On May 7, the Congressional Delegation of Hawaii reintroduced the Native Hawaiian Government Reorganization Act, better known as the "Akaka Bill."
The bill, if enacted would create a federally recognized, sovereign entity to be knows as the Kingdom of Hawaii. Hawaii's 2 Senators Daniel Akaka and Daniel Inouye have introduced the bill in the Senate, while Representatives Neil Abercrombie and Mazie Hirono introduced the legislation in the House.
In 2007, the Akaka Bill passed committee in both chambers of Congress, as well as the full House of Representatives. The Hawaiian Delegation has reintroduced the 2007 version, which contains a provision prohibiting gaming by the new Native Hawaiian Governing Entity it would to create. All forms of gambling are illegal under Hawaiian State law.
President Obama, who was born in Hawaii, has expressed support for the legislation.