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Vocal Opposition Rings Loud at First Feds Meeting

Hawaiʻi Public Radio | By Molly Solomon

Published June 24, 2014 at 12:09 AM HST

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Protesters filled the State Capitol auditorium at the first of 15 public meetings.

Molly Solomon

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Hawaiian activist Mililani Trask testifies at the public meeting held by officials from the Department of Interior.

Molly Solomon

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A family holds signs protesting federal recognition in the State Capitol lobby.

Molly Solomon

Over 200 people packed the Hawaii State Capitol in the first of a series of meetings that could lead to federal recognition for Native Hawaiians. Officials from the federal government heard three and a half hours of testimony. And as HPR’s Molly Solomon reports, most of it was largely in opposition to the department’s plan.

Meetings will be held on Oahu all week:

• Monday, June 23 — Honolulu— 9:00 am to 12:00 pm, Hawaii State Capitol Auditorium

• Monday, June 23 — Waimanalo — 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm, Waimanalo Elementary and Intermediate School

• Tuesday, June 24 — Waianae Coast — 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm, Nanaikapono Elementary School

• Wednesday, June 25 — Kaneohe — 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm, Heeia Elementary School

• Thursday, June 26 — Kapolei – 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm, Makakilo Elementary School

Public meetings will also be held across the islands on Lanai, Molokai, Kauai, Maui and the Big Island. Click here for the full list of public meetings.