HERE WE GO AGAIN!
Despite Overwhelming Opposition In Hawai`i, US Senate Committee Sets Akaka Bill Hearing
By Dennis Camire - Honolulu Advertiser Washington Bureau
WASHINGTON — A bill extending a federal policy of self-governance and self-determination to Native Hawaiians will be discussed at a Senate Indian Affairs Committee hearing May 3, setting up a new struggle to push it through Congress....
The so-called Akaka bill would create a process for the federal government to recognize a Native Hawaiian government....
Over the years, Senate Republicans have blocked the bill, arguing that it would set up an unconstitutional race-based government.
Last year, they blocked a bipartisan effort to force a final debate and vote on the bill with a 56-41 vote, short of the 60 votes needed.
But first, the bill must again clear the Senate Indian Affairs Committee, chaired by Sen. Byron L. Dorgan, D-N.D., also a co-sponsor....
