Back to Hawaii News index

Posted: Thursday, April 14th, 2005 5:29 AM HST

Governor says she's optimistic Akaka bill will become law

By Associated Press

HONOLULU (AP) Governor Lingle says she believes there are enough votes in Congress for a proposed Native Hawaiian recognition bill to pass. And if it is approved, Lingle says she expects it will become law. The governor says President Bush hasn't vetoed any bills while he has been in office, and so she doubts the so-called Akaka bill will be the first. While the White House has been silent about the bill, Lingle says she sees it as a positive sign that the administration isn't against it. State Senate Majority Leader Colleen Hanabusa, however, disputes Lingle's assertion that Bush's support isn't necessary for the bill's passage. The Democratic lawmakers notes that both houses of Congress are controlled by the Republican majority. (Copyright 2005 Associated Press. All rights reserved.)