- Any change would come following a referendum, the Interior Department said. Native Hawaiians are under no obligation to form a unified government as a result of the new rule – rather, it's meant to decide on its future "as an exercise of its self-determination."
"If a formal government-to-government is reestablished, it could provide the community with greater flexibility to preserve its distinct culture and traditions," the department added. "It could also enhance their ability to affect its special status under Federal law by exercising powers of self-government over many issues directly impacting community members." Additionally, a Native Hawaiian unified government "could establish courts or other institutions to interpret and enforce its laws."
The only person in the article with a Hawaiian name opposed the announcement. Considering how diluted the full Hawaiian blood lines have become, it's hard to imagine Hawaii becoming a sovereign nation. It's also economically difficult to imagine.The new rule does not "authorize or in any way contemplate compensation for any past wrongs," the department said. Hawaii Public Radio spoke to an activist named Bumpy Kanahele who opposed the announcement: he said "the involvement of the federal government is not welcome. And stands in the way of a return to an independent, sovereign Hawaiian nation."