1993 apology resolution

Definition

The 1993 apology resolution, formally known as Public Law 103-150, is a joint resolution passed by the United States Congress that acknowledges and apologizes for the overthrow of the Kingdom of Hawaii in 1893. This significant resolution expresses regret for the role played by the U.S. in the unlawful overthrow and highlights the need for reconciliation with Native Hawaiians, marking an important milestone in Native Hawaiian rights and legal battles.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The 1993 apology resolution was signed into law by President Bill Clinton on November 23, 1993, coinciding with the 100th anniversary of the overthrow.
2. The resolution acknowledges that the U.S. played a direct role in facilitating the overthrow of the Hawaiian monarchy, which resulted in significant harm to Native Hawaiians and their culture.
3. While the resolution is not legally binding, it symbolizes an official acknowledgment of historical injustices against Native Hawaiians and serves as a foundation for ongoing discussions about sovereignty and reparations.
4. The resolution calls for the U.S. government to engage in a process of reconciliation with Native Hawaiians, promoting healing and addressing historical grievances.
5. Following this resolution, various legal battles emerged regarding land rights, self-determination, and compensation for past wrongs committed against Native Hawaiians.

Review Questions

• How does the 1993 apology resolution reflect the historical context of Native Hawaiian rights and legal battles?
  • The 1993 apology resolution serves as a pivotal acknowledgment of the injustices faced by Native Hawaiians due to the U.S.-supported overthrow of their monarchy. It reflects a growing awareness and recognition of Native Hawaiian rights within a broader historical context that includes colonialism and its lasting impacts. This official apology highlights the necessity for continued legal battles aimed at restoring rights, lands, and sovereignty to Native Hawaiians.
• Evaluate the significance of the 1993 apology resolution in terms of its impact on subsequent Native Hawaiian sovereignty movements.
  • The significance of the 1993 apology resolution lies in its role as both a recognition of historical wrongs and a catalyst for Native Hawaiian sovereignty movements. By officially acknowledging the U.S.'s involvement in the overthrow, it energized activists advocating for self-determination and reparations. The resolution prompted increased public discourse on Hawaiian sovereignty, leading to more organized efforts aimed at reclaiming land rights and political autonomy.
• Analyze how the passage of the 1993 apology resolution has influenced contemporary discussions about reparations and self-determination for Indigenous peoples beyond Hawaii.
  • The passage of the 1993 apology resolution has had far-reaching implications for discussions around reparations and self-determination among Indigenous peoples across the United States. It has provided a framework for recognizing historical injustices, encouraging other Indigenous groups to advocate for similar acknowledgments from federal and state governments. By setting a precedent, this resolution not only highlights specific grievances faced by Native Hawaiians but also fosters broader conversations about reparative justice and sovereignty that resonate with Indigenous communities nationwide.

Related terms

Hawaiian Sovereignty Movement: A political movement advocating for the recognition of Native Hawaiians' rights to self-determination and governance over their ancestral lands.

Apology Bill: A legislative measure that formally expresses regret or remorse for past actions, often related to injustices or wrongful acts committed against a particular group.

Overthrow of the Hawaiian Kingdom: The unlawful coup d'état that led to the collapse of the Hawaiian monarchy in 1893, facilitated by American business interests and supported by U.S. military presence.