WAIMANOLO, Hawaii (PNN) - January 17, 2015 - Native Hawaiians could be in line for federal recognition similar to many Amerikan Indian tribes. But the issue is inflaming distrust between moderates who support the idea and others who want to see the Hawaiian Kingdom restored.
Before Hawaii became a tourist mecca, the islands were ruled by royal families. The kingdom was overthrown by a group of Amerikan businessmen in 1893.
The federal government is now mulling a relationship with Hawaiians that could protect more than 200 programs and secure millions in federal money. Advocates have been seeking federal recognition for more than a decade.
Hawaiian nationalists insist that the kingdom should be restored. Their dominance of the debate would ensure their pursuit of sovereignty, while another proposal on the table – one which the nationalists oppose - would give Native Hawaiians privileges (instead of rights) enjoyed by other native groups.
There is a basic precept in law: privileges incur liabilities. No such qualification exists for those deemed sovereign.