A federal government spending measure pending in the U.S. Senate calls for a study on forming a Native Hawaiian governing entity.

The one-sentence language mandating the study was inserted into a $1.27 trillion appropriations bill that’s expected to be considered this week.

The study’s unspecified cost would be paid by the Department of the Interior.

It would involve community and government groups to recommend a mechanism for the reorganization of a Native Hawaiian governing entity, with recognition of that entity by the United States as an Indian tribe.

Hawaii Sens. Daniel Inouye and Daniel Akaka have said they’re also trying to pass legislation creating a Hawaiian government this year, but time is running out for the bill to be considered.