My time on Oahu so far has been quite productive. I have finished a few books, visited the Bishop Museum, gone to an orientation for access to Kaho'olawe with the Protect Kaho'olawe Ohana, and confirmed two interviews. Its exciting. I never knew I was such a closet nerd.
A Call For Hawaiian Sovereignty, written by Michael Kioni Dudley and Keoni Kealoha Agard is one of the books that I have recently read. It opened my eyes to the illegal and unethical actions that Europeans and Americans alike took toward Hawaiians through out history. The Hawaiian monarchy was illegally overthrown on January 17, 1893 by a small group of money hungry businessmen. After the overthrow these men appointed government officials without a proper election and hastily shipped off for Washington to propose annexation into the union. The intentions were strictly for financial gain. This newly instated government owned the majority of Hawaiian lands and major sugar cane plantations. In order to receive a secure price for their sugar that superseded that of other international growers, Hawaii needed to become a territory. When the bill reached Grover Cleveland, he opposed it and ordered an investigation to be conducted on the matter. His conclusion was that the overthrow was against the will of the Hawaiian monarch and the majority of Hawaiian citizens at the time. He also referred to the deployment of the U.S. Navy in Honolulu as an "act of war." He further writes, “I suppose that right and justice should determine the path to be followed in treating this subject. If national honesty is to be disregarded and a desire for territorial extension, or dissatisfaction with a form of government not our own, ought to regulate our conduct, I have entirely misapprehended the mission and character of our government and behavior which the conscience of our people demands of our public servants.” (pg 24). Even though Grover Cleavland was opposed to the annexation and believed it was the duty of the American government to make things right, no action was taken by the U.S. government. This was the end of the Hawaiian Monarchy.
This book is very relevant to Kaho'olawe because to many, Kaho'olawe is a political symbol. Firstly, a nation needs land. Even though Kaho'olawe is small and badly abused, it belongs to the sovereign nation of Hawaii. At one time this little island sustained a substantial population. Before the introduction of goats, the island was more heavily vegetated, which as a result caused a greater percentage of rainfall. In the access orientation to Kaho'olawe, we were asked to wear water shoes for the landing because the beach is covered in river rocks. Geological history reveals that Hakioawe was where two rivers met. With malama (care) and aloha (love) for the 'aina (land), it is possible to sustain a notable population once again. The author strongly expresses how crucial it is for native Hawaiians to have a strong relationship with the land. He writes, “…If Hawaiians were to survive as a culture and as a race, they had to get back to the land and to reestablish their ties with nature”(pg 66). This book is also relevant and important because it points out many unjust circumstances in the political and legal arena that prevent or make it challenging for native Hawaiians to reestablish their own sovereign nation.
Overall this book was very helpful because it broadened my perspective and furthered my understanding pertaining to where native Hawaiians are coming from in their passionate reconciliation to the land.
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