Sunday, March 16, 2008

Out-of-Hawai'i template REPS Hawaiian Affairs

E-mails should be sent to HAWtestimony@capitol.hawaii.gov and reps@capitol.hawaii.gov. Please include kupuaina@gmail.com in the BCC (Blind Carbon Copy). We'll appreciate it and it gives us some idea as to how many e-mails the Representatives get. Feel free to cut and paste the below e-mail message.



Dear Members of the Hawai‘i House of Representatives,

As I'm sure you know, Hawai‘i is unlike any other place. Hawai‘i people are also unlike other people.

In recent years, an unfortunate number of Hawai‘i people have moved out of the islands, and moved from the areas they still call home. Hawai‘i organizations exist throughout the world, and these clubs are formed and led by people who have strong roots to Hawai‘i. These people are Native Hawaiians and non-Native Hawaiians. We come together for events, festivities and meetings because we all have a common interest, our love of Hawai‘i. It is out of that love, that I send you this e-mail.

Although I may not live in Hawai‘i now, Hawai‘i is a special place for me and my family. I urge you to protect a part of what makes Hawai‘i special and pass Senate Bill 1085.

Sincerely,



(enter your name here)

Template 1 REPS Hawaiian Affairs

E-mails should be sent to HAWtestimony@capitol.hawaii.gov and reps@capitol.hawaii.gov. Please include kupuaina@gmail.com in the BCC (Blind Carbon Copy). We'll appreciate it and it gives us some idea as to how many e-mails the Representatives get. Feel free to cut and paste the below e-mail message.



SB 1085
3/18/2009

Dear Madam Chair Carroll, Madam Vice-Chair Shimabukuro and Members of our House of Representatives,

My name is (insert name here). It is important that you pass Senate Bill 1085. Statements and questions by United States Supreme Court justices show that this issue is a matter of state law and that moratorium legislation is appropriate.

The Ceded Lands Case Has Been an Issue of State Law.


On February 25, 2009, the Supreme Court of the United States heard oral arguments for the ceded lands case. One of the more “conservative” Justices, Samuel Alito told the Attorney General that the ceded lands case seemed to be more of a state issue. Justice Alito said, “If the Apology Resolution is put aside, I’m not quite sure what is left, other than State-law issues.

The Supreme Court Is Aware of Proposed State Ceded Lands Moratorium Bills and Provided Guidance on How to Proceed on This Issue.


Justice Alito showed his familiarity of Senate Bill 1085 when he asked the Attorney General Mark Bennett, "[W]ould there be anything to prevent the Hawaiian legislature from passing a law that says, we have absolute -- we have title to these lands, but we are going to impose a five-year moratorium on any transfer of these lands because we want to promote a reconciliation process?"

The Attorney General’s response to this inquiry, in part, was, “certainly under the terms of the Admission Act, the authority given the political branches for the management and disposition of the lands is broad . . . .” The Attorney General continued to say that such an action would be against the Federal common law of trusts, but Justice Souter immediately disagreed and commented that the Hawai‘i Supreme Court’s “reasoning seems to rest upon some kind of State equity law or trust law.” He further stated, “the only thing they are disclosing right now is -- aside from the Apology Resolution, seems to be State trust law.”

Other statements made, as can be found in the transcripts, show that our state legislature can pass laws regarding these lands. But such legislation should be made in conformity with one of the trust purposes, as described in the Admission Act.

Because the ceded lands is an issue of our State and because some guidance has been provided on how to proceed, I urge the Senate to pass Senate Bill 1085.

Sincerely,

(insert name here)

Oral argument transcripts are available at http://www.honoluluadvertiser.com/graphics/cededlands.pdf.

Template 2 REPS Hawaiian Affairs

E-mails should be sent to HAWtestimony@capitol.hawaii.gov and reps@capitol.hawaii.gov. Please include kupuaina@gmail.com in the BCC (Blind Carbon Copy). We'll appreciate it and it gives us some idea as to how many e-mails the Representatives get. Feel free to cut and paste the below e-mail message.



SB 1085
3/18/09

Dear Madam Chair Carroll, Madam Vice-Chair Shimabukuro and members of the House,

Aloha! My name is (INSERT NAME). Thank you very much for your consideration in reading my e-mail.

