Title: Jan. 17, 1893 | Hawaiian Monarchy Overthrown by America-Backed Businessmen - The New York Times
Headings: Jan. 17, 1893 | Hawaiian Monarchy Overthrown by America-Backed Businessmen
Jan. 17, 1893 | Hawaiian Monarchy Overthrown by America-Backed Businessmen
By The Learning Network
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Content: In 1898, the United States annexed Hawaii. Hawaii was administered as a U.S. territory until 1959, when it became the 50th state. Connect to Today: In 1993, Congress issued an apology to the people of Hawaii for the U.S. government’s role in the overthrow and acknowledged that “the native Hawaiian people never directly relinquished to the United States  their claims to their inherent sovereignty.” And, since 2000, Senator Daniel K. Akaka of Hawaii, who is soon to retire, has repeatedly proposed to Congress the Native Hawaiian Government Reorganization Act, also known as the Akaka Bill, which would extend sovereignty to 400,000 native Hawaiians. In 2005, The Times described the bill: “ The measure would give [Native Hawaiians] equivalent legal standing to American Indians and native Alaskans  and lead to the creation of a governing body that would make decisions on [their] behalf … The governing body would also have the power to negotiate with federal and state authorities over the disposition  of vast amounts of land and resources taken by the United States when the islands were annexed in 1898.” Supporters say the bill is necessary to protect native culture and redress Hawaiians for past injustices. Opponents say the bill is unworkable and would create a racially divided state. What are your thoughts on legislation that gives native Hawaiians more control over the land, culture and resources of the islands?