The Native Hawaiian Government Reorganization Act has been clarified by the Hawai'i congressional delegation to make clear that gambling won't be permitted under the plan.

In a statement, the four-member delegation consisting of U.S. Sens. Daniel K. Akaka and Daniel K. Inouye and U.S. Reps. Neil Abercrombie and Mazie Hirono said: "As an indigenous people that exercised governance until the U.S. overthrow, Native Hawaiians deserve the same opportunity to preserve their culture, language and traditions as indigenous people on the mainland. This change in the legislation should make the bill's intent clear and remove any distractions from its thoughtful consideration."

The Native Hawaiian Government Reorganization Act, better known as the Akaka bill, would provide a process for federal recognition of Native Hawaiians, similar to the government-to-government relationship provided to American Indians and Alaska Natives.

The bill has been introduced in both houses of Congress this session but has yet to be taken up. Supporters of the bill said that's not surprising given the lawmakers' focus on the worldwide recession and related issues.

Attempts in previous years to move the bill out have been approved by the House, but not the Senate.