The Akaka Bill
Civil Rights Practice Group
| Topics: | Civil Rights • Constitution • Federalism • Federalism & Separation of Powers |
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| Sponsors: | Civil Rights Practice Group |
The Native Hawaiian Government Reorganization Act of 2009, or the Akaka Bill, would authorize a process that would extend federal recognition to ethnic Hawaiians as a Native American tribe. This would arguably allow ethnic Hawaiians to establish their own form of government and possess land. Does the Constitution allow for the formation of such a government? Although no native Hawaiian form of government was ever present or demanded when the islands became a state, does Congress have the authority to create one now?
Featuring:
- Prof. Jon Van Dyke, University of Hawaii School of Law
- Mr. Joseph Matal, Counsel to Senator Jeff Sessions, Senate Judiciary Committee
- Moderator: Mr. John Shu, Stradling Yocca Carlson & Rauth