Arnie Saiki, who has been researching the Hawai’i statehood issue has posted some analysis of the demographics of the 1959 statehood plebiscite at http://statehoodhawaii.org/wp/index.php/2009/05/12/the-statehood-plebiscite/
One of the great myths of statehood is that the vast majority of Hawai’i residents favored statehood. But as Saiki writes “Examining the assertion that 94% of Hawaii’s citizens voted for statehood, actual numbers reveal a much smaller percentage and the numbers suggest that only 35% of eligible voters actively sought statehood. “
Great article – and indeed many flaws were revealed. Based on the information I’ve read (many texts, current accounts, etc.) I believe true Hawaiians should determine the course, the fate and the future of the Hawaiian Islands. Bold? Yes. Appropriate? Most definitely.