By Dennis Camire
Gannett News Service

WASHINGTON - The House Natural Resources Committee today passed the so-called Akaka bill with a voice vote.

The committee added no amendment to the bill that would create a process for a future Native Hawaiian government to gain federal recognition.

Reps. Neil Abercrombie and Mazie Hirono, both Hawai'i Democrats, introduced the bill - known as the Akaka bill due to U.S. Sen. Daniel Akaka's sponsorship and ongoing effort to rally support for it - in January.

The House committee and the full chamber has approved the bill in the past only to see it stymied in the Senate. The Senate Indian Affairs Committee, chaired by Sen. Byron L. Dorgan, D-N.D., has scheduled a hearing for tomorrow on an identical bill and could bring it up for a committee vote soon after.