Candidates for Suffolk Co Exec Support Shinnecock Casino Development, With Conditions

excerpted from candidate surveys conducted and published by Hamptons.com

Suffolk County Executive Democratic Candidate 

Steve Bellone

What is your position regarding the Shinnecock Nation's effort to gain the right to create a casino on their sovereign land? 

SB: I support their efforts because of the tough economic times we are in but bringing gambling is a short-term solution to Suffolk's significant economic challenges. If we are to turn this economic around, we need to leverage the assets we have - research institutions, natural beauty - and make it easier for businesses to come and grow in Suffolk County rather than being distracted by the allure of gambling. 

Suffolk County Executive Republican Candidate 

Angie Carpenter

What is your position regarding the Shinnecock Nation's effort to gain the right to create a casino on their sovereign land? 

AC: Casinos have become a huge economic engine for areas throughout the nation. Everyday Nassau and Suffolk County residents travel by ferries to the Connecticut casinos or by bus or car to Atlantic City. The bottom line is we should have a casino but, the site that is chosen must create the least amount of negative impact on the quality of life of surrounding property owners as possible. I am deeply concerned that as a site, the Shinnecock sovereign land would create numerous quality of life problems. That said, I plan work with the Shinnecocks and their developer to identify a site elsewhere that would be appropriate for a casino. 

Naive Ignorance: Genesee County Officials Made Agreements with the now-Former Bay Mills Leader, Reportedly the Same Day he was Voted From Office

Naive Ignorance:  One must wonder if the Genesee County officials mentioned in the article referenced in this post had even a clue that the Bay Mills Indians were holding an election this week and that now-former Tribal Chair Jeff Parker was facing a re-election challenge. That Genesee officials report making an agreement with Parker on the very day he was voted out of office hardly seems prudent.

Three words to remember for the future:  Homework & Due Diligence.

For a generation, Parker had tightly ruled the Bay Bills Indian Community.  Now there will be a new regime at the helm.  Did Genesse County officials even anticipate that?  Did they anticipate that any agreements with Parker might well be moot, simply unacceptable or even non-binding under the new regime?

It's understandable that local officials have little to no experience dealing with Indian tribes and Indian issues, but before they leap into discussions with or consider agreements with new leaders, they would be best served to survey their experienced counterparts representing communities in and out of Michigan and to also consult with lawyers and others with such expertise. Although they'll try -- their track record suggests so -- the tribal leaders and those behind the tribe's schemes are likely to refer expert lawyers and consultants for consideration by Township and County officials who would be wise to avoid any such referrals and instead seek out such expertise independently. Historically, the people behind the Bay Mills schemes have referred counsel and consultants sympathetic to their interests and those of their Indian partner.

Presently the Bay Mills owned land in Flint Township does not qualify as "Indian Lands." That is the opinion rendered by the State of Michigan, U.S. Department of Interior, National Indian Gaming Commission and District Court.  The only one who suggested otherwise is now the former Chair of the Bay Mills Indian Community.  The Flint Township property is not sovereign, nor held in trust, nor tax exempt; rather, it is subject to the same codes, regulations, laws, fees and taxes expected of others who own local property.  There is no need for special emergency services agreements or other arrangements at this time for negotiated fees in lieu of taxes.  And given the tribe's track record in Port Huron, it could be 20 years or more before anything like that is required or otherwise needed, so why agree to anything now?

Genesee County Road Commission agrees to road pact with Bay Mills Indian Community

11.03.2011

By Ron Fonger

FLINT TWP., Michigan -- No one is certain what will happen to undeveloped land owned by the Bay Mills Indian Community here, but the Genesee County Road Commission has agreed to partner with the tribe on future road improvements in the area.

The Road Commission on Tuesday approved an agreement with Bay Mills than could lead to special funding for roads in the area immediately surrounding the tribe's land at Dutcher and Lennon roads.

Road Commission Manager-Director John Daly said a representative of Bay Mills talked to county road officials last month, suggesting the "acknowledgement of public authority responsibility" agreement.

