Hawaii bill reintroduced

Hawaii Sen. Daniel K. Akaka warned fellow senators on Wednesday that failure to adopt his bill to grant Native Hawaiians federal recognition could lead to a “divided Hawaii,” with many young Hawaiians wanting the islands to become a separate nation.

The Democrat reintroduced his Native Hawaiian Government Reorganization Act in a Congress controlled by Democrats for the first time in 12 years.

An identical bill was introduced in the House by Democratic Reps. Neil Abercrombie and Mazie K. Hirono, both of Hawaii.

“Despite the perceived harmony, it is the generation of my grandchildren that is growing impatient and frustrated with the lack of progress being made,” said Akaka, 82. “Influenced by a deep sadness and growing intolerance, an active minority within this generation seeks independence from the United States.”