Assurances have been given by Senate leaders that they will work to have the Native Hawaiian Government Reorganization Act placed on the calendar when Congress is in session next year, U.S. Sen. Daniel Akaka said today in a news release.

Better known as the Akaka bill, the legislation establishes a process for the 400,000 Native Hawaiians in the U.S. to be formally recognized by the federal government as an indigenous people. Native Hawaiians could then decide to pursue a sovereign government that could negotiate with the U.S. over land use and other rights.

The bill was expected to be aired on the Senate floor last summer but stalled when Congress diverted its attention to Hurricane Katrina.

Akaka said that he spoke to Majority Leader Bill Frist and Minority Leader Harry Reid and that both pledged take the appropriate steps.

"I commend the majority leader for his diligent efforts to proceed to consideration of this measure that is so important to the citizens of Hawai'i," Akaka said. "My discussions (with the leaders) were very positive. This is welcome news as we break for the holidays."

Congress adjourns for the year this week and returns to a regular schedule Jan. 18.