"In a few moments a new day will break for Native Hawaiians," said Abercrombie.
The event marked the settlement that took many tries over the years to make a deal through various administrations and legislatures.
"A debt was paid to our people, and you can put that in your heart and carry it on your shoulder loudly, that we settled that in 2012," said Machado.
Surrounded by Office of Hawaiian Affairs and administration officials and senator Dan Akaka, the governor put pen to paper to make it final.
"To be able to participate in an event as momentous as statehood today is something for which I certainly never expected to never have the opportunity for," Abercrombie.
The lengthy process dates back to a settlement from the Waihee administration overturned with a court saying it would have to be a legislative solution.
"This is an issue that’s been lingering around for a long time and to get it off the table I think is a real accomplishment," said Waihee.
OHA says next steps are already getting underway for planning the future of the Kakaako Makai area.
"We want to move as rapidly as possible, work with HCDA and the governor and do everything we can to come forward with a master plan on all 10 parcels," Machado.
Still pending at the Legislature is a measure that could allow residential development on two parcels; currently such use is disallowed in Kakaako Makai. OHA has also said it will look at commercial and cultural uses.
See the original article at: KHON2 Local News
