Washington, D.C. - U.S. Senator Daniel K. Akaka (D-Hawaii) welcomed Senate action today that will establish and fund the Office of Native Hawaiian Relations within the U.S. Department of the Interior. The conference report on H.R. 2673, the Omnibus Appropriations Act for FY 2004, includes $100,000 to fund the new office. The office's mission is to effectuate and implement the special legal relationship between Native Hawaiians and the U.S.; continue the process of reconciliation; and fully integrate the principle and practice of meaningful, regular, and appropriate consultation with Native Hawaiians. The House of Representatives passed the conference report on H.R. 2673 last year. The Senate adopted the measure by a 65 to 28 vote, clearing the omnibus legislation for the President's signature.

"The establishment of the Office of Native Hawaiian Relations is an integral element in the ongoing reconciliation process between Native Hawaiians and the federal government that we initiated under the 1993 Apology Resolution," Akaka said. "The creation of this office is another important step toward reconciliation and provides a federal office to administer the special legal and political relationship between Native Hawaiians and the United States. I thank Senator Inouye and Senator Stevens for their efforts to establish and fund the office in this legislation."