Day 2 of the Denver convention saw a step forward for the Native Hawaiian Government Reorganization Act, or so-called Akaka bill.
The Democratic Party determined to include its support for Native Hawaiian self-determination and sovereignty in its platform formally adopted during the convention.
Barack Obama himself, who was raised in Hawai'i, had already expressed his support in january and promised to sign the bill that would allow Native Hawaiians to negotiate over control of land and assets.
John McCain, who had served as chairman of the Senate Indian Affairs Committee, has said he opposes the bill.
Colleen Hanabusa, a member of the Hawaii Delegation at the convention, praised the decision. The fact that you have Native Hawaiians recognized alongside Native Americans is really a major statement," she said in a
report on KHON News.
For a concise background account of the bill, its status in the election season, and the two candidates' positions, see the
Honolulu Advertiser's report.
