President Barack Obama said he is willing to go to bat for the Native Hawaiian recognition bill.

Obama, who was born in Hawaii, told reporters that he hasn't paid much attention to the bill due to the economic crisis. But he said he will sign it if it comes to the White House.

"When the time is right and there's been progress in the Senate and it becomes necessary for me to weigh in, I will be willing to do so," said Obama, The Honolulu Advertiser reported.

The bill extends the policy of self-determination to Native Hawaiians. The Bush administration opposed the legislation.

Get the Story:
Obama would push Native Hawaiian bill (The Honolulu Advertiser 2/15)

Native Hawaiian Bill:
H.R.862 | S.381

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