Sen. John McCain (R-Arizona), the new chairman of the Senate Indian Affairs Committee, opposes federal recognition for Native Hawaiians.

McCain said Native Hawaiians are not eligible for the same federal status as American Indians and Alaska Natives. He opposes a bill that would recognize a Native Hawaiian government.

The bill has been pending in Congress for several years. The Bush administration has expressed doubts about special treatment for Native Hawaiians.

Get the Story:
Sen. McCain Opposes Akaka Bill (AP 1/5)
Democrats call Obama Hawai'i's 'third senator' (The Honolulu Advertiser 12/17)

Relevant Links:
Native Hawaiian Sovereignty Site - http://www.hawaii-nation.org
Native Hawaiians, Department of Interior - http://www.doi.gov/nativehawaiians
Native Hawaiian Federal Recognition Site - http://www.nativehawaiians.com

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