State House of Representatives Adopts Resolution

We were somewhat surprised when we found out earlier today that the Hawaii State House of Representatives adopted Senate Concurrent Resolution 40. This adoption can be interpreted as meaning the state legislature has taken a position on the ceded lands case.

Although this resolution is not binding, the Legislature

1. urges the Governor "to withdraw the appeal to the United States Supreme Court of the Hawai'i State Supreme Court decision" of the ceded lands case, and


2. "that the Legislature declares the public policy of the State of Hawai'i is to honor the decision of the Hawai'i Supreme Court.

In the resolution, the Legislature also expressed its belief that, pursuing the appeal "is detrimental to the interests of all of the people of Hawai'i and to the ongoing reconciliation process between the State and the Native Hawaiian people."

Kupu‘āina Coalition organizers spent a lot of time in January researching and drafting the resolution. Again, although it is not binding, the Legislature has adopted a specific policy on how it views the Hawai'i Supreme Court's landmark January 31, 2008, decision.