WASHINGTON - Native Hawaiians would regain some of the self-governance powers lost when the islands' queen was overthrown more than a century ago, under a measure approved by the House on Wednesday.
The White House threatened a veto, saying the legislation that passed by a 261-153 vote would divide Americans "along suspect lines of race and ethnicity."
The bill would give the 400,000 people nationwide of Native Hawaiian ancestry the right to form a governing entity that could negotiate with the state and federal governments over such issues as control of natural resources, lands and assets. The interior secretary would have to approve that governing body.
Native Hawaiians, who long have sought the bill, insist they deserve many of the self-autonomy rights provided to American Indians and Native Alaskans.
The legislation is backed by Hawaii's Republican governor, Linda Lingle, its Legislature and the state's all-Democratic congressional delegation, including Native Hawaiian Sen. Daniel Akaka.
The vote on the proposal was the first in the House since the chief sponsor, Rep. Neil Abercrombie of Hawaii, won passage in 2000. Last year Akaka fell four votes short of the 60 needed to advance the bill to a final vote in the Senate.
The legislation spells out that the Native Hawaiian government could not take private land or set up gambling operations similar to those allowed to Indians. The bill would not affect military facilities in the state and Native Hawaiians would not gain new eligibility for programs and services available to Indians.
Front Section, Pages 7 on 10/25/2007