Hawaiian people, or individual Native Hawaiians, shall be deemed to have been made in accordance with the Indian Trade and Intercourse Act and any other provision of Federal law that specifically applies to transfers of land or natural resources from, by, or on behalf of an Indian tribe, Native Hawaiians, or Native Hawaiian entities." and; "nothing in this Act provides an authorization for eligibility to participate in any Indian program." Support Although the bill has changed substantially since some of these groups announced their support, supporters of the bill have included: Former President Barack Obama Hawaii's Democratic congressional delegation Senators Daniel Akaka and Daniel K. Inouye and Representative Mazie Hirono. Hawaii's Democratic State Governor and former congressional Representative Neil Abercrombie. Hawaii's State legislature, which has unanimously passed at least three resolutions supporting federal recognition for Native Hawaiians. The National Congress of American Indians, the oldest and largest national Native American organization. The Alaska Federation of Natives, the largest organization representing the Native people of Alaska. The National Indian Education Association. The American Bar Association. The Japanese American Citizens League. Those who seek legislation to provide federal recognition for Native Hawaiians to ensure that the native (especially at-risk) population continues to receive services in health care, housing, education, job training, employment, culture, and the arts. The United States Commission on Civil Rights. The Commission previously opposed federal recognition in 2006, but reversed its position in 2018. Supporters of the bill seek to protect the programs assisting Native Hawaiians, such as the Office of Hawaiian Affairs and the Kamehameha Schools, as well as health-care and housing for the Hawaiian population. Senator Akaka said, as he introduced the 2007 version on the Congressional floor: The legislation I introduce today seeks to build upon the foundation of reconciliation. It provides a structured process to bring together the people of Hawaii, along a path of healing to a Hawaii where its indigenous people are respected and culture is embraced. Through enactment of this legislation, we have the opportunity to demonstrate that our country does not just preach its ideas, but lives according to its founding principles. As it has for America's other indigenous peoples, I believe the United States must fulfill its responsibility to Native Hawaiians. In a 2005 editorial in the Washington Times, the Republican Attorney General of Hawaii Mark Bennett vigorously defended the Akaka Bill against claims that it would create a race-based