Tribal leaders had no new information about how the property will be developed and made no requests tied to future road needs... (Complete Story)

Strange Bedfellows: Hawaii's Former Governor & Detroit's Gambling Promoter?

Strange Bedfellows: Former Hawaii Gov. John Waihee & Detroit Gambling Promoter Michael Malik?

Former Governor John Waihee and restoration of Native Hawaiian Sovereignty
For generations, Hawaiians of native ancestry have sought restoration of sovereignty and/or some other form of Federal Recognition; among them, former Hawaii Governor John D. Waihee III and his son John D. Waihee, IV, an elected trustee of the Office of Hawaiian Affairs (OHA). The elder Waihee was the first Native Hawaiian to be elected Governor, serving from 1986-1994.

When U.S. Sen. Spark Matsunaga died in 1990, then-Gov. John Waihee appointed U.S. Rep. Daniel Akaka to finish out his term. By Waihee's appointment, Akaka became the first Native Hawaiian to serve in the Senate.

Akaka has become known as a champion for Native Hawaiian causes. He authored the 1993 apology resolution, in which the United States apologized for its role in the overthrow of the Hawaiian monarchy. Since then, Akaka has fought to pass the Native Hawaiian Reorganization Act, now known as the "Akaka Bill."

Controversy erupted in 1993, when Gov. Waihee ordered the U.S. flag not be flown over state buildings in the Capitol-'Iolani Palace area during a 5-day pageant marking the 100th anniversary of the overthrow of Queen Lili'uokalani and the Hawaiian monarchy.

During his tenure Gov. Waihee created and established OHA during his first term and it has become one of the leading advocates for restoration of Hawaiian sovereignty in one form or another.

Since it's introduction, Waihee III has been a champion of the so-called Akaka Bill which again failed to receive congressional approval during 2011.

In September, Hawaii Governor Neil Abercrombie appointed Waihee III the at-large commissioner of the newly formed (Act 195) Native Hawaiian Roll Commission. The Roll is to be used as the basis for participation in the organization of a Native Hawaiian governing entity.

Although Waihee III is on record opposing casinos and gambling in Hawaii; one must remember how personally the sovereignty/Recognition matters to him. And should Americans of Native Hawaiian ancestry be Federally Recognized, they could be eligible for 'Indian Lands.' Such is the designation for property that provides for casino gaming under the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act (IGRA).

Detroiters with Hawaiian Casino Dreams
For a decade and without success, controversial wheeler-dealer Michael Malik and his Detroit-based cronies have been trying to legalize commercial gambling in Hawaii. Ideally, they want to develop a casino in the general Waikiki Beach area.

Strange Bedfellows
That these Detroiters are credited with helping the Shinnecock Indian Nation gain Federal Recognition, may be a reason that otherwise strange bedfellows, Waihee & Malik, were spotted together on Long Island (NY) at a presentation Malik made to the Elmont Chamber of Commerce regarding his latest schemes for a casino nearest New York City. It was reported in the Long Island Herald that Malik introduced or explained Waihee at the Elmont Chamber event as an "Associate."

Stranger Bedfellows There Have Been
Should Malik/Detroiters be willing to dedicate valuable or unique resources (time, talent/expertise, money) to successfully advance Gov. Waihee's Native agenda, and should Waihee be personally enriched by any future ability to develop and operate Native Gaming facilities on Waikiki, might be enough to cause Gov. Waihee to abandon his earlier position on casinos or gambling in Hawaii and bring the pair together for mutual gains.

Afterall, like Malik, Waihee has often been embroiled in controversy (Broken Trust) and in recent years has fallen upon tough financial circumstances. Waihee was sued by American Express for being delinquent on a bill of over $72,000 and the Bank of Hawaii foreclosed on Waihee’s Nuuanu home on a $828,598 delinquency.

Hitting a personal jackpot with a Native casino on Waikiki and balancing a somewhat tarnished legacy with a place in the history books as a champion of the restoration of Hawaiian sovereignty might sound pretty darn attractive. To say it would be satisfying to Malik too, is a gross understatement. It would be a dream come true.

