Puerto Rican situation offers us another way

Next month, as some celebrate the centennial of he annexation of Hawai`i to the United States, others will be mourning the passing of the Hawaiian Kingdom.

The same dichotomy that is affecting Hawai1i can be seen now in Puerto Rico.

Like Hawai`i, Puerto Rico became a United States possession in 1898.

Like Hawai`i, Puerto Rico also face internal turmoil regarding its future. Although some favor statehood, others have been pushing for independence. Still more prefer to maintain its commonwealth status.

Advocates for Hawaiian independence should use this time to consider alternatives to outright independence.

If war is considered an "illegal" method of obtaining territory, then Puerto Rico was also obtained improperly.

Perhaps Hawaii's identity would be best preserved by becoming a commonwealth.

Immunity from federal taxes would help the economy, and residents would still be able to vote in federal elections while on the Mainland.

This may prove to be the best middle ground for those who desire Hawaiian independence but still want some ties to the United States.