HONOLULU -- The U.S. Senate began debating on Wednesday the long-stalled Native Hawaiian Recognition Bill at the U.S. Capitol.

Opponents assailed the bill as divisive and race-based. However, the bill's supporters said it is recognition that's long overdue for Native Hawaiians, and they believe there are enough votes in the Senate to bring it to the floor for a final vote.

For three hours, U.S. senators debated the so-called Akaka Bill on the Senate floor.

"If we start down this path, the end may be the disintegration of the United States into ethnic enclaves," Republican Sen. Lamar Alexander of Tennessee said.

Alexander launched the longest and most spirited attack on the bill, calling it "a dangerous precedent."

"Wouldn't be much different than if American citizens who were descended from Hispanics who lived in Texas before it became a republic in 1836 created their own tribe," Alexander said.

"I'm concerned that this bill will divide Hawaii and encourage racial division there and elsewhere," Republican Sen. Jon Kyl of Arizona said.

"Native Hawaiians never lived as a separate, distinct, racially-exclusive community, much less exercised sovereignty over Hawaiian lands," Republican Sen. Jeff Sessions of Alabama said.

Hawaii's senior senator, Sen. Daniel Inouye, felt the need to educate the Senate after that comment.

"I was a bit disappointed that some of my friends who oppose this measure have mischaracterized the history of my state," Inouye retorted.

The bill's sponsor, Democrat Sen. Dan Akaka, said Native Hawaiians have not been given the same treatment as other indigenous people in the United States.

"I believe I am providing an opportunity for the restoration and reorganization of a government that once existed and was unjustly removed," Akaka said. "This bill will not result in the taking of private lands in Hawaii. No one will lose their home or their business because of my bill."

Inouye tried to answer concerns from the bill's critics.

"Native Hawaiians will be subject to every provision in the constitution of the United States," Inouye said. "This bill does not secede the state of Hawaii or any part thereof from the United States."

Inouye said the bill would allow Native Hawaiians to negotiate changes in laws with federal and state entities.

Some Republicans, like Akaka and Inouye's friend, Ted Stevens from Alaska, support the bill.

"The United States government has a responsibility to these Native Hawaiians, as it does to all indigenous people under our constitution," Stevens said.

"By supporting bill, we can continue this great American tradition and fulfill this promise by affording Native Hawaiians the opportunity to recognize their governing entity and have it recognized by the federal government," Democratic Sen. Barrack Obama of Illinois said.

Opponents held a news conference at the U.S. Capitol, at which the chairman of the U.S. Civil Rights Commission spoke against the proposal.

"My child, whose ancestors were enslaved, brought to this country and enslaved, they would be at a disadvantage if they were to move to Hawaii. I don't think that's the direction to which we should be moving," USRC Chairman Gerald Reynolds said.

Political insiders said Akaka probably has the votes needed to move the bill to the Senate floor for a final vote. However, even if it eventually passes there, it faces a much tougher road in the more conservative U.S. House of Representatives.