Native Hawaiian bill includes ban on gaming

Friday, March 27, 2009  

Hawaii's Congressional delegation introduced a new version of the Native Hawaiian Government Reorganization Act to clarify that gaming remains illegal in the state.

The delegation introduced the bill in January but it didn't discuss gaming. The new version (H.R.1711 | S.708) contains the prohibition.

"As an indigenous people that exercised governance until the U.S. overthrow, Native Hawaiians deserve the same opportunity to preserve their culture, language and traditions as indigenous people on the mainland. This change in the legislation should make the bill's intent clear and remove any distractions from its thoughtful consideration," the delegation said in a statement.

The bill extends the policy of self-determination to Native Hawaiians.

Get the Story:
Gambling ban made clear in Native Hawaiian recognition bill (The Honolulu Advertiser 3/26)