osher; supporting information provided by the Office of Hawaiian Affairs)