Akaka Bill Faces Critical Congressional Vote
Critics, Supporters To Attend Washington Hearing
POSTED: 5:11 pm HST July 13, 2005
UPDATED: 9:34 am HST July 14, 2005
HONOLULU -- Proponents and opponents of the controversial Native Hawaiian recognition bill are preparing for a showdown in Washington. A critical vote in Congress happens next week.
"This is the closest we've come with this bill in six or seven years," Office of Hawaiian Affairs Chairwoman Haunani Apoliona said. "This is the closest. It's like walking into the arena. You know?"Apoliona leaves for Washington this weekend. She is one of many who plan to testify on the Native Hawaiian recognition act, which has been called the Akaka Bill after U.S. Sen. Daniel Akaka.
Discuss Native Hawaiian Rights
The bill would give Native Hawaiians the same rights as Native Americans and Native Alaskans.The Justice Department Wednesday said it wants to make sure the bill doesn't affect military bases, doesn't allow gaming and doesn't affect the enforcement of criminal laws on Native Hawaiian lands."Up to this point, they hadn't said anything really. So, it helps," Apoliona said.Both Gov. Linda Lingle and Akaka said they are encouraged that the President George W. Bush's administration seems willing to work with Congress on the issue.A number of floor amendments are expected to be added to the bill, including one by Arizona Sen. Jon Kyle, who opposes the bill. He is expected to offer up to five floor amendments, including a call for a referendum on the issue by Hawaii residents. Debate on the issue begins on Monday.
| Video |
The bill would give Native Hawaiians the same rights as Native Americans and Native Alaskans.The Justice Department Wednesday said it wants to make sure the bill doesn't affect military bases, doesn't allow gaming and doesn't affect the enforcement of criminal laws on Native Hawaiian lands."Up to this point, they hadn't said anything really. So, it helps," Apoliona said.Both Gov. Linda Lingle and Akaka said they are encouraged that the President George W. Bush's administration seems willing to work with Congress on the issue.A number of floor amendments are expected to be added to the bill, including one by Arizona Sen. Jon Kyle, who opposes the bill. He is expected to offer up to five floor amendments, including a call for a referendum on the issue by Hawaii residents. Debate on the issue begins on Monday.
Previous Stories:
- July 7, 2005: Hawaiian Group Wants OHA To Air Ads Against Akaka Bill
- March 31, 2005: Hawaii Congressional Leaders Optimistic About Akaka Bill
- March 2, 2005: Lingle, Groups Lobby Congress On Hawaiian Recognition
- January 25, 2005: Akaka Reintroduces Hawaiian Rights Bill
- October 11, 2004: Senators Abandon Hawaiian Recognition Bill For 2004
- September 15, 2004: Akaka Bill Passes Out Of Congressional Committee
- July 9, 2004: Hawaii Senators Battle To Keep Akaka Bill Alive
- July 8, 2004: Akaka Bill Suffers Setback
- February 24, 2003: Hawaiians Rally Against Akaka Bill
- December 13, 2000: Akaka Expects Hawaiian Bill To Die
Copyright 2006 by TheHawaiiChannel.com All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.