Senate Bill 1085 presents us all with a very important opportunity. We live in a complex society here in Hawai‘i, with a richness in diversity unique to anywhere else in the United States, and possibly the world. We are also extremely fortunate in that we are able to enjoy and prosper from a natural environment of incredible beauty – a beauty that is both intrinsically finite and fragile.

Unfortunately, BOTH the sense of community AND the irreplaceable value of the ‘āina which binds our diverse society have been and continue to be undermined by the historic and continuing injustices that have occurred here in Hawai‘i. These injustices, although inflicted in different ways against different groups of people, have consistently been perpetrated by the powerful few against the disenfranchised masses. Sadly, these injustices have been (and continue to be) often “legitimated” through the legal process. I would argue that it is the continued legal legitimation of these injustices that have inflicted the most harm, and pose the greatest threat, to the very essence of what makes living in Hawai‘i such a unique and incredible experience.

Fortunately, however, we have shown that it is possible for the legal process to begin to address these harms, and to provide for the social healing that would truly make Hawai‘i a model for not only the United States, but for countries around the world. We have certainly taken great steps towards this end, but we are clearly not through, especially with respect to the Kanaka Maoli community.

Senate Bill 1085 thus presents us with a remarkable opportunity – during no less of a crucial time than the eve of a US Supreme Court decision that would potentially undermine thirty years of progress – to use the law, not to oppress, but to continue to address the harms of oppression and colonization and cultural genocide.1 I truly believe that this opportunity should not, and must not, be dismissed. And to those misguided few who claim that addressing these harms would not benefit all of us who call Hawai‘i our home – I would have to respectfully, but firmly, disagree.
Please, please, please, take this opportunity to make the right decision and pass SB 1085.

Mahalo nui loa once again for your time and consideration.



(YOUR NAME HERE)

Template 3 Reps Hawaiian Affairs 1085

E-mails should be sent to HAWtestimony@capitol.hawaii.gov and reps@capitol.hawaii.gov. Please include kupuaina@gmail.com in the BCC (Blind Carbon Copy). We'll appreciate it and it gives us some idea as to how many e-mails the Representatives get. Feel free to cut and paste the below e-mail message.





Dear Madam Chair Carroll, Madam Vice-Chair Shimabukuro and Members of the House,

My name is (insert your name here). On opening day of this year's legislative session, Senate President Colleen Hanabusa spoke the following words,

"As well, we know we must address the sense of betrayal that many in our Native Hawaiian community feel on the issue of ceded lands, and in particular the case now pending before the United States Supreme Court. We will not turn a deaf ear to these questions, as difficult as they may be. We have heard the call of the people and we must respond."

Although the House Speaker may not have spoken these words himself, I urge you to also hear the call of the people and respond by passing SB 1085. As difficult as it may be to work towards the resolution of these issues, it is something we must do. I urge you and our individual representatives to pass SB 1085 in all its referred committees: HAW, WLO/JUD, & FIN.

Mahalo,


(Insert Your Name Here)

Tuesday, March 11, 2008

Rep Templates

It is important that we get the House of Representatives to support and pass SB 1085. We're asking you to e-mail our representatives and urge them to pass SB 1085.



E-mails should be sent to reps@capitol.hawaii.gov if you can include us on the cc (or better yet the BCC) by putting kupuaina@gmail.com in that e-mail, we'd greatly appreciate it.

We have templates for you to use if you don't know what to write in an e-mail. Please pick one template only:

We also have a special template for our supporters who do not live in Hawai‘i. CLICK HERE for the special out-of-Hawai‘i template.

Saturday, March 8, 2008

Out of Hawai'i template - REPS

E-mails should be sent to reps@capitol.hawaii.gov (goes to all Representatives). If you can include us on the cc (or better yet the BCC) by putting kupuaina@gmail.com in that e-mail, we'd greatly appreciate it. Feel free to cut and paste the below e-mail message.



Dear Members of the Hawai‘i State House of Representatives,

As I'm sure you know, Hawai‘i is unlike any other place. Hawai‘i people are also unlike other people.

