Mahalo nui to all that helped with our campaign push at the eve of the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals hearing on Korab v. McManaman (also here).  We have over 800 signatures (and growing) in support of our cause!  The Ninth Circuit panel of Judge Bybee, Judge McKeown, and Hawai'i's own Judge Clifton will now have to consider the merits of both sides, and may issue their decision at any time.  For hints of their potential positions, you can listen to or download a recording of their questions (and the parties' responses) at our resources page here.

No matter how the judges decide, the future of health justice in Hawai'i nei may depend on the willingness of people to speak out and act when they encounter situations so contrary to our understanding of justice, humanity, and aloha.  Many thanks and congratulations should go to all the energetic volunteers, young and old alike, near and far, who contributed to our rally on Monday to raise awareness about Basic Health Hawai'i and the Korab v. McManaman appeal.  The rally covered both the lunch and pau hana (after work) traffic shifts and our numerous enthusiastic sign-wavers elicited many honks of support from passing cars!  

Mahalo nui also to the media correspondents who took the time to take note of the oral arguments now brewing in the Ninth Circuit (including Disappeared News, Hawai'i Free Press, Nuclear News, The Fourth Branch, and Civil Beat).  

Please see below for pictures from our rally, courtesy of D.S., B.E., B.S., and J.P. -- stay tuned for more.  

Mahalo piha!

At their 43rd National Convention, the National Council of the Japanese American Citizens League adopted a resolution in support of access to Medicaid coverage for COFA residents in Hawai'i. The resolution requests Hawaii Gov. Neil Abercrombie and Hawaii Attorney General David Louie to withdraw the appeal of Korab v. McManaman currently before the U.S. Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals.

Founded in 1929, the Japanese American Citizens League (JACL) is the oldest and largest Asian American civil rights organization in the United States.  The JACL monitors and responds to issues that enhance or threaten the civil and human rights of all Americans and implements strategies to effect positive social change, particularly to the Asian Pacific American community.  Its mission is to "secure and maintain the civil rights of Japanese Americans and all others who are victimized by injustice and bigotry," and to promote cultural, educational, and social values while preserving the heritage and legacy of the Japanese American community.

The resolution adopted by the JACL at their national convention was introduced by the JACL Honolulu Chapter.

Despite affirming his support of Hawai'i's COFA population, Governor Neil Abercrombie has refused to withdraw the state appeal of the injunction halting Basic Health Hawai'i.  The Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals is scheduled to hear oral arguments for the case on September 18, 2012 in Pasadena, California.