11/02/2004

What is the current status?
U.S. District Judge Susan Oki Mollway dismissed on Jan. 15, 2004 a lawsuit filed by about a dozen non-Hawaiian plaintiffs who challenged the constitutionality of the Office of Hawaiian Affairs and the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands programs. Mollway noted Congress is currently considering the so-called Akaka bill, which would grant federal recognition to native Hawaiians similar to political recognition given to American Indians and Alaska natives. She said she would not intrude into that political process. The plaintiffs filed an appeal which was heard by the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals on November 1, 2004.

A link to the Honolulu Star Bulletin's story can be found here: http://starbulletin.com/2004/11/02/news/index8.html