Eds: APNewsNow. Corrects name of newspaper in 2nd paragraph. Fixes attribution link.
Eds: APNewsNow. Corrects name of newspaper in 2nd paragraph. Fixes attribution link.
HONOLULU (AP) — An effort by Native Hawaiians to form their own government has signed up fewer than 20,000 of the 200,000 people it is seeking, but organizers are undaunted.
The initiative known as Kana’iolowalu launched in July 2012 after enactment of a state law recognizing Native Hawaiians as the only indigenous people of the island. The Honolulu Star-Advertiser reports (https://bit.ly/19rM99Q ) that the law created a Native Hawaiian Roll Commission to identify them.
The yearlong drive was extended until January because of the short pace of signups.
Organizers say they are set to add another 50,000 names Sept. 15 when they consolidate people who have signed previous registries.
The law says that those who are registered may decide on their form of self-government.
Nearly 290,000 natives live in the state.
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Information from: Honolulu Star-Advertiser, https://www.staradvertiser.com