HONOLULU (AP) - Native Hawaiians could finally be treated the same as the nation's other indigenous groups if Hawaii's senators can push a vote on the legislation during the next few weeks, before it's too late.
Unless the U.S. Senate votes before this fall's elections change the political climate in Washington, it could take years - if ever - to again line up so much support for a Native Hawaiian government, called a "nation within a nation."
Hawaiians are the last indigenous people in the United States who haven't been granted federal recognition, a right already extended to Alaska Natives and Native American tribes. The legislation would start negotiations for a new Native Hawaiian government and the land, money and power that comes with it.
(Copyright 2010 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)
