Apology Resolution

Apology Resolution. The Apology Resolution is a Joint resolution of the United States Congress that was signed into law by President Bill Clinton on November 23, 1993. It formally acknowledges and apologizes for the role of the United States in the 1893 overthrow of the Kingdom of Hawaii. The resolution has become a foundational document in the modern Native Hawaiian sovereignty movement and continues to influence legal and political debates regarding Hawaii.

Background and context

The resolution stems directly from the events surrounding the Overthrow of the Kingdom of Hawaii on January 17, 1893. On that date, a group of American and European businessmen, with the critical support of U.S. Marines from the USS Boston, deposed Queen Liliʻuokalani. This action was swiftly followed by the establishment of the Provisional Government of Hawaii, which sought immediate annexation by the United States. President Grover Cleveland condemned the overthrow as an "act of war" and called for the restoration of the Kingdom of Hawaii, but his efforts were ultimately unsuccessful. The Republic of Hawaii was subsequently formed and the islands were annexed via the Newlands Resolution in 1898, leading to the creation of the Territory of Hawaii and eventual statehood in 1959. The centennial of the overthrow in 1993 provided a catalyst for re-examination of these historical events.

Legislative history

The resolution was introduced in the Senate as S.J.Res.19 by Senator Daniel Akaka of Hawaii on January 21, 1993. It was co-sponsored by Senator Daniel Inouye and referred to the Senate Committee on Indian Affairs. The bill faced debate but ultimately passed the Senate on October 27, 1993, by a vote of 65–34. It then moved to the House of Representatives, where it was passed on November 15, 1993, by a vote of 237–141. The final enrolled bill was presented to President Bill Clinton at a ceremony at the White House, where he signed it into Public Law 103-150 on November 23, 1993.

Text and provisions

The text of the resolution provides a detailed historical recounting of the events from the 1893 overthrow through annexation. It explicitly acknowledges that the overthrow was "illegal" and occurred with the "participation of agents and citizens of the United States." The resolution "apologizes to Native Hawaiians on behalf of the people of the United States for the overthrow." It also "expresses its commitment to acknowledge the ramifications of the overthrow" and support "reconciliation efforts" with the Native Hawaiian people. Importantly, it disclaims any intent to serve as a settlement of claims against the United States.

Reactions and impact

Reactions were mixed. Many in the Native Hawaiian community, including organizations like Ka Lāhui Hawaiʻi and the Office of Hawaiian Affairs, hailed it as a critical first step toward justice. It galvanized the Hawaiian sovereignty movement, leading to increased activism and the convening of gatherings like the ʻAha Hawaiʻi ʻŌiwi. However, some sovereignty advocates argued it did not go far enough, lacking concrete reparations. Opponents, including some members of Congress and groups like the Grassroot Institute of Hawaii, criticized it as divisive and a potential first step toward race-based separatism. The resolution directly influenced subsequent legislative efforts, such as the failed Akaka Bill.

Legal and political significance

The Apology Resolution has been cited in significant legal cases, most notably in the U.S. Supreme Court case Rice v. Cayetano (2000), where it was referenced in the arguments regarding the Office of Hawaiian Affairs. It forms a key part of the legal and moral basis for the push for federal recognition of a Native Hawaiian governing entity. The resolution is frequently invoked in debates over land rights, such as those concerning Kahoʻolawe and Mauna Kea, and in discussions about the federal recognition process. It remains a pivotal reference point in the ongoing political dialogue concerning the status and rights of the indigenous people of Hawaii.

Category:1993 in American law Category:United States federal Native American legislation Category:History of Hawaii Category:1993 in Hawaii