Drive to register Native Hawaiians moving slowly
Drive to register Native Hawaiians moving slowly
HONOLULU — An effort by Native Hawaiians to form their own government has signed up fewer than 20,000 of the 200,000 people it is seeking, but organizers are undaunted.
The initiative known as Kana’iolowalu launched in July 2012 after enactment of a state law recognizing Native Hawaiians as the only indigenous people of the island. The Honolulu Star-Advertiser reports that the law created a Native Hawaiian Roll Commission to identify them.
The yearlong drive was extended until January because of the short pace of signups.
Organizers say they are set to add another 50,000 names Sept. 15 when they consolidate people who have signed previous registries.
The law says that those who are registered may decide on their form of self-government.
Nearly 290,000 natives live in the state.
Congressional delegates push
for gay marriage
HONOLULU — The state’s four-member congressional delegation issued statements Friday urging Hawaii lawmakers to pass immediately a state measure for marriage equality.
The Honolulu Advertiser reports U.S. Sen. Mazie Hirono saying that same-sex couples “should not have to wait” for the civil right.
The push comes after June’s U.S. Supreme Court ruling that allowed legally married gay couples the right to federal tax and health care benefits.
Blake Oshiro, deputy chief of staff for Gov. Neil Abercrombie, said he is open to calling for a special session. Otherwise the vote would be in January.
Sen. Schatz creates internship program
HONOLULU — U.S. Sen. Brian Schatz is looking for Hawaii high school seniors for an internship program.
The senator announced his internship program Thursday, calling it “Schatz Seniors.”
Interns will work in Hawaii and should miss little class time. Activities will involve working with outreach staff on community visits with the senator.
Public, private, charter and home school students from across the islands may apply. Schatz will select 15 interns.
He says he hopes the program provides hands-on learning about the U.S. Senate. He also hopes to encourage students to be leaders and advocates in their schools and communities.
Students must have a grade point average of 2.0 or better and must have personal access to email.
Interns will be selected on factors including community involvement, life experiences and leadership.
Police fatally shoot man in self-defense
LIHUE, Kauai — Kauai police have shot and killed a 21-year-old man who officers said had pointed a gun at them.
Police said in a statement that the officers were on patrol in Nawiliwili Friday night when they encountered a group of young people in the jetty area. The officers saw the man in a parked car holding two firearms.
The statement said that when the officers told him to drop his weapons, the man threw one of his guns out of the car but held on to the other and pointed it toward the officers.
Police said the officers shot at the man in self defense.
The Kalaheo’s man was not immediately released. The officers were placed on administrative leave as authorities investigate the shooting.
German tourist dies
on Kalalau Trail
LIHUE, Kauai — A German tourist died while hiking the strenuous Kalalau Trail on the north shore of Kauai.
The death of the 61-year-old on Friday was near the 8-mile marker of the 11-mile-long trail that stretches from Kee Beach to the Kalalau Valley.
The Garden Island newspaper reports that the man was hiking with friends when he collapsed. He did not respond to CPR.
A helicopter pilot for a tour company reported the incident to the Lihue Airport control tower, where personnel called police.
A rescue helicopter landed nearby and ferried the man to the Princeville Airport, where medics pronounced his death.
Police investigating the incident have not released the man’s name.
By wire sources