HI HR243

Urges the United States Congress to ratify and adopt the United Nations Declaration of Indigenous Rights, which was adopted by the UN General Assembly on September 13, 2007, with 143 member states voting in favor.

Notes that the United States was one of only four countries to vote against the Declaration, along with Australia, Canada, and New Zealand.

Emphasizes that the Declaration protects indigenous peoples' rights to maintain their institutions, cultures, and traditions, and prohibits discrimination while promoting their participation in matters affecting them.

States the Declaration is non-binding and establishes individual and collective rights for indigenous peoples regarding culture, identity, language, employment, health, and education, and provides a basis for settlement of native claims.

Directs transmission of certified copies of the resolution to the U.S. Senate Majority Leader, House Speaker, Hawaii's congressional delegation, relevant state committees, the Office of Hawaiian Affairs, and county officials.