HONOLULU (AP) - A delay in a U.S. Senate vote on a bill that would grant federal recognition to Native Hawaiians is giving Hawaii's governor a chance to lobby senators who fear it could lead to Hawaii's secession from the union.

"That's a ridiculous claim and a ridiculous argument," Gov. Linda Lingle said. "We have over 500 recognized Indian tribes in America. They don't secede. They simply get a federal recognition that allows them to avoid these kinds of lawsuits that Hawaiians have faced."

...Sen. Daniel Akaka, D-Hawaii, the bill's sponsor, has also said the measure has nothing to do with independence or secession...

...Critics call the bill vague and suggest that one day Hawaii could host two governments - the state and a new sovereign Hawaiian government. Pro-independence advocates say the bill doesn't go far enough in ensuring Native Hawaiians self-governance and control over their land...