WASHINGTON -- Debate on the Native Hawaiian Government Recognition Act was expected to begin on the Senate floor Monday afternoon. However, politics stalled the debate.

Senators were scheduled to vote on Senate Bill 147 on Wednesday, but political posturing and some last-minute maneuvering held up Monday's discussion on the bill.

Officials said they are optimistic that the bill will be heard in the Senate as soon as Tuesday.

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Discuss Native Hawaiian Rights

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The governor, the state Legislature and the Office of Hawaiian Affairs support the bill.

The bill has been referred to as the "Akaka Bill" after Sen. Daniel Akaka, the first Native Hawaiian to serve in Congress. The bill is an attempt to set up a process for Native Hawaiians to form their own government.

The vote may or may not happen this week.

If the bill doesn't make it to the Senate floor by the end of next week, it will have to wait until after Congress comes back from recess in September.

The bill would give Native Hawaiians the same rights as Native Americans and Native Alaskans.