By T. Ilihia Gionson / Ka Wai Ola

Calling it "the most important piece of legislation to our people," Office of Hawaiian Affairs Chairwoman Haunani Apoliona was on hand in Washington, D.C., as the Akaka Bill took its first steps through the 111th Congress.

Formally known as the Native Hawaiian Government Reorganization Act of 2009, the measure was heard by the U.S. House of Representatives Committee on Natural Resources on Kamehameha Day, June 11.

"Native Hawaiians have a long history of a strong and vibrant government and culture," U.S. Rep. Nick Rahall (D-West Virgina), Natural Resources Committee chairman, said in his opening remarks. "It is a dark chapter in United States history that, despite several treaties with the Kingdom of Hawai'i, the United States military actively participated in the overthrow of the Native Hawaiian government in 1893.

"Nevertheless, Native Hawaiians have endured and kept their traditions, cultural identity and community alive and well."

The bill, H.R. 2314, was introduced in the House this session by Rep. Neil Abercrombie (D-Hawai'i) and co-sponsored by Rep. Mazie Hirono (D-Hawai'i). House members have passed a version of the bill in 2000 and 2007, but the measure has stalled in the Senate.

Apoliona was among a delegation from Hawai'i that traveled to Capitol Hill for the hearing.

"The U.S. Congress enacted well over 150 federal statutes defining the contours of our political and legal relationship with the United States," Apoliona said in testimony to the committee. "Today, the indigenous, native people of Hawai'i seek the full restoration of our native government through the enactment of H.R. 2314."

Apoliona offered some suggestions for amendments, including removing a provision that would require the convening of a committee to determine citizenship in a future governing entity.

"One of the most basic aspects of sovereignty is defining membership or citizenship in a native government," Apoliona said. "We do not believe it is a wise expenditure of federal funds, in these tough economic times, to call for the establishment of yet another federal commission, when these matters can be effectively and efficiently addressed by the members of the Native Hawaiian community."

Other suggestions included technical amendments to refine the definition of Native Hawaiian to conform to the definition in existing federal law, and to a section of the bill that appears to strip the U.S. of possible liability against claims of Native Hawaiians available to other U.S. citizens.

Others testifying in support of the bill, named after Hawai'i Sen. Dan Akaka, were state Department of Hawaiian Home Lands Chairman Micah Kāne, U.S. Civil Rights Commissioner Michael Yaki and former White House Associate Counsel Christopher Bartolomucci.

"This legislation will allow Native Hawaiians to establish a government that can truly speak for them and their interests," Abercrombie said. "We have strong support in the House of Representatives. We have a larger majority in the Senate. We have a president who has already said he would sign it. There has never been a better time to pass the Akaka Bill."

More information on the 'Akaka Bill' can be found at www.nativehawaiians.com