HONOLULU -- Senate leaders will be working over the weekend to try to reach an agreement on the Native Hawaiian Recognition Act.

The so-called Akaka Bill, named after Sen. Daniel Akaka, would give federal recognition to Native Hawaiians as an indigenous group.

Akaka said negotiations will continue with six Republican senators who have held up the bill.

Akaka said he talked with Majority Whip Mitch McConnell. He expressed his desire to bring the Akaka bill to the floor before the August recess.

Akaka said he has made it clear to Senate leaders he wants to file a cloture petition -- a procedural vote to end debate and force a floor vote.

The bill was scheduled for debate on the Senate floor early this week, but the reservations of Republican senators put the measure in limbo.