U.S. Sen. Daniel Akaka says "misleading attacks" and "unprecedented obstruction" led to the demise of a measure granting Native Hawaiians self-governance rights.

The Democrat from Hawaii made his comments on the Senate floor Wednesday, and he said he’s committed to pushing the legislation even after newly elected Republicans take office next month.

Akaka said 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 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.