March 31st 2009: The US Supreme Court Overturns the Hawaii State Ruling in the OHA v State of Hawaii case

The Supreme Court of the United States rendered a decision today, March 31st, about the Ceded Lands case that was argued on February 25, 2009.

The decision overturned the Hawaii State Supreme Court's ruling that put a moratorium on the State of Hawaii from selling any of the Crown Land that was seized in the 1893 overthrow.

The Supreme Court's decision was based upon the fact that the Hawaii Supreme Court's ruling put so much weight on the Apology Bill.

The Apology Bill in the Justice's opinions was not intended to strip the State of Hawaii of it's authority over the Ceded Lands.

OHA's argument was that the case did not raise a federal question, but by using the Apology Bill, which is a federal law, it does.

However, this case will be thrown back down to the State Supreme Court, where the argument will be made that the state of Hawaii has a fiduciary responsibility to Native Hawaiians not to sell this land, as laid out under State Law, in the State of Hawaii's Constitution Article XII.

This argument will probably prevail, and then the case really won't raise a federal question, and the decision will more then likely stand.

This will not settle the underlying issue. The Kingdom of Hawaii was illegally overthrown, it was an unprovoked invasion, and is a continuing occupation.

The only solution on the table right now is the so called Akaka Bill, which will give limited benefits, to those that qualify for a certain blood quantum.

The Akaka Bill states that people that have less then 50% "Hawaiian" blood, are not recognized by the government as having any legal claim to the Kingdom.

Only those with 50% or more "Hawaiian" ancestry would qualify for benefits.

But if the Kingdom of Hawaii was reinstated, we all would have rights as citizens.

This blood quantum has served to divide people and families, and only serves the interests of the US.

To learn more go to our section on Hawaiian Sovereignty

Check Out the Hawaii Supreme Court's Ruling, and todays US Supreme Court Ruling

State Law looks to override GMO bill that passed unanimously in Hawaii County Council

House Bill 1226 passed Chairman Clift Tsuji's Agriculture committee and 2 floor votes and moved on to the Senate. All State Representatives from Hawai'i island voted FOR this bill.

The bill says that No County or State Agency has the right to discriminate against genetically engineered (GE) agricultural crops by passing local or state ordinances that would protect farmers, crops, and citizens. This includes future labeling. This is called a "preemption" bill. No State has passed such a restrictive bill.

Among other things, it prohibits ALL future rights over any regulation of GE corps and labeling at the County or State level, and is putting regulation in the hands of the federal agency USDA/APHIS. APHIS is currently in the process of creating a new regulatory structure for GE crops and is moving toward "deregulation"

Hawai'i County Council Proposes Resolution Opposing HB1226 "GMO Preemption"

Whether you agree with GE or not, to remove the ability of our County Council to protect the people and lands of Hawai'i Island is heavy-handed, undemocratic, and dangerous. It is disheartening to see the House selling out our farmers to corporate interests.

On Friday March 20, the Maui County Council passed 9-0 a Resolution opposing HB1226. The Kauai Council is currently contemplating their statement.

Here on Hawai'i Island, Councilman Pete Hoffmann has written a Resolution opposing HB1226 that will be heard before the full Council at the Hilo Council Chambers on Wednesday April 8.

Public testimony (3 minutes) may be given in person, or just come, listen, and show support.

Questions - contact nancyredfeather@hawaii.rr.com or 322-2801.

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