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Why have the Mdiway Islands never been annexed by Hawaii? They are a natural part of the Hawaiian archipeligo. I understand not annexing Palmyra, Wake, Howard, Baker and Johnson. But why not Midway? Any political reasons?
Just not a priority for the State or the Feds. It's part of the Hawaiian chain, and within Honolulu County, just not part of the official State's administartaion. There are much more pressing issues for Hawaii and the US.
I don't see the advantage of annexing them. Making them a part of Hawaii would mean lots of investment, but not any real return in tax dollars.
Just reading Wikipedia shows possible high expenditures with lead paint on old buildings, infrastructure that would need re-vamping, possibly new citizens on various state/fed payment programs.
And it doesn't appear there is enough "there" to draw a lot of visitors, who must currently go through private tour companies. Would a resort or development have the cash to deal with building there now? Probably not. Not much in income tax, not much in GE tax.
The military still has a presence there, I think. Right now they pay for whatever they need to maintain their base, and I would guess the relationship is fairly OK. Making the surrounding land into a part of the US doesn't seem necessary.
lentzr, why do you ask? What advantage do you see to Midway Islands being a part of Hawaii or the US in general?
There is no military on Midway anymore. Just scientist, fish and wildlife and park service personnel. All the infrastructure is empty from the former base. I work for NOAA, I should know..... Our boats go up there all the time to the marine sanctuary which is off limits to everyone w/o a permit that's hard as hell to get...
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