HONOLULU — The federal government is starting to consider re-establishing a government-to-government relationship with Native Hawaiians.
Deputy Director Mark Lawyer of the Department of the Interior said Wednesday that the federal office wants to hear from the public to help decide which way to proceed.
He says the Department is not yet committed to anything, and the notice is being reviewed before it is sent to the public.
The Office of Hawaiian Affairs says it applauds President Barack Obama’s administration for reaffirming the special political relationship between the federal government and Native Hawaiians.
They say the potential federal recognition does not change their commitment to leaving all options open in the nation-building process. They still plan to elect delegates to draft a proposed constitution.