Akaka expects September floor vote


The Star-Bulletin wraps up the current status of the Akaka bill. No cloture motion filed yet. Assuming it does get filed before Senate recess starting this weekend, vote on cloture will happen in September. If cloture passes with 60 votes, 30 hours of debate will ensue. Akaka and Lingle still optimistic, putting best spin on the delay ("extra time to lobby other senators and also conclude negotiations between the Justice Department, the White House and supporters").

Corky had Akaka in his cartoon in the Star-Bulletin yesterday (though I have to admit I don't get it 'cause I haven't been following the other story it alludes to).

At the 50th Star blog, Grant Jones recounts a history of U.S.-Indian relations in the context over debate about Hawaiian "sovereignty."

I wanted to relate a conversation I had the other day that reflects one person's thoughts on this situation. On the way to Kipahulu, there's a patch of ancient lo'i that have been brought back into production by local families, right next to the road (on "state" land, I think, but they don't seem concerned whose land it is). Over the lo'i flies an upside down Hawaiian flag, which is a symbol of distress, and is commonly used by Hawaiian nationals to express the occupation of their country. The fellow who is the main coordinator of the lo'i restoration was there with his kids the other day when I drove by, and I stopped to talk story. I was curious to get his take on current events, so I asked him what he thought about the Akaka bill. I was surprised when he said he had never heard of it. I explained briefly what the bill was about, and that it had been in the news a lot this past week or two. He said the only news he watches is the weather; that's is the only thing that affects him directly. I asked him what sovereignty meant to him. He said, "To be able to live my life, as a Hawaiian." So, regardless of all the politics, for some folks it is just about planting the kalo, and living the life. Mahalo Ke Akua for them.


Posted: Fri - July 29, 2005 at 09:29 AM    
   
 
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Published On: Dec 27, 2005 10:12 PM
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