Native Hawaiian governement may become reality

Below is an excerpt from an interesting article that appeared in The Seattle Times on Sunday, March, 14, 2010 regarding the legislation currently pending the U.S. Senate to establish a Native Hawaiian government similar to the rights that have been extended to Alaska Natives and 564 Native American tribes. 

Native Hawaiian government may become reality

By MARK NIESSE
The Associated Press

HONOLULU - Their kingdom long ago overthrown, Native Hawaiians seeking redress are closer than they've ever been to reclaiming a piece of Hawaii.

Native Hawaiians are the last remaining indigenous group in the United States that hasn't been allowed to establish their own government, a right already extended to Alaska Natives and 564 Native American tribes.

With a final vote pending in the U.S. Senate and Hawaii-born President Obama on their side, the nation's 400,000 Native Hawaiians could earn federal recognition as soon as this month - and the land, money and power that comes with it. They measure passed the U.S. House last month.

Many Native Hawaiians believe this process could help right the wrongs perpetuated since their kingdom was overthrown in 1893. They also point to the hundreds of thousands who died from diseases spread by foreign explorers before the kingdom fell.

Read the rest of the article here.

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