Nearly 100 accept Native Hawaiian delegate positions

By JENNIFER SINCO KELLEHER
Associated Press

HONOLULU (AP) - Nearly 200 candidates who were running for delegates at a convention to forge a path for Native Hawaiian self-governance are deciding whether to accept automatic entry after organizers called off the election.

Organizers say nearly 100 people have already accepted. The others have until 11:59 p.m. on Tuesday to decide.

Clarence Ku Ching says he reluctantly accepted. He says he would prefer being an elected delegate.

Lanakila (lah-nah-kee-lah) Mangauil (MANG'-wheel) has also accepted, despite disagreeing with the process. He says he wants to be a "voice on the inside."

Native Hawaiians were voting for delegates when organizers called off the election last week to avoid an ongoing legal battle.

The U.S. Supreme Court blocked the counting of votes after election opponents raised complaints about non-Hawaiians not being able to participate.

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