Native Hawaiians challenge Census population data

starbulletin.com ^ | 8-27-06 | Star Bulletin

[dynachrome]

U.S. Census Bureau data that shows a persistent decline in the native Hawaiian population is being disputed as the bureau prepares to release detailed racial profiles this fall.

-snip-

Tian said one reason native Hawaiians are undercounted is because the Census Bureau does not use race-specific fertility, mortality and migration rates in its population estimates, instead relying on an aggregate rate.

"This is important" because the birth rate for native Hawaiians is higher than for other racial groups, he said.

-snip-

[dynachrome]

Ummm, I'm thinking the distribution of goodies based on race in Hawaii is the real reason for the objections.

[george76]

"While the validity of the Census data is debatable, its impact is clear.

As the bureau explains on its Web site, data on race and ethnicity is key to creating and funding countless federal programs and informs major policy decisions made at every level of government."

[Sam Clements]

I don't care what the ethnic breakdown of Hawaii is and I don't care what the ethnic breakdown of any state is. Can we please move in to the 21st century?