Delegation releases final text of Akaka bill

HONOLULU (AP) – Hawaii’s four-member Democratic congressional delegation on Monday released what it calls the final text of a bill that would let Native Hawaiians establish their own government.

Sen. Daniel Akaka said in a Washington news release that the text of the Native Hawaiian Government Reorganization Act includes clarifications addressing concerns raised by the state and stakeholders in the Native Hawaiian community.

The legislation, known as the Akaka bill, was fine-tuned in consultation with the delegation, the White House, the U.S. departments of Justice and Interior, and Hawaii’s attorney general, said Akaka, the bill’s author.

“These clarifications represent a genuine effort to address the state’s concerns while maintaining the original purpose of the bill: federal recognition for Native Hawaiians,” Akaka said.

“It is critically important that we continue to provide Native Hawaiians parity in federal policies enacted for our nation’s indigenous people,” he said. “This bill provides Native Hawaiians with an opportunity for self-determination and cultural preservation, while empowering them to be an equal partner with the state and federal government.”

Earlier changes to the bill set off alarms with Republican Gov. Linda Lingle and Attorney General Mark Bennett.

Bennett told federal lawmakers in December that the changes stripped away language ensuring that the state’s rights and interests were protected as the new Native Hawaiian government formed.

Rep. Neil Abercrombie, the bill’s sponsor in the House, said Monday that he appreciated the input received from Bennett and Native Hawaiian organizations to help the delegation strengthen and clarify the intent of the bill.

“Following these consultations, we’ve made clarifications that are responsive to the concerns raised, and now I look forward to bringing the bill to the House floor for a final vote.”

Sen. Daniel Inouye thanked Lingle and Bennett for working with congressional staff on the bill.

“We made significant modifications to this bill at the request of the state and I believe that it is stronger because of it,” he said.

Rep. Mazie Hirono, the final member of Hawaii’s congressional delegation, said the next steps are to pass this bill out of the House and Senate for President Barack Obama’s signature.

“Long denied the recognition and rights accorded to America’s other indigenous people, this legislation finally will enable Native Hawaiians to embark on their long awaited process of achieving self-determination,” she said.

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On the Net:

Native Hawaiian Government Reorganization Act:
http://akaka.senate.gov/upload/Feb-22-2010-NHGRA-final.pdf