Source: Indian Country Today

Wire Service: AP

http://www.indiancountry.com/content.cfm?id=1096416547

HONOLULU (AP) - Democratic presidential candidate Barack Obama said he would sign the Akaka Bill recognizing Native Hawaiians if elected president.

The Illinois senator said in a statement released Jan. 22 he supports federal recognition for Native Hawaiians because they are an important part of the local culture. The bill would fulfill the promise of ''liberty, justice and freedom'' for Native Hawaiians and ensure they are not left out of the state's progress, he said.