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U.S. Justice Department Questions Akaka Bill

HONOLULU (AP) -

The U-S Justice Department has raised questions about the Native Hawaiian federal recognition bill, but Governor Lingle says her administration is working with the Bush administration and Congress to clarify language in the bill.

The so-called Akaka bill would grant Native Hawaiians the same rights of self-government enjoyed by American Indians and Native Alaskans, and would lead to U.S. recognition of a native governing entity.

Lingle says these concerns do not go to the core of the bill, and says this is a a positive sign regarding its passage.

The four key issues cited by the Justice Department in a letter to Congress on Wednesday relate to: 

- adding language regarding potential claims, including a limitations period shorter than the 20-year period currently in the bill.

- amending the language to make it clear that the bill does not interfere with the operations of the U.S. military in Hawaii or affect military readiness.

- amending the bill to clarify whether the federal government, state of Hawaii, or the Native Hawaiian governing entity will have jurisdiction to enforce criminal laws on Native Hawaiian lands.

- claryifing that the Native Hawaiian governing entity will not be able to engage in gaming activities.