See also:

• Strange Bedfellows: Hawaii's Former Governor & Detroit's Gambling Promoter?
• Disclosure? And their tangled web: Detroiter Michael Malik, the Jack Utsick Ponzi Scheme, Shinnecock & Bay Mills Indians, and Akerman Senterfitt
• Michael Malik: The Latest Life & Times of a Detroit Casino Syndicator
• Controversy seems to always follow Detroit Casino Syndicator Michael Malik
• Ilitch casino development partner Michael Malik defaults on $1 million bank loan
• Ilitch Partner Delinquent on 2008 Property Taxes
• Michael Malik's multi-million dollar home is on the block; take a virtual tour
• Growing List of NY Politicians Rejecting $$$ from Ilitch Partner Michael Malik
• Scandal Continues to Plague Political and Lobbying Activities of Detroiters Bankrolling Shinnecock Casino Plans
• Mike Malik's partners also had a history of tax dodging; court ordered real estate negligence claims; and 40+ foreclosures
• Tribal elder calls Malik ‘Devil’ says he has ‘seduced’ younger members of the tribe
• Detroit casino investors have troubled history
• Ilitch partner enters settlement agreement in fraudulent transfers case
• April trial set in $2.1 million fraud case against Detroit casino syndicator
• Ilitch casino partner committed perjury failing to report political contributions
• Port Huron casino promoter fined for breaking California's political reform laws; denied a casino license in Michigan

Similarities Between Strategy to Approve Bay Mills Land Claim and Native Hawaiians' Attempt to Restore Sovereignty

The Common Interest in Both Schemes is 

Detroit Gambling Promoter Michael Malik

Detroit Gambling Promoter
Michael J. Malik, Sr.

Blogger’s Note:  Does this cram-it-into-an-appropriations-bill strategy not in the Hawaii Free Press story highlighted below sound familiar?  Recall when lobbyists and operatives for Detroit gambling promoter Michael Malik attempted to get approvals of the Bay Mills Indian Community Land Claims Settlement crammed into an Appropriations Bill?  or the Transportation Omnibus?  Those attempts were ultimately intended to get approvals needed to pave the way for Malik’s Bay Mills Indian casino in Port Huron (MI).

Consider this... Malik has attempted to establish gambling (a casino) in Hawaii for the better part of a decade. He’s not been able to get legislative or voter approval despite major efforts in 2001 and 2010-11.  But recently he’s been spotted palling around on Long Island (NY) with former Hawaii Governor John Waihee. 

Waihee was the first Governor of Hawaii to be of Hawaiian ancestry and he was the person who appointed then-Rep. Akaka to fill the U.S. Senate seat that had been held by Spark Matsunaga, making Akaka the first person of Native Hawaiian ancestry to serve in the Senate.

While Waihee has been an opponent of gaming in Hawaii, for the better part of his life, he’s been a ring leader in the movement to restore Hawaiian Sovereignty.  Should Native Hawaiians be Federally Recognized, Malik might be able to get his Waikiki casino – in the same way he hopes to build, manage and operate a Long Island casino using a bargain he struck with the Shinnecock Indian Nation.  And should Waihee, who’s had personal financial challenges in recent years and who was embroiled in the Bishop Trust scandals detailed in “Broken Trusts, ” be personally enriched through a Native casino in Hawaii, it would be a grand slam for the former Governor.

Another Akaka Bill sneak attack? GOP Senators tell Inouye to back off

News Release from US Senate Republican Caucus

12.03.2010

WASHINGTON – Senators Jon Kyl (R-Ariz.), Lamar Alexander (R-Tenn.), John Cornyn (R-Texas), and Tom Coburn (R-Okla.) today released the following statements in response to reports that the Native Hawaiian Government Reorganization Act – legislation that would establish a new governing entity for individuals of native Hawaiian descent – may be added to an Omnibus Appropriations Bill or a Continuing Resolution, one of which must pass Congress and be signed by the president this month, or the federal government will not have the funding to operate.

“Legislation as highly complex and divisive as the native Hawaiian bill requires vigorous discussion, debate, and amendments,” Kyl said. “An attempt to include it in unrelated legislation to keep the government operating is a breach of process and is an example of what the American people are tired of – back room deals that are inserted in secret packages written behind closed doors.”

