Native bill modified by Akaka, Inouye

Advertiser Staff

U.S. Sens. Daniel Akaka and Daniel Inouye introduced a modified version of the Native Hawaiian federal recognition bill Friday, removing a specific reorganization plan for Native Hawaiian governance and specifying that the bill does not authorize gambling.

The proposed legislation by the Hawai'i Democrats, known as the Akaka bill, extends a federal policy of self-determination and self-governance to Native Hawaiians, allowing for certain public programs and governmental entities that would serve Hawaiians only.

"These modifications reflect the consensus in our delegation that the reorganization process must be determined by the Native Hawaiian community," Sen. Akaka stated in a release Friday.

"We are confident that improvements made to the legislation will strengthen our efforts to work with the Native Hawaiian community, the Bush administration and the state of Hawai'i, and provide Hawai'i's indigenous peoples with the opportunity to formally engage in a government-to-government relationship with the United States."

The reorganization process specified in the previous version of the bill drew the most comment during Hawai'i hearings, Akaka's office noted. In response, the language requiring the process was removed.

In addition, the legislation was modified to state explicitly that it does not authorize gaming under the authority of the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act, and that it does not create eligibility for programs administered by the Bureau of Indian Affairs.

Akaka said the bill provides for a process for federal recognition of the Native Hawaiian governing entity; creates an office within the Interior Department to focus on Hawaiian issues and act as a liaison; and sets up an interagency coordinating group for federal agencies involved.

"Our objective has not changed," he stated.