U.S. Senator Daniel Akaka says misleading attacks and unprecedented obstruction have led to the demise of a measure granting Native Hawaiians self-governance rights.
The Democrat from Hawaii made his comments on the Senate floor, adding that he is committed to pushing the legislation even after newly elected Republicans take office next month.
Mr Akaka says opponents of the bill spread misinformation about the bill by claiming it allowed Native Hawaiians to secede, private lands to be taken and gambling to be permitted.
He has asked his fellow senators to back Hawaii's members of Congress in approving this state-specific measure.
The legislation, known as the Akaka Bill, passed the House in February but never received a vote in the Senate.
