Hawaiian islands vs. Maine statehood

[jules5485]

Why can't the islands of Hawaii break from the one state and form multiple states? In 1820 the people of Maine (still a part of Massachusetts) decided that even though they we technically a part of Mass. they wanted to form their own state. Constitutionally speaking, why were the people allowed to do this; currently if people on the small islands of Hawaii wanted to do the same and break away, could they? Why or why not?

[henneth]

Foget Hawaii, the question should be directed at northern Californians!!! If there was a way to split from the south, believe me, alot of them would vote for it.

[Stu in USA]

Maybe the Hawaiins would prefer a clean break, become fully independent and perhaps join the Commonwealth. They are the only state to still have the Union flag as part of the state flag. Makes more sense than dividing into micro states. To try and answer part of your question, many of today's States were once part of larger East coast states that stretched as far as the Mississippi, so the Maine/Mass. division is certainly not unusual in the early history of the USA. Can't think of any state divisions since say the Civil war, so ain't gonna happen to Hawaii. Instead let them decide whether to be independent or remain the 50th state.

[jno]

Nobody is part of the Union by force so they could probably leave - but is there any evidence that they want to?

[gw1]

If being part of the Union (Untied States) is voluntary, what was the problem with the secession of the southern states in 1860/1861? Could they not have just "gone their own way"? Or is Union now compulsory?