DENVER — Democrats have approved language in their national platform calling for Native Hawaiian self-determination, increased federal resources for related social programs and respect for cultural rights and sacred places.

The platform language restores the party's support for Native Hawaiian sovereignty after it was left out of the platform in 2004. Democrats had adopted language in their 2000 platform calling for Native Hawaiian federal recognition but the new statement is more extensive and specifically refers to the 1993 apology resolution and the federal recognition bill sponsored by U.S. Sen. Daniel K. Akaka, D-Hawai'i.

The apology resolution, signed by President Clinton, was an acknowledgement by the federal government of the United States' role in the 1893 overthrow of the Hawai'i kingdom.

"Indigenous cultures across the continental United States and Alaska enjoy federal recognition and it is time for Native Hawaiians to be formally recognized as well," Akaka said last night. "I am ecstatic that Democrats have made our support official and that Barack Obama will support the bill as president."

The platform, a statement of the party's principles, is not binding on Obama, the U.S. senator from Illinois the convention is preparing to declare its presidential nominee — or on other Democratic candidates.

But the language is seen as symbolic progress for Native Hawaiian recognition, which has been pending in Congress since 2000.

"What it means is that the Democratic Party recognizes the Hawaiians' desire for self-determination," said former Hawai'i Gov. John Waihee, a delegate at the convention.

The Akaka bill would recognize Native Hawaiians as indigenous people with the right to self-determination, similar to American Indians and Alaska Natives.

The bill would create a process for Hawaiians to potentially have more control over land and cultural issues after negotiations with the federal and state governments.

Obama has said he would sign the bill if elected. U.S. Sen. John McCain of Arizona, the likely Republican nominee, has said that dividing people based on race would lead to discrimination and conflict.

Many conservatives oppose the bill as racial separatism and believe it is unconstitutional. Some Native Hawaiians who want greater independence argue that the bill would undermine fuller sovereignty.