Granted, I have a limited understanding of the law in HI.
However, I think that what the Gov did was a shrewd political move. Provides Republicans cover - so if there *is* a problem with the document, it was "Sealed. No one could possibly have tampered with it." Also, she has the "I'm just enforcing the law as it exists today" argument on her side.
Further, it brings the subject even farther out into the public eye, and forces people beyond the political junkies here to talk about it.
Good move. Lingle is a Republican, I believe, and friendly with Palin. I think that if she's involved, it's on the up-and-up.
Also it helps stop leaks and rumors of leaked birth certificates. That way you don’t get in a situation like in Ohio where Democrat operatives who are state employees suddenly found the need to examine Joe the Plumber’s state records and release them to the press.