A Divided Aloha State

The Akaka Bill (S. 310 / H.R. 505) sponsors the creation of a race-based Native Hawaiian Governing Entity (NHGE) for persons with possibly as little as one drop of Native Hawaiian blood. Because the bill provides few specifics, the NHGE would have broad unlimited power. The NHGE would be permitted to negotiate with the federal government to settle claims based in part on the federal 'Apology Resolution' which relates to the 1893 revolution in the Hawaiian Kingdom that ultimately led to statehood in 1959. The bill's supporters have conceded that ultimately, secession and independence are possibilities.