Posted at 12:28 p.m., Tuesday, February 11, 2003
Hawaiian recognition bill introduced in Congress
By Vicki Viotti
Advertiser Staff Writer
The Senate legislation was introduced by U.S. Sens. Daniel Akaka and Daniel Inouye; its twin was introduced in the house by U.S. Reps. Neil Abercrombie and Ed Case.
The goal of the legislation remains unchanged, according to Akaka's staff: It extends the federal policy of self-determination and self-governance to Native Hawaiians, establishing parity in federal policies toward Native Hawaiians, Alaska Natives and American Indians.
The bill would create three things: a process for federal recognition of a Native Ha-waiian governing entity; a Native Hawaiian office within the Department of the Interior; and an interagency coordinating group, composed of representatives of federal agencies administering Native Hawaiian programs and the policies that affect them.
In addition, the legislation explicitly states that it does not authorize either gaming in Hawai'i, under the authority of the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act, or eligibility for programs administered by the Bureau of Indian Affairs.
"This measure does not create a political relationship between Native Hawaiians and the United States," Akaka said. "Rather, it clarifies the existing political relationship between Hawai'i's indigenous people and the United States."
