Final answer:
Yes, there is an independence movement in Hawaii among some Native Hawaiians who seek either full independence or semi-sovereign status within the United States, although the movement has limited support.
Step-by-step explanation:
True, there is an independence movement in Hawaii, with some Native Hawaiians seeking either full independence or a form of semi-sovereign status within the United States. The Hawaiian sovereignty movement is part of a larger historical context where Hawaii was an independent kingdom until the monarchy was overthrown in 1893. The annexation of Hawaii by the United States in 1898 was preceded by events that disenfranchised Native Hawaiians and favored the interests of American planters and investors.
There remains today a segment of the population—particularly among Native Hawaiians—that feels the effects of this history and advocates for various degrees of self-governance or complete independence. An apology from the United States in 1993 acknowledged the role its agents played in the overthrow and that sovereignty was never willingly relinquished by Native Hawaiians. Additionally, Queen Lili'uokalani's descendants still claim rights to the vacant throne. Nevertheless, the independence movement has limited support compared to proposals granting semi-sovereign status or recognizing Native Hawaiians as an indigenous American tribe.