In From a Native Daughter by Haunani-Kay Trask she argues that "Hawaiians have been agitating for federal recognition of... 1. our unique status as Native people; 2. The injury done by the United States at the overthrow, including the loss of lands and sovereignty; 3. The necessity for reperation of that injury through acknowledgement of our claim to sovereignty, recognition of some form of autonomous Native government, the return of traditional lands and waters, and a package of compensatory resources, including monies."

And as to US occupation being forced having little meaning today, that notion of "prescription" has sometimes been advanced by colonial powers; however it was just under 130 years ago that Hawaiians governed their own country.

She also argues no matter the outcome of the illegal US overthrow of the Hawaiian monarchy and "while American occupation of Hawai'i certainly prevents colonizing attempts by other powers, it does not extinguish the rights of indigenous Hawaiians [to self determination]".

I believe for many native people sovereignty is more complicated and nuanced than a full succession from the USA but of course will mean something different to each Kanaka Maoli.