By Richard Borreca

POSTED: 12:34 p.m. HST, Feb 23, 2010

The U.S. House is poised to take up debate on the amended version of the native Hawaiian government reorganization bill, known as the Akaka Bill.

The White House has promised to sign such a bill and this afternoon, Robert Gibbs, the president's press secretary, affirmed that support.

"The President recognizes that Native Hawaiians are a vital part of our nation's cultural fabric, and they will continue to be so in the years to come.  He supports the Substitute Amendment to H.R. 2314, the Native Hawaiian Government Reorganization Act of 2009, as it adds important clarifications to craft a durable pathway forward," Gibbs said in a prepared statement.

 "He applauds Congressman Abercrombie, Congresswoman Hirono, and Senators Akaka and Inouye for their leadership on this issue, and looks forward to signing the bill into law and establishing a government-to-government relationship with Native Hawaiians."

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