HONOLULU (AP) — There will be 152 Native Hawaiians participating in a gathering to discuss self-governance.
HONOLULU (AP) — There will be 152 Native Hawaiians participating in a gathering to discuss self-governance.
Nai Aupuni, the organization formed to guide a now-canceled Native Hawaiian election, announced Wednesday that 44 people declined to participate.
An election was under way to select 40 delegates for a constitutional convention when the U.S. Supreme Court issued an injunction that blocked counting the votes. A lawsuit argues the racially exclusive process is unconstitutional.
Nai Aupuni canceled the election and offered delegate positions to all 196 candidates.
Organizers are now calling them “participants” and the convention a “gathering,” as the opponents continue to fight their efforts in court.
State Rep. Kaniela Ing is on the list, but says he won’t participate unless accommodations can be made for his legislative duties.