The Hawaii Congressional delegation agreed today to establish a Task Force on Native Hawaiian Affairs. The delegation appointed U.S. Senator Daniel K. Akaka to chair the Task Force.

"I welcome this responsibility because we are at a critical point in time for Native Hawaiians," Akaka stated. I look forward to working with my delegation colleagues, the State of Hawaii, Native Hawaiian organizations, and the community on the important challenges we face."

The top priority of the Task Force is to develop a legislative response to the U.S. Supreme Court decision in Rice v. Cayetano, which struck down Hawaii's voting structure for the election of Office of Hawaiian Affairs trustees.

"The Rice decision underscores the need to resolve longstanding issues facing Native Hawaiians such as political status and self-determination," Akaka noted. "We have begun to address these issues in the reconciliation process, and the Supreme Court decision in no way affects this ongoing dialogue. It is imperative that we continue to work together as a community to address these issues.

"The Hawaii Congressional delegation is committed to addressing the concerns of Native Hawaiians, including the special problems that the Rice case presents. The underlying issue remains, how do we best fulfill the responsibility of the federal and state governments to Native Hawaiians? With the continued support of the people of Hawaii, I am confident that this process will lead to a successful resolution of these important issues."