Self-government makes Hawaii a discreet trade hub

Separate Hawaiian government would leave room for politically sensitive trade. Hawaii would remain outside British territory, with its own authorities responsible for local commerce. Britain could therefore overlook transactions that would be politically awkward in an imperial port. Parties unwilling to send ships directly to each other could transfer goods in the middle of the Pacific under Hawaiian rules. British protection and local control of commerce could make the kingdom a useful transshipment hub.