Hawaii Gov. Linda Lingle (R) said she will write members of the Senate to urge passage of the Native Hawaiian Government Reorganization Act.

The House passed the bill in February. But Lingle withdrew her longstanding support after changes were made that she said would infringe on the state's rights.

Sen. Daniel Inouye (D) and Sen. Daniel Akaka (D) worked with Lingle to address her concerns. They made three changes to the House version of the bill regarding Native Hawaiian sovereignty, sovereign immunity and criminal jurisdiction.

Get the Story:
Press Release: GOVERNOR LINGLE AND SENS. INOUYE AND AKAKA REACH AGREEMENT ON AKAKA BILL AMENDMENTS (Gov. Lingle 7/7)
Press Release: Agreement reached on Native Hawaiian Government Reorganization Act (Sen. Akaka 7/7)
Deal struck on Native Hawaiian recognition (AP 7/7)
Inouye Says Lingle Agrees To Akaka Bill (KITV 7/7)

Native Hawaiian Bill:
H.R.862 | S.381

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