How Powerful Is Hawaii?

Hawaii state map (wikipedia)

August 21, 2016, marks 57 years since Hawaii gained statehood. As an isolated archipelago with its own language, culture, and history, Hawaii is undoubtedly the most unique US State, and it even has its own long-running sovereignty movement. So, how would Hawaii fare on its own? Just how powerful is Hawaii?

Well, Hawaii is a string of eight main islands and more than 100 smaller islands. Although that may sound large, the state as a whole is very, very small. All 137 islands combined amount to roughly 6,400 square miles, meaning they could fit inside the state of New Jersey. About 1.4 million people live in Hawaii, but the state’s de facto population is considerably larger. That’s because Hawaii is home to about 50,000 troops and sees roughly 8 million visitors each year. That said, it should come as no surprise that the tourism industry is the largest single contributor to Hawaii’s economy, accounting for nearly a quarter of the state’s almost $80 billion dollar GDP.

The island also relies heavily on agriculture, and, because of its tropical climate, it is able to produce and export a number of specialty crops, like coffee and macadamia nuts. When it comes to its economy, Hawaii’s extreme isolation is both a major benefit and a crippling drawback With the nearest landmass more than 2,000 miles away, shipping costs are egregiously high, leaving local producers unable to compete.

What’s more, the controversial Jones Act prohibits foreign container ships from picking up goods from more than one US port, meaning that most ships bypass Hawaii on their way to or from the mainland. This takes a huge financial toll on Hawaiian residents and business-owners. Not only do Hawaiians pay more taxes per person than anyone in the US, the high costs of gas, electricity, housing and imported goods make the island the most expensive place to live in the nation. This is all against the backdrop of Hawaii’s complicated relations with the US.

Back in the 1800’s, Hawaii was an independent monarchy, and its economy was dominated by sugarcane and pineapple production. The beneficiaries were mostly American plantation owners, many of whom clashed with the island’s royal family over local political issues. Meanwhile, the US had its eye on the archipelago as a strategic military base. In the late 19th century, American businessmen partnered with US military to oust the Queen, simultaneously banning Hawaiian language and culture. The US has since apologized for the overthrow, however, Hawaii’s small indigenous population continues to experience disenfranchisement. Native Hawaiians are disproportionately recognized in the state’s homeless and incarcerated populations and are more likely to experience health problems. Natives have long argued that the answer to these problems is regaining self-rule, either through a semi-autonomous government, not unlike those of mainland Native American groups, or through full-blown independence. Some activists have even drafted their own constitution and garnered support from high-profile politicians like Hillary Clinton and President Barack Obama. However with no real plan in place for succession, it may be years before the island sees any degree of sovereignty.

Okay, that's all. See in another article. Bye!