Hawaii on the chopping block

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S.147/H.R.309 Native Hawaiian Government Reorganization Act, the “Akaka bill,” is expected to reach the Senate floor for amendment, debate and vote this year.

Hawaii on the chopping block: Will your state be next?

Statehood - 1959

  • Hawaii achieves its long-sought goal, becomes 50th state, permanently joins the Union.
  • The Constitution of the United States “Looks to an indestructible union, composed of indestructible states.” Texas v. White, 7 Wallace 700 (1869).

The Promise of Statehood

  • 1959 Admission Act
    • §1. “Accepts, ratifies & confirms” HI Constitution;
    • §2. State boundaries – State of HI shall consist of all Islands, reefs & territorial waters;
    • §3. State Const shall always be republican in form & not repugnant to US Const & Dec of Independence.
  • 1959 Voters of Hawaii decisively approve
    • 94.3% Yes for Statehood;
    • 94.5% Yes for State boundaries.
  • U.S. Constitution, Art. IV, §4
  • US shall guarantee every state republican form of government.

Thus, U.S. promise to people of HI cast in concrete

  • 'All islands of Hawaii and all areas within state boundaries

will always be governed by the State of Hawaii and subject to the U.S. Constitution

  • All citizens of Hawaii will be entitled to the equal protection of the laws.
  • Government of State will not be re-structured nor territorial integrity diminished without the consent of the people.