HONOLULU -- Gov. Linda Lingle will testify in favor of the so-called Akaka Bill in Washington Tuesday. Hawaiian activists gathered at the state Capitol Monday to oppose the Akaka Bill under consideration in Congress.

The bill sets up a process of self-determination for Hawaiians.

Representatives from seven groups said the Akaka Bill will not help Hawaiians. Instead it sets up a puppet government not supported by most Hawaiians, the group said.

"The bill makes us a domestic dependent nation where things are being decided without a clear, informed consent of the people," said Hooipo Nakea Pa of the group Ekolu Wale Po.

"We are already independent whether or not people understand that or believe that," said Bumpy Kanahele of the Nation of Hawaii.

U.S. Reps. Neil Abercrombie and Ed Case are also in favor of the bill.