Hawaii's congressional representatives in Washington and officials of the Office of Hawaiian Affairs today applauded U.S. House passage of a bill awarding self-governance rights to those with Native Hawaiian ancestry.

U.S. Rep. Mazie Hirono,D-Hawaii, said the vote on the House version of the so-called Akaka bill shows the majority recognize justice for Native Hawaiians is long overdue.

"This is a victory for all the people of Hawaii," Hirono said in a statement.

The House version of the identical Senate Akaka bill must still pass the Senate and be signed by the president to become law.

It was the second time in seven years of trying that House supporters have managed to get the bill passed by the full House. Last year, the legislation fell four votes short of the 60 needed to advance to a final vote in the Senate.

Sen. Daniel Akaka, the bill's namesake, said the passage would give his efforts momentum.

"I was thrilled to see bipartisan support for this long-needed legislation that underscores our ongoing efforts toward reconciliation across our islands," Akaka said.

Sen. Daniel Inouye, D-Hawaii, and U.S. Rep. Neil Abercrombie, D-Hawaii, who led debate for the bill on the House floor, also commended the vote.

Haunani Apoliona, head of the Office of Hawaiian Affairs, said the Akaka bill would shield programs for Hawaiians from legal challenges as well as provide for a process for official U.S. recognition of a future Native Hawaiian governing entity.

"Today's vote in the House is an important step toward the goal of achieving our inherent right to self-determination, and a better Hawaii," said Apoliona, who chairs OHA's board of trustees.

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