The Native Hawaiian Reorganization Act, known as the Akaka Bill, could soon be on it's way to a vote in the U.S Senate.
"Because on this day all the stars lined up - all agreed that the Akaka bill should become law," said U.S. Senator Dan Inouye, (D) Hawaii.
Senators Dan Inouye and Dan Akaka celebrated the opening of Inouye's campaign headquarters with the big announcement.
They have sided with the state to address concerns Governor Linda Lingle had with the Akaka Bill.
An amended version ensures that the Native Hawaiian Governing Entity will be subject to the State's authority affecting public health and safety until a temporary agreement can be reached.
The bill also now states clearly that a Native Hawaiian Governing Entity will not be immune from State law.
"This is what the Governor wanted and we feel that it's important too, it doesn't change the intent of the bill and that is to bring Federal recognition to the Native Hawaiians," said U.S. Senator Dan Akaka, (D) Hawaii.
Lingle said in a statement: "I have assured Senators Akaka and Inouye that I will strongly support a bill with the changes...and will write to Senators of both parties expressing my support. I sincerely hope the bill will become law in 2010."
A 180(degree) from March of this year, when she wrote asking them to reject the bill in it's prior form.
"I'm just satisfied there has been a meeting of the minds that the Senators have agreed to language that will make the Governor comfortable," said Clyde Namuo, Office of Hawaiian Affairs Executive Officer.
Both Akaka and Inouye say they will push to bring the bill for a vote on the Senate floor before the end of the 2010 session.
"There's a real good chance this will go for a vote hopefully by the end of the month," said Namuo.
"The big hurdle will now be in the Senate and we'll have to convince them we should take up the bill right away," said Sen. Inouye.
"We've always have been on a deadline, it's just that we're running out of time," said Sen. Akaka.
If the amended version of the Akaka bill passes in the Senate, it would need to go back to the House floor for a final vote.