In recent years, an unfortunate number of Hawai‘i people have moved out of the islands, and moved from the areas they still call home. Hawai‘i organizations exist throughout the world, and these clubs are formed and led by people who have strong roots to Hawai‘i. These people are Native Hawaiians and non-Native Hawaiians. We come together for events, festivities and meetings because we all have a common interest, our love of Hawai‘i. It is out of that love, that I send you this e-mail.

Although I may not live in Hawai‘i now, Hawai‘i is a special place for me and my family. I urge you to protect a part of what makes Hawai‘i special and pass Senate Bill 1085.

Sincerely,



(enter your name here)

Out of Hawai'i Template

E-mails should be sent to sens@capitol.hawaii.gov (goes to all senators). If you can include us on the cc (or better yet the BCC) by putting kupuaina@gmail.com in that e-mail, we'd greatly appreciate it. Feel free to cut and paste the below e-mail message.



Dear Members of the Hawai‘i Senate,

As I'm sure you know, Hawai‘i is unlike any other place. Hawai‘i people are also unlike other people.

In recent years, an unfortunate number of Hawai‘i people have moved out of the islands, and moved from the areas they still call home. Hawai‘i organizations exist throughout the world, and these clubs are formed and led by people who have strong roots to Hawai‘i. These people are Native Hawaiians and non-Native Hawaiians. We come together for events, festivities and meetings because we all have a common interest, our love of Hawai‘i. It is out of that love, that I send you this e-mail.

Although I may not live in Hawai‘i now, Hawai‘i is a special place for me and my family. I urge you to protect a part of what makes Hawai‘i special and pass Senate Bill 1085.

Sincerely,



(enter your name here)

Template 1

E-mails should be sent to reps@capitol.hawaii.gov (goes to all Representatives). If you can include us on the cc (or better yet the BCC) by putting kupuaina@gmail.com in that e-mail, we'd greatly appreciate it. Feel free to cut and paste the below e-mail message.



Dear House Speaker Say and Members of the House of Representatives,

My name is (insert your name here). Last month, our State House of Representatives adopted Senate Concurrent Resolution 40, which

  • urged 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

  • "that the Legislature declares the public policy of the State of Hawai‘i is to honor the decision of the Hawai‘i 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."

Please continue on the path you started on when you adopted SCR 40, by arranging to have SB 1085 heard in committee. As difficult as it may be to work towards the resolution of the "ceded" lands issue, it is something we must do. SB 1085 is consistent with the policy re-affirmed in SCR 40.

I urge you and our individual representatives to support and pass SB 1085.

Mahalo,


(Insert Your Name Here)

Template 1

E-mails should be sent to sens@capitol.hawaii.gov (goes to all senators). If you can include us on the cc (or better yet the BCC) by putting kupuaina@gmail.com in that e-mail, we'd greatly appreciate it. Feel free to cut and paste the below e-mail message.



Dear Madam Senate President Hanabusa and Members of the Senate,

My name is (insert your name here). On opening day of this year's legislative session, you spoke the following words,

"As well, we know we must address the sense of betrayal that many in our Native Hawaiian community feel on the issue of ceded lands, and in particular the case now pending before the United States Supreme Court. We will not turn a deaf ear to these questions, as difficult as they may be. We have heard the call of the people and we must respond."

Please continue to hear the call of the people and respond by passing SB 1085. As difficult as it may be to work towards the resolution of these issues, it is something we must do. I urge you and our individual senators to pass SB 1085.

Mahalo,


(Insert Your Name Here)

Template 3

E-mails should be sent to reps@capitol.hawaii.gov (goes to all Representatives). If you can include us on the cc (or better yet the BCC) by putting kupuaina@gmail.com in that e-mail, we'd greatly appreciate it. Feel free to cut and paste the below e-mail message.



Dear Mr. House Speaker Calvin Say and Members of our House of Representatives,

My name is (insert name here). It is important that you pass Senate Bill 1085. Statements and questions by United States Supreme Court justices show that this issue is a matter of state law and that moratorium legislation is appropriate.

The Ceded Lands Case Has Been an Issue of State Law.


On February 25, 2009, the Supreme Court of the United States heard oral arguments for the ceded lands case. One of the more “conservative” Justices, Samuel Alito told the Attorney General that the ceded lands case seemed to be more of a state issue. Justice Alito said, “If the Apology Resolution is put aside, I’m not quite sure what is left, other than State-law issues.

