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Obama announces support for Akaka Bill

Democratic presidential candidate Barack Obama (Illinois) today released a statement expressing his acknowledgement and support of the Native Hawaiian Government Reorganization Act, otherwise known as the Akaka Bill.

The former Hawai'i resident and Punahou School graduate released the following statement today, through his local campaign committee:

"Hawaii has always acknowledged and celebrated diversity, and an important part of Hawaii's culture is the Native Hawaiian people.  For this reason, I am proud to support Senators Daniel Akaka and Daniel Inouye in their efforts to extend the federal policy of self-governance and self-determination to Native Hawaiians.  

The Native Hawaiian Government Reorganization Act provides both the process and opportunity for Native Hawaiian communities to engage themselves in and reorganize their governing entity to establish a federally recognized government-to-government relationship with the United States.  The process set forth in this important legislation empowers Native Hawaiians to explore and address the longstanding issues resulting from the overthrow of the kingdom of Hawaii.

As Americans, we pride ourselves on safeguarding the practice and ideas of liberty, justice, and freedom. By enacting this legislation, we can continue this great American tradition and fulfill this promise for Native Hawaiians and ensure that they are not left behind as Hawaii continues to progress.  

This is an important bill, and if it is not signed into law this year, I will commit to supporting it as president."