WASHINGTON, Jan. 26 (UPI) -- Hawaii's congressional delegation has introduced a bill that would give Native Hawaiians the same sovereignty now possessed by Native Americans.
The Native Hawaiian Government Reorganization Act is also known as the Akaka Bill, named for Sen. Daniel Akaka. Akaka is pushing for a hearing on the measure by the Senate Indian Affairs Committee in late February or early March, the Honolulu Advertiser reported.
In a statement on the Senate floor Tuesday, Akaka said the measure does not create race-based preferences, instead restoring some of the sovereignty that was lost when the United States annexed the islands.
The bill would allow Native Hawaiians to negotiate with the federal government concerning disposition of their lands, law enforcement and other internal issues.
Sen. John McCain, R-Ariz., the chairman of the Indian Affairs Committee, opposes the bill, KITV-TV reported. An identical bill introduced last session never received a hearing.
