After Brexit, A ‘Hawexit’?

Hawaii is one of five states identified as seeing interest in independence movements since the British voted to leave Europe last month.

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Could Native Hawaiian independence movements gain momentum following the so-called Brexit vote that has convulsed the European Union?

Politico has this article that identifies five states where Brexit “has invigorated secession movements across America.”

One of them is Hawaii.

Demonstrators before the start of the Aloha Aina Unity March at Saratoga Road near Kalakaua Avenue. 9 aug 2015. photograph Cory Lum/Civil Beat
Demonstrators before the start of the Aloha Aina Unity March at Saratoga Road near Kalakaua Avenue, August 2015. Cory Lum/Civil Beat

“Possibly the least pronounceable of all the proposed U.S. exits, Hawexit might have the most legitimate history — and most serious ongoing legal conversation,” says Politico.

Bumpy Kanahele of the Nation of Hawaii is among those interviewed. As the article notes, sovereignty has long been sought by some groups in the islands.

The other four states said to see independence movements are Vermont, Texas, New Hampshire and California.

Despite the interest, the article observes, “It’s unlikely any of these states will actually secede, no matter how inspiring Britain’s example; the Civil War showed that the government in Washington doesn’t take these attempts lightly.”

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