Posted by
Defend America on Monday, February 22, 2010 5:40:02 PM
Final text of Akaka Bill released
By Star-Bulletin staff
POSTED: 11:37 a.m. HST, Feb 22, 2010
Hawaii's Congressional delegation today released what it calls the final text of the Akaka Bill.
This version of the Native Hawaiian Government
Reorganization Act includes clarifications addressing concerns raised
by the Lingle administration and members of the Native Hawaiian
community, according to a statement from U.S. Sen. Daniel Akaka, the
bill's author.
The
House of Representatives Committee on Rules is meeting later today to
determine a timeline for consideration on the House floor, but there is
no timeline for Senate consideration, according to Akaka.
"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," said Akaka. "It is critically
important that we continue to provide Native Hawaiians parity in
federal policies enacted for our nation's indigenous people. 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. More than 50 years after
statehood, it is time we act to bring about meaningful reconciliation
and healing."
The
final text provides guidance on how a Native Hawaiian governing entity,
the federal government, and the State of Hawaii will interact and reach
mutual agreements, according to Akaka.
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