Posted on: Thursday, September 16, 2004

Panel OKs recognition for Hawaiians

By Mike Gordon
Advertiser Staff Writer

As expected, a U.S. House of Representatives committee yesterday approved federal recognition for Native Hawaiians.

The unanimous decision by the Resources Committee means its version of the Native Hawaiian Government Reorganization Act could be voted on by the full House before Congress adjourns next month.

The House bill is identical to the one introduced in the Senate by U.S. Sen. Daniel Akaka, D-Hawai'i.

There is no guarantee that a vote will occur, said a spokesman for U.S. Rep. Neil Abercrombie, D-Hawai'i, author of the House version of the bill.

But Abercrombie yesterday said the committee vote sends "a clear signal of approval" to his colleagues.

The bill has been seen as a means to give Hawaiians a protected, political status that would derail lawsuits that challenge as unconstitutional programs or benefits targeting them.

The bill would allow Native Hawaiians to re-establish self-government and affirm special political and legal relationships with the federal government.

Reach Mike Gordon at mgordon@honoluluadvertiser.com or 525-8012.