Hawai’i Governor Linda Lingle is pushing for federal recognition for Native Hawaiians, despite some Republican claims that the sovereignty movement amounts to no more than an attempt to secure racial preferences. Native Hawaiians have sought assistance for land, health, education and housing programs, but have not been qualified for support received by – or at least promised to - some other indigenous peoples in the U.S. The legislation being pushed by the Hawai’i congressional delegation would create a procedure for the U.S. to recognize a Native Hawaiian government. The bill will also create a Native Hawaiian office in the Department of the Interior and an interagency group to follow Hawaiian issues in the federal government. Several Hawaiian groups have voiced uncertainties regarding federal recognition and the placement of a Hawaiian governing body in the Department of the Interior; however most active Hawaiians in the movement have agreed to support the bill despite perceived shortcomings.
