FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                             December 5, 2006  

Release No. M-131-06

MAYOR HAILS APPEALS COURT RULING

ON KAMEHAMEHA SCHOOLS

            Mayor Mufi Hannemann today praised the 9^th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals ruling that upholds the Hawaiians-only admissions policy of the Kamehameha Schools.

            “This ruling is good news for native Hawaiians and all who support them,” said Hannemann. “The eight appellate judges in the majority recognize the need to address historic inequities that to this day deprive far too many Hawaiians of full socio-economic participation in their native land.

            “As I said in February, when the 9^th Circuit Court agreed to consider the case en banc, the City and County of Honolulu has a significant interest in the issue as it serves and advances the aspirations of all its citizens, which include Native Hawaiians and their children. The people of Honolulu have demonstrated their commitment to preserve and honor our host culture, its customs, language and history.

            “With today’s ruling, it would be fair to ask why this issue can’t be put to rest. However, the plaintiff’s attorneys are already talking about appealing to the U.S. Supreme Court. We hope and trust that the high court will see the wisdom of today’s ruling and let it stand.

            “There’s no justice in ignoring yesterday’s wrongs to impose a superficial equity today,” said Hannemann.

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Contact:

            Bill Brennan, 527-6928

            Mark Matsunaga, 527-5767