The Supreme Court Is Aware of Proposed State Ceded Lands Moratorium Bills and Provided Guidance on How to Proceed on This Issue.


Justice Alito showed his familiarity of Senate Bill 1085 when he asked the Attorney General Mark Bennett, "[W]ould there be anything to prevent the Hawaiian legislature from passing a law that says, we have absolute -- we have title to these lands, but we are going to impose a five-year moratorium on any transfer of these lands because we want to promote a reconciliation process?"

The Attorney General’s response to this inquiry, in part, was, “certainly under the terms of the Admission Act, the authority given the political branches for the management and disposition of the lands is broad . . . .” The Attorney General continued to say that such an action would be against the Federal common law of trusts, but Justice Souter immediately disagreed and commented that the Hawai‘i Supreme Court’s “reasoning seems to rest upon some kind of State equity law or trust law.” He further stated, “the only thing they are disclosing right now is -- aside from the Apology Resolution, seems to be State trust law.”

Other statements made, as can be found in the transcripts, show that our state legislature can pass laws regarding these lands. But such legislation should be made in conformity with one of the trust purposes, as described in the Admission Act.

Because the ceded lands is an issue of our State and because some guidance has been provided on how to proceed, I urge the Senate to pass Senate Bill 1085.

Sincerely,

(insert name here)

Oral argument transcripts are available at http://www.honoluluadvertiser.com/graphics/cededlands.pdf.

Template 3

E-mails should be sent to sens@capitol.hawaii.gov (goes to all senators). If you can include us on the cc (or better yet the BCC) by putting kupuaina@gmail.com in that e-mail, we'd greatly appreciate it. Feel free to cut and paste the below e-mail message.



Dear Madam Senate President Hanabusa and members of the Senate,

My name is (insert name here). It is important that you pass Senate Bill 1085. Statements and questions by United States Supreme Court justices show that this issue is a matter of state law and that moratorium legislation is appropriate.

The Ceded Lands Case Has Been an Issue of State Law.


On February 25, 2009, the Supreme Court of the United States heard oral arguments for the ceded lands case. One of the more “conservative” Justices, Samuel Alito told the Attorney General that the ceded lands case seemed to be more of a state issue. Justice Alito said, “If the Apology Resolution is put aside, I’m not quite sure what is left, other than State-law issues.

The Supreme Court Is Aware of Proposed State Ceded Lands Moratorium Bills and Provided Guidance on How to Proceed on This Issue.


Justice Alito showed his familiarity of Senate Bill 1085 when he asked the Attorney General Mark Bennett, "[W]ould there be anything to prevent the Hawaiian legislature from passing a law that says, we have absolute -- we have title to these lands, but we are going to impose a five-year moratorium on any transfer of these lands because we want to promote a reconciliation process?"

The Attorney General’s response to this inquiry, in part, was, “certainly under the terms of the Admission Act, the authority given the political branches for the management and disposition of the lands is broad . . . .” The Attorney General continued to say that such an action would be against the Federal common law of trusts, but Justice Souter immediately disagreed and commented that the Hawai‘i Supreme Court’s “reasoning seems to rest upon some kind of State equity law or trust law.” He further stated, “the only thing they are disclosing right now is -- aside from the Apology Resolution, seems to be State trust law.”

Other statements made, as can be found in the transcripts, show that our state legislature can pass laws regarding these lands. But such legislation should be made in conformity with one of the trust purposes, as described in the Admission Act.

Because the ceded lands is an issue of our State and because some guidance has been provided on how to proceed, I urge the Senate to pass Senate Bill 1085.

Sincerely,

(insert name here)

Oral argument transcripts are available at http://www.honoluluadvertiser.com/graphics/cededlands.pdf.

Template 2

E-mails should be sent to reps@capitol.hawaii.gov (goes to all Representatives). If you can include us on the cc (or better yet the BCC) by putting kupuaina@gmail.com in that e-mail, we'd greatly appreciate it. Feel free to cut and paste the below e-mail message.




