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Posted: Monday, September 5th, 2005 5:54 AM HST

Hurricane Katrina presents potential challenge to Akaka bill vote

By Associated Press

HONOLULU (AP) _ The devastation of Hurricane Katrina could delay senators returning to Washington and complicate plans for a vote on the the Native Hawaiian recognition bill. In a meeting with The Honolulu Advertiser's editorial board last week Senator Daniel Akaka said he's still confident the bill will have the 60 votes needed to bring it to the floor for debate. However he said he is concerned some senators might be slow to return from the summer recess or be drawn into response to the hurricane -- and thus miss Tuesday's vote. Akaka spokeswoman Donalyn Dela Cruz said both Akaka and Senator Daniel Inouye have written their collegues, urging them to return on time. Washington-based attorney and consultant Bruce Fein has raised objections to the bill. He says the hurricane could work against its supporters because senators may choose to tour the flood-ravaged areas. Fewer senators in the chamber would potentially lower the chances of obtaining the necessary 60 votes. (Copyright 2005 by the Associated Press. All rights reserved.)