I’m not sure what government officials in Alabama would be afraid of. Alabama is among the ten most conservative states in the union. Obama only managed to get 38% of the vote in 2012 and he’d get even less today.
Nero/Jamieee OBOt, they have spines made of jelly because they believe that taking the correct stand and being the first, even a small one, will invite BS OBama-media ridicule (waaaaah) along with not being invited to cocktails or whatever else..so they punt. The path of least resistance.
They are afraid of the ridicule and political firestorm they would ignite in the Mass media proclaiming them to be "RACISTS" and "Idiots", especially if Hawaii produces a non-remarkable certified Birth Certificate. (Which I don't think would happen, but I can see how someone else would worry about this greatly.)
They are afraid of crying "Wolf" and been made out to be fools and laughingstocks. That has been the normal methodology directed at anyone who dares question this guy's legitimacy.