“I’m concerned by reports that a special Native Hawaiian bill, or any other controversial measure, might be quietly inserted into must-pass legislation that’s needed to keep the government open,” Alexander said. “If the Democratic majority wishes to pass legislation that would create a new, sovereign government within our borders based solely upon race, it should be brought up separately and debated openly on the Senate floor with the opportunity for amendment.”

“This November, Americans spoke and we listened,” said Cornyn. “Unfortunately, some of my Senate colleagues did not hear the resounding message that rejected secret backroom deals and controversial legislative distractions like this... (Complete Story)

Former Hawaii Gov. Waihee to Decide Who Gets Added to Roll of Native Hawaiians

Abercrombie Appoints Waihee, Danner to Decide which Native Hawaiians are "Qualified"
9.08.2011

Governor Appoints Native Hawaiian Roll Commission

Waihee at Governor's Press Conference
Announcing Hawaiian Rolls Commission

Honolulu – Governor Neil Abercrombie today announced his appointments for the Native Hawaiian Roll Commission (NHRC). Established in July when Governor Abercrombie signed Act 195, the NHRC starts the process that will eventually lead to federal recognition of Native Hawaiians.

The Commission is composed of five members, one from each county and one at-large seat. They are: former Governor John D. Waihe'e (At-Large), Lei Kihoi (Hawai'i), Mahealani Perez-Wendt (Maui), Na'alehu Anthony (O'ahu), and Robin Puanani Danner (Kaua'i).

“These individuals represent various sectors of the Hawaiian community. Each brings experience, talent, knowledge, and skills that collectively create a broad-based team,” Governor Abercrombie said. “This team will put together the roll of qualified and interested Native Hawaiians who want to help determine the course of Hawai'i’s indigenous people.”

The Commission will be responsible for preparing and maintaining a roll of qualified Native Hawaiians as defined by the Act. Once its work is completed, the Governor will dissolve the Commission. The roll is to be used as the basis for participation in the organization of a Native Hawaiian governing entity.

“Now is the time to unify as a people,” said At-Large Commissioner Waihe'e. “The belief in our nation building process is being realized. It has been a long time coming but today we have a renewed sense of confidence for our people and our future.”

About the Native Hawaiian Roll Commissioners:

John D. Waihe'e III is the appointed At-Large commissioner. After serving as Lt. Governor under Governor George Ariyoshi, Waihe'e became the first Native Hawaiian Governor and served two terms from 1986 to 1994. His administration created the A-plus after-school-care program, restored more than 16,000 acres of public lands to the Hawaiian Home Lands Trust, and created a committee to help define sovereignty. In 1993, he created the Hawaiian Sovereignty Advisory Commission. Waihe'e, 65, became active in politics after serving as a delegate on the 1978 Hawai'i State Constitutional Convention where he was instrumental in the creation of the Office of Hawaiian Affairs. He earned his undergraduate degree at Andrews University in Michigan and was a member of the first graduating class of the William S. Richardson School of Law at the University of Hawai'i. Waihe'e lives in Honolulu...

(Complete Story/Other Appointees Bios)

Despite Calls to Evacuate, Shinnecock Refuse to Go Off-Reservation

At Hamptons Indian Reservation, Most Remained
Metropolis @ WSJ.com
8.28.2011

By Robbie Whelan

SOUTHAMPTON, N.Y — The Shinnecock Indian Reservation, an island of independence amid the luxury of the Hamptons, is home to 600 members of one of the oldest recognized Native American tribes in the country. More than 500 remained in their homes through the storm, despite the reservation’s low-lying geography.

The danger for those who stayed comes from the reservation’s location on a peninsula jutting out into Shinnecock Bay, some of which is below sea level.

According to security personnel on the reservation, only four or five families left the reservation. Most preferred to wait out the storm at home.

“They figure, we made it through 1938,” when a Category 3 hurricane battered Long Island, “we’ll make it through this one. My grandfather’s 90, and he’s not going anywhere,” said one security officer, who declined to give her name.

