HONOLULU -- Rep. Mazie Hirono, D-Hawaii, spoke on behalf of Hawaii's native people as part of a statement Monday on behalf of a resolution commemorating Hawaii's statehood.

"We must always remember the 50th state is also the native land of Hawaii's indigenous population, the native Hawaiians," Hirono said. "I'm hopeful that this year we'll be able to move forward toward reconciliation with her people who lost their country and queen by passing the Native Hawaiian Government Reorganization Act.

The act is also known as the Akaka bill after its sponsor Sen. Daniel Akaka. Those who have long advocated for the bill are hopeful it will pass with a Democratic-majority Congress and a president from Hawaii.