S. 344: Native Hawaiian Recognition Act of 2003

108th Congress · introduced 2003-02-11 · Native Americans · Latest: Committee on Indian Affairs. Ordered to be reported with an amendment in the nature of a substitute favorably.

federal

Follow this bill, step by step

Where it came from: introduced 2003-02-11 · official record
Who proposed it: Sen. Akaka, Daniel K. [D-HI] · what a sponsor is
What happened next: no floor votes in our records yet. Why?
Where it stands now: Committee on Indian Affairs. Ordered to be reported with an amendment in the nature of a substitute favorably. Not final yet: this can still change. We check for updates every day.
If it becomes law and spends money: follow the money to money laws, then agencies and contracts and grants.

What does this mean?

Official title

Native Hawaiian Recognition Act of 2003

Plain summary

Establishes the U.S. Office for Native Hawaiian Relations (Office) within the Office of the Secretary of the Interior. Establishes the Native Hawaiian Interagency Coordinating Group to: (1) coordinate Federal programs and policies or actions that may significantly or uniquely affect Native Hawaiian resources, rights, or lands; (2) assure that each Federal agency develops a policy on consultation with Native Hawaiians; and (3) assure the participation of such agencies in the development of an annual report to Congress. Recognizes the right of the Native Hawaiian people to adopt organic governing documents. Provides that following the organization and election of a Native Hawaiian government and the adoption of such documents, the duly elected Native Hawaiian government shall submit those documents to the Secretary. Requires the Secretary to certify that: (1) such documents meet specified certifications; and (2) the State of Hawaii supports the recognition of such Native Hawaiian government as evidenced by a resolution or act of the Hawaiian State legislature. Extends Federal recognition to the government as the representative governing body of the Native Hawaiian people upon election of officers and certification by the Secretary. Authorizes the United States, upon Federal recognition of the Native Hawaiian government, to enter into an agreement with the State and such government regarding the transfer of lands, resources, and assets dedicated to Native Hawaiian use.

Congressional Research Service summary (Introduced in Senate), quoted unchanged (nonpartisan). Read the source.

What a vote does

A “Yea” vote

If it passes both chambers and is signed, it becomes law.

A “Nay” vote

If it is not passed, current law stays as it is.

PSI Sci description of the legislative step (not an opinion).

What does this mean? (plain words)

Official text

Native Hawaiian Recognition Act of 2003

Source: Congressional Research Service summary (Introduced in Senate)

AI explanation – may be wrong, check the official text

No AI explanation yet. It takes up to a minute to write and is then saved for everyone.

Limited to a few requests an hour per person.

The strongest published arguments

Arguments for (supporters)

Needs sources: no published arguments on this side yet. We only show items backed by a published source. Suggest one.

Arguments against (opponents)

Needs sources: no published arguments on this side yet. We only show items backed by a published source. Suggest one.

Alternatives

Needs sources: no published alternatives yet (for example a different bill, a law instead of an amendment, or keeping current law). We only show items backed by a published source. Suggest one.

How did my representative vote? · This bill's floor votes

Officials and money

Sponsor: Sen. Akaka, Daniel K. [D-HI] · 7 cosponsors

Cost estimate: CBO cost estimate: S. 344, Native Hawaiian Recognition Act of 2003 (2003-05-30); CBO cost estimate: S. 344, Native Hawaiian Recognition Act of 2003 (2003-05-30); CBO cost estimate: S. 344, Native Hawaiian Govenment Reorganization Act of 2004 (2004-05-03); CBO cost estimate: S. 344, Native Hawaiian Govenment Reorganization Act of 2004 (2004-05-03)

Cosponsors on this site

No linked floor roll calls in our collected records yet. This does not mean the bill has never had a vote. Check the official bill history.

Words on this page, explained (2)

Legislature: The elected body that makes laws. In Texas it has a House of Representatives (150 members) and a Senate (31 members). In Florida it has a House of Representatives (120 members) and a Senate (40 members).
Resolution: A formal statement or decision by a legislative body. Simple resolutions often only express an opinion or set rules for one chamber; they do not become law.

Plain meanings written from linked sources. All words.

Sources

Congressional Research Service summary (Introduced in Senate)
Congress.gov
Data: GovInfo BILLSTATUS bulk data (Library of Congress), BILLSTATUS-108s344.xml <https://www.govinfo.gov/bulkdata/BILLSTATUS/108/s>

Record fed-us-cong108-s344 · catalog fed-us-congress-bills-cong108 · updated 2026-11-15 by psicol fed-bills-cong108