Several vocal opponents to federal recognition for Native Hawaiians were recently appointed to Hawai'i's advisory committee to the U.S. Commission on Civil Rights. This has rightly raised some eyebrows.

It's understandable that these are largely political appointments, and that the once largely liberal body is changing its complexion under the Bush administration. But the fact that several of the appointees have a clear agenda, regardless of whether they are in favor of or opposed to federal recognition, could have a polarizing effect on the panel's ability to approach the issue.

The commission approved 14 new members to Hawai'i's 17-member panel. Among the seven Democrats, seven Republicans and three independents, at least five have vocally campaigned or filed lawsuits against federal recognition for Native Hawaiians.

Among those newly selected: H. William Burgess, an attorney who opposes federal recognition and Hawaiian-only government programs, and a vocal Akaka bill opponent; Paul Sullivan, an attorney who also has written against federal recognition; Rubellite Johnson, also known for her opposition to the Akaka bill; James Kuroiwa Jr., who joined a lawsuit against government funding for Hawaiian-only programs; and Tom MacDonald, who is on the board of scholars for the Grassroot Institute of Hawai'i, which has led the opposition to the Akaka bill.

These appointments come at a time when the commission is facing criticism for what many view as an attempt to "stack the deck" against affirmative action and similar programs nationwide.

The current administration has the right to choose its appointments. But this panel could play a big role in Hawai'i's future — and it bears watching to ensure the chips fall fairly.