It’s a crowded field vying to attend ‘aha

There’s apparently no shortage of people wanting a seat at the ‘aha table. That constitutional convention of Native Hawaiians contemplating self-governance has drawn 209 candidates for 40 delegate slots.

By the numbers, the stiffest competition will be among the 44 from various states who are seeking the seven seats representing out-of-state Hawaiians. The largest cluster are in their 40s, but they’re a fairly age-diverse group, with dates of birth between 1933 and 1991.

The in-state contenders, especially those from Oahu, include numerous candidates with high name recognition — current and former politicians, for example. Many have go-to constituencies they’ll woo to get elected.

But it will be most interesting to see who emerges from the mainland to spend time — a long time, probably — discussing sovereignty in the homeland.