Hawaii Gov. Linda Lingle (R) has been busy lobbying the Senate on a bill to recognize a Native Hawaiian governing entity.

Lingle is one of many Republican supporters of the bill. But other Republicans and conservatives claim it will lead to the secession of Hawaii.

"That's a ridiculous claim and a ridiculous argument," told the Associated Press. "We have over 500 recognized Indian tribes in America. "They don't secede, they simply get a federal recognition that allows them to avoid these kinds of lawsuits that Hawaiians have faced."

The bill was set for consideration this week but was delayed due to relief efforts for Hurricane Katrina and the death of chief justice William H. Rehnquist. Supporters hope it can be brought up again within the coming weeks.

Get the Story:
Hawaii Gov. Lobbies Senate on Secession (AP 9/8)

Rice v. Cayetano Resources:
Abstract, Audio and More

Rice v. Cayetano Election Rights Decision:
Syllabus | Opinion | Concurrence Dissent (Stevens) | Dissent (Ginsburg)

Michelle Malkin Column:
Apartheid in Hawaii: Which Side is John Roberts on? (August 4, 2005)

Heritage Foundation Forum:
Native Hawaiian Sovereignty Act: A Step Toward Secession? (August 30, 2005)

Senate Republican Policy Paper:
Why Congress Must Reject Race-Based Government for Native Hawaiians (June 2005)

Office of Hawaiian Affairs Decision:
Arakaki v. Lingle (August 31, 2005)

School Admission Policy Decision:
Doe v. Kamehameha Schools (August 2, 2005)

Native Hawaiian Recognition Bill:
Native Hawaiian Government Reorganization Act of 2005 (S.147)

Relevant Links:
Kamehameha Schools - http://www.ksbe.edu
Native Hawaiian Sovereignty Site - http://www.hawaii-nation.org
Native Hawaiian Federal Recognition Site - http://www.nativehawaiians.com

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