Governor Seeks Applicants For Native Hawaiian Roll Commission

By Wendy Osher

Governor Neil Abercrombie is seeking applicants to the Native Hawaiian Roll Commission (NHRC). The Commission was established through the passage of Act 195, which gives the Governor the authority to appoint a five-member body tasked with preparing and maintaining a roll to be used as the basis for participation in the organization of a Native Hawaiian governing entity.

“This is an important step for the future of Native Hawaiian self-determination and the ability for Native Hawaiians to decide their own future,” said Gov. Abercrombie. “This Commission will put together the roll of qualified and interested Native Hawaiians who want to help determine the course of Hawai’i’s indigenous people.”

The five-member Commission will be made up of one member from each county and one at-large seat. Once its work is completed, the Governor will dissolve the Commission.

The deadline to submit an application for consideration to the NHRC is August 5, 2011.

In order to qualify for consideration as a commission member, applicants must meet the following guidelines as outlined by the new law:

• Be an individual who is a descendant of the aboriginal peoples who, prior to 1778, occupied and exercised sovereignty in the Hawaiian islands, the area that now constitutes the State of Hawai’i; or an individual who is one of the indigenous, native people of Hawai’i and who was eligible in 1921 for the programs authorized by the Hawaiian Homes Commission Act, 1920, or a direct lineal descendant of that individual;
• Maintain a significant cultural, social, or civic connection to the Native Hawaiian community;
• Wish to participate in the organization of the Native Hawaiian governing entity; and
• Must be eighteen years of age or older.

To apply please visit the Boards & Commissions tab on the Governor’s website: http://hawaii.gov/gov.