Washington, D.C. -- The U.S. House today approved the Native Hawaiian Government Reorganization Act of 2007 which would recognize Native Hawaiians as indigenous people, similar to American Indians and Alaska Natives. The House passed the bill on a 261-153 vote.

The Hawaii Congressional Delegation issued the following statement on the House Passage of the Akaka Bill:

“It’s highly appropriate that today’s House vote to approve the Native Hawaiian Government Reorganization Act was the 1000th vote of the Democratic-led 110th Congress,” said Representative Neil Abercrombie, who sponsored the House bill. “We’ve made significant progress in promoting individual opportunity and self-determination; none more important than the Akaka Bill.”

“This bill has long been the highest priority for Hawaii’s Congressional delegation,” said Congresswoman Mazie K. Hirono.  “I am very proud to have had the opportunity to co-introduce this bill and to argue for it on the floor of the U.S. House.  The resounding vote supporting passage shows that the majority recognize that justice for Native Hawaiians is long overdue. This is a victory for all the people of Hawai‘i.”

Senator Daniel J. Akaka said: “Today’s House action provides great momentum in our effort to extend federal recognition to Hawaii’s indigenous peoples.  I was thrilled to see bipartisan support for this long-needed legislation that underscores our ongoing efforts toward reconciliation across our islands.  I commend Representative Abercrombie for his years of relentless work sharing the history of Hawaii with his colleagues and stressing the importance of this bill for Hawaii’s future, and Congresswoman Hirono for playing a key role in the bill’s passage today.” 

U.S. Senator Daniel K. Inouye said:  “I am extremely pleased that the House has passed the Native Hawaiian recognition bill.  House passage gives added momentum to this important measure.”

Haunani Apoliona, chairperson of the Board of Trustees of the Office of Hawaiian Affairs, said, “We thank Congressman Neil Abercrombie and Congresswoman Mazie Hirono for their  persuasive debate on the floor, and for fighting off attempts to falsely label this legislation as race based and unconstitutional.”

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