“This is a historic moment for Native Hawaiians,” Congressman Faleomavaega said.  “By passing this legislation, the United States House of Representatives has made it clear that it duly recognizes, accepts and acknowledges that Native Hawaiians are a sovereign people with the inherent right to establish a government-to-government relationship with both the state of Hawaii and the federal government. 

       “Should the U.S. Senate adopt this legislation and forward it to the President, it is expected that the President would enact the bill into law.  Both Senator Akaka and Senator Inouye are hopeful that this measure will be presented for unanimous consent to the Senate before it adjourns,” Congressman Faleomavaega said. 

Congressman Faleomavaega also noted that he fully believes that this legislation is the correct route for Native Hawaiians to establish and pursue a government-to-government relationship with the United States.  “I fully support Senator Akaka’s efforts to empower Native Hawaiians and I extend my deepest appreciation to Congressman Neil Abercrombie for his tremendous efforts and commitment to this process.  I also want to thank Chairman Don Young and Senior Democrat George Miller of the House Committee on Resources for their support of this bill.”