Hawaii's congressional delegation today reintroduced a version of the Akaka bill that passed the Senate Indian Affairs Committee, the House Natural Resources Committee, and the full House of Representatives in 2007.

Sens. Daniel K. Akaka and Daniel K. Inouye introduced the bill in the Senate, and Reps .Neil Abercrombie and Mazie Hirono in the House.

The delegation issued the following joint statement explaining today's action:

"We have been working together to enact the Native Hawaiian Government Reorganization Act which is critical for the future of our state.

"After careful consideration, we have decided to move forward with the version of the bill which was approved by the relevant Congressional committees and the full House in 2007."

This version of the bill contains a prohibition on gaming by the Native Hawaiian Governing Entity. All forms of gambling are already illegal under Hawaii state law.