AKAKA BILL DEFEATED IN US SENATE
Hawaiian Independence Backers Claim Huge Victory
Honolulu Star-Bulletin - Thursday, June 8, 2006
In a close 56-41 vote, the U.S. Senate failed to pass a procedural petition this morning that would have brought the Akaka Bill to the floor for debate and a vote....
The cloture petition needed the support of 60 of the 100 senators to allow the bill to go to the floor. To become law, the Akaka Bill needs to pass both the Senate and House in the same two-year session....
Opponents of the bill were obviously pleased with the vote....
“I think it’s a definite victory for all of the individuals, both Hawaiian and non-Hawaiian, who contacted their senators and asked they vote against the cloture petition,” said Ikaika Hussey of Hui Pu, a coalition of native Hawaiians opposed to the Akaka bill.
