By a voice vote, the Senate Indian Affairs Committee on Thursday approved S.1011, the Native Hawaiian Government Reorganization Act of 2009.

The bill extends the policy of self-determination to Native Hawaiians. It creates a process by which a Native Hawaiian governing entity would be created and approved by the Interior Department.

The bill did not generate much discussion at the Senate committee's business meeting yesterday. The House Natural Resources Committee debated the bill for hours on Wednesday, due to opposition from Republicans on a number of issues.

The Senate version includes provisions that are opposed by Hawaii Gov. Linda Lingle (R), who otherwise supports Native Hawaiian recognition. H.R.2314, the version approved by the House committee, does not include the changes.

Get the Story:
Senate panel OKs amended Akaka bill (The Honolulu Advertiser 12/18)

Committee Notice:
BUSINESS MEETING on pending committee issues (December 17, 2009)

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