Posted at 3:13 p.m., Thursday, December 22, 2005
Akaka bill expected to be added to Senate calendar
Advertiser staff
Assurances have been given by Senate leaders that they will work to have the Native Hawaiian Government Reorganization Act placed on the calendar when Congress is in session next year, Sen. Dan Akaka said today in a news release.Better known as the Akaka bill, the legislation establishes a process for the nation's 400,000 Native Hawaiians to be formally recognized by the United States as an indigenous people. Native Hawaiians could then decide to pursue a sovereign government that could negotiate with the U.S. over land use and other rights.
The bill was expected to be aired on the Senate floor during the summer but stalled when Congress diverted its attention to legislation related to Hurricane Katrina.
Akaka said he spoke to both Majority Leader Bill Frist and Minority Leader Harry Field and that both pledged take the appropriate steps.
"I commend the majority leader for his diligent efforts to proceed to consideration of this measure that is so important to the citizens of Hawai'i," Akaka said. "My discussions with the Leaders were very positive. This is welcome news as we break for the holidays."
Congress adjourns for the year this week and returns to a regular schedule Jan. 18.
