Washington, D.C. - The members of Hawaii's Congressional delegation announced today that following many months of negotiations with the U.S. Department of the Interior, and in consultation with the State of Hawaii, an amendment in the nature of a substitute to S. 344, the Native Hawaiian Government Reorganization Act, will be filed in the U.S. Senate on Wednesday, April 7, 2004.

The substitute amendment further clarifies the process for the reorganization of a Native Hawaiian governing entity and reaffirms the special political and legal relationship between the United States and the Native Hawaiian governing entity. The substitute amendment also provides authority for the United States and the State of Hawaii to enter into negotiations with the Native Hawaiian governing entity to address such matters as: the transfer of lands, natural resources and other assets; the exercise of governmental authority over any lands, natural resources and assets that may be the subject of agreements amongst the three governments; the delegation of governmental powers and authorities to the Native Hawaiian governing entity; and any residual responsibilities of the United States and the State of Hawaii. As agreements are reached, the three governments are authorized to submit recommendations to the relevant committees of Congress and to the Hawaii State Legislature for the enactment of legislation to implement their agreements.

The Interior Department commented on the process. "The Department of the Interior sincerely appreciates all of the effort the Congressional delegation and the Governor have made regarding a number of provisions included in S. 344. We look forward to continuing productive communications with the Congressional delegation and the State as the Administration develops its position on this legislation."

A bill reflecting the provisions of the substitute amendment to S. 344 will be introduced in the House of Representatives on Wednesday, April 21, 2004.