HI HR56

State Legislature agreed to fund one-half the cost of a 1996 native Hawaiian vote ballot initiative that was distributed to over 80,000 native Hawaiians worldwide on July 1, 1996.

Over 30,000 votes were counted with 73 percent voting in the affirmative to elect delegates to propose a native Hawaiian government, resulting in the formation of the Aha Hawai'i O'iwi (Native Hawaiian Convention).

The Native Hawaiian Convention is tasked with proposing a native Hawaiian government structure that, if ratified, would form the basis for discussions and negotiations with the State of Hawaii and United States governments regarding native Hawaiian self-governance.

The House of Representatives requests that the State provide financial and other support to the delegates and officers of the Native Hawaiian Convention to complete their work.

Certified copies of the resolution shall be transmitted to the Governor, President of the Senate, Speaker of the House, Chairperson of the Office of Hawaiian Affairs Board of Trustees, and Chairperson of the Native Hawaiian Convention.