Dear House Speaker Calvin Say and Members of the House of Representatives,

Aloha! My name is (INSERT NAME). Thank you very much for your consideration in reading my e-mail.

Senate Bill 1085 presents us all with a very important opportunity. We live in a complex society here in Hawai‘i, with a richness in diversity unique to anywhere else in the United States, and possibly the world. We are also extremely fortunate in that we are able to enjoy and prosper from a natural environment of incredible beauty – a beauty that is both intrinsically finite and fragile.

Unfortunately, BOTH the sense of community AND the irreplaceable value of the ‘āina which binds our diverse society have been and continue to be undermined by the historic and continuing injustices that have occurred here in Hawai‘i. These injustices, although inflicted in different ways against different groups of people, have consistently been perpetrated by the powerful few against the disenfranchised masses. Sadly, these injustices have been (and continue to be) often “legitimated” through the legal process. I would argue that it is the continued legal legitimation of these injustices that have inflicted the most harm, and pose the greatest threat, to the very essence of what makes living in Hawai‘i such a unique and incredible experience.

Fortunately, however, we have shown that it is possible for the legal process to begin to address these harms, and to provide for the social healing that would truly make Hawai‘i a model for not only the United States, but for countries around the world. We have certainly taken great steps towards this end, but we are clearly not through, especially with respect to the Kanaka Maoli community.

Senate Bill 1085 thus presents us with a remarkable opportunity – during no less of a crucial time than the eve of a US Supreme Court decision that would potentially undermine thirty years of progress – to use the law, not to oppress, but to continue to address the harms of oppression and colonization and cultural genocide. I truly believe that this opportunity should not, and must not, be dismissed. And to those misguided few who claim that addressing these harms would not benefit all of us who call Hawai‘i our home – I would have to respectfully, but firmly, disagree.
Please, please, please, take this opportunity to make the right decision and pass SB 1085.

Mahalo nui loa once again for your time and consideration.



(YOUR NAME HERE)
(YOUR CONTACT INFORMATION)

Template 2

E-mails should be sent to sens@capitol.hawaii.gov (goes to all senators). If you can include us on the cc (or better yet the BCC) by putting kupuaina@gmail.com in that e-mail, we'd greatly appreciate it. Feel free to cut and paste the below e-mail message.



Dear Senate President Hanabusa and members of the Senate,

Aloha! My name is (INSERT NAME). Thank you very much for your consideration in reading my e-mail.

Senate Bill 1085 presents us all with a very important opportunity. We live in a complex society here in Hawai‘i, with a richness in diversity unique to anywhere else in the United States, and possibly the world. We are also extremely fortunate in that we are able to enjoy and prosper from a natural environment of incredible beauty – a beauty that is both intrinsically finite and fragile.

Unfortunately, BOTH the sense of community AND the irreplaceable value of the ‘āina which binds our diverse society have been and continue to be undermined by the historic and continuing injustices that have occurred here in Hawai‘i. These injustices, although inflicted in different ways against different groups of people, have consistently been perpetrated by the powerful few against the disenfranchised masses. Sadly, these injustices have been (and continue to be) often “legitimated” through the legal process. I would argue that it is the continued legal legitimation of these injustices that have inflicted the most harm, and pose the greatest threat, to the very essence of what makes living in Hawai‘i such a unique and incredible experience.

Fortunately, however, we have shown that it is possible for the legal process to begin to address these harms, and to provide for the social healing that would truly make Hawai‘i a model for not only the United States, but for countries around the world. We have certainly taken great steps towards this end, but we are clearly not through, especially with respect to the Kanaka Maoli community.

Senate Bill 1085 thus presents us with a remarkable opportunity – during no less of a crucial time than the eve of a US Supreme Court decision that would potentially undermine thirty years of progress – to use the law, not to oppress, but to continue to address the harms of oppression and colonization and cultural genocide.1 I truly believe that this opportunity should not, and must not, be dismissed. And to those misguided few who claim that addressing these harms would not benefit all of us who call Hawai‘i our home – I would have to respectfully, but firmly, disagree.
Please, please, please, take this opportunity to make the right decision and pass SB 1085.

Mahalo nui loa once again for your time and consideration.



(YOUR NAME HERE)
(YOUR CONTACT INFORMATION)