Randy King, one of the tribe’s three trustees, who along with a 13-member tribal council serve as leaders of the community, said that residents were urged to evacuate, but few did.

“The people here have a strong affinity for the land. We live by that,” he said. “They’ve lived here for thousands of years and they don’t want to go anywhere. We’re certainly not the only community where people want to stay in their homes.”

So far, there have been no reports of reservation residents forced out of their homes by flooding or wind damage. But as Irene batters Long Island, the risk of flooding grows by the hour.

Firefighters and tribal officials canvassed the reservation Saturday advising residents of the mandatory evacuation order in nearby Southampton. Residents who chose to stay were asked to sign a tribal document, according to Beverly Jensen, a Shinnecock spokeswoman and reservation resident who chose to stay behind.

“Every step of our lives has been dangerous,” she said. “We’re thinking: it’s a storm, and we prefer to go through it in our homes.”

Ms. Jensen said reservation residents who live along the water could experience “tremendous flooding problems” because the reservation, located directly between Shinnecock Bay and Southampton Village, is “in line to bear the brunt of any flooding.”

Those who did comply with the voluntary evacuation order Saturday made their way to a Red Cross shelter set up at nearby Hampton Bays High School.

One reservation resident, who declined to give his name, said the order to evacuate wasn’t given until late Saturday afternoon. Other low-lying areas in the Hamptons received voluntary evacuation notices Friday night; most of those orders became mandatory by Saturday morning.

Lars Clemensen, a Hampton Bays school district official who is manning the Red Cross shelter, said he had seen a big influx of families from the reservation between 6 p.m. and 7 p.m. Saturday.

The Shinnecock Nation, because it is a federally recognized tribe, is under the federal government’s jurisdiction. Mr. King said that the tribe has been cooperating with local relief efforts as well as FEMA teams, and has set up its own emergency-operations center on the grounds of the reservation.

So far, the community has seen flooded basements and some flood-related debris, but Mr. King is most concerned about heavy storm surges expected Sunday.

Hawaii's SB 1520 Paves Way for Native Self-Governance; Establishes Commission to Create Native Roll

Hawaii Governor Enacts Bill To Further Self-Determination For Native Hawaiians
7.20.2011

Hawaii Gov. Neil Abercrombie signed into state law on July 6, a bill that formally recognizes Native Hawaiians as “the only indigenous, aboriginal, maoli population” of the islands and begins a process to create a roll of qualified members to work toward the reorganization of a native government. The law is seen as an important step for Native Hawaiians in the movement for self-governance.

According to the Star Advertiser, Senate Bill 1520 supports efforts in Congress to gain federal recognition of native Hawaiians similar to that offered to American Indians and native Alaskans, but would continue the effort at a state level regardless of whether that goal is achieved. Gov. Abercrombie said, “This bill is the first step in seeing to it that we have a Native Hawaiian government entity,” he said. “It’s not only the first step, it is a practical manifestation of all that has gone on before.”

Gov. Abercrombie Signs Act 195; Will Appoint 5-Member Commission to Establish Official Native Hawaiian Roll

Governor Enacts Bill To Further Self Determination For Native Hawaiians
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: July 6, 2011

Honolulu –Governor Neil Abercrombie signed into law a measure that recognizes Native Hawaiians as the indigenous people of Hawai'i. Act 195 gives the Governor the power to appoint a five-member Native Hawaiian Roll Commission that will build the foundation for self-determination.

“This is an important step for the future of Native Hawaiian self-determination and the ability for Native Hawaiians to decide their own future,” stated Governor Abercrombie. “This Commission will put together the roll of qualified and interested Native Hawaiians who want to help determine the course of Hawai'i’s indigenous people.”

Act 195 starts the process that will eventually lead to Native Hawaiian Recognition. While in the U.S. House of Representatives, then-Congressman Abercrombie worked closely with U.S. Senator Daniel K. Akaka on moving the Native Hawaiian Government Reorganization Act, which was first introduced in 1999. In 2000 and 2007, then-Congressman Abercrombie successfully shepherded the legislation through the U.S. House of Representatives committees and won approval by the full House... (Complete Press Release)