HONOLULU -- Hawaii Sen. Daniel Akaka reintroduced a bill in Congress that, if passed, is expected to help Native Hawaiians begin forming their own government.

It would also give Native Hawaiians the same federal recognition as Native Americans and Native Alaskans. It is the same measure that did not get a hearing during the last session.

"Some have characterized this bill as race-based legislation. As indigenous peoples, Native Hawaiians have never relinquished their inherent rights to sovereignty. We were a government that was overthrown," Akaka said.

A new part of the bill establishes a Native Hawaiian interagency group of federal officials. They would administer Native Hawaiian programs and services.

The chairman of the Senate Indian Affairs Committee, Republican Sen. John McCain, has said he will oppose the bill. Akaka said he is still trying to schedule a meeting with McCain.