Native Hawaiian bill on Senate agenda

FRIDAY, JULY 20, 2001

The Senate Indian Affairs Committee next week will markup a bill to recognize a government-to-government relationship with Native Hawaiians.

The bill is sponsored by Sens. Daniel Inouye and Daniel Akaka, both Democrats of Hawaii. It recognizes a trust responsibility to Native Hawaiians, following on recommendations the Clinton administration made last year.

The House had approved a similar measure last session but the Senate failed to act on it.

At a confirmation hearing last month, Akaka questioned Interior Solicitor nominee Bill Myers on his support for Native Hawaiians. Myers, who was confirmed last week, had no comment at the time.

Recently sworn-in Assistant Secretary for Indian Affairs Neal McCaleb said he would work to further the federal government's commitment to Native Hawaiians.

The markup will occur on Tuesday at a regular business meeting of the committee, which is chaired by Inouye.

Get the Bill:
A bill to express the policy of the United States regarding the United States relationship with Native Hawaiians (S.746)

Relevant Links:
Indian Affairs Committee - http://indian.senate.gov

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