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kealiiblaisdell
Akahai
USA
52 Posts |
 Posted - 02/22/2007 : 2:13:12 PM
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Ho`ohui `aina or Annexation is a very touchy subject to alot of Hawaiian people. In reference to wanda's post to Kaulana Na Pua, the Hawaiian people have struggled for our rights and want to force the United States in recognizing the wrongs that have been bestowed on us. As being Native Hawaiian myself, I too have issues about what happened in the past, but it is in the past, and that my friends is called History. Today, we as a people have overcame so many barriers and have finally succeeded in having the United States recognize the overthrow as being illegal and that it should have never happened.
The term "Haole" is widely used in Hawai`i towards those of caucasian descent and widely so does it affect those who are caucasian. But "Haole" means foreigner, not "white", but Hawaiian's don't see everyone who does not belong in Hawai`i as being "Haole", they refer it only to those who are white. Hawaiian's use the term in reference to the past and present days of what America has done to hurt our people. From Government to business owners and Caucasian landowners are doing to Hawai`i and it's people.
There is great ignorance within the American population who views the Hawaiian's on their fight for survival. History has shown what America has done to those of non-caucasian ancestry. From the Native Americans, to African Americans, the Mexicans, Japanese, Hawaiians and now to those of Middle Eastern descent...it all boils down towards dominance and expansion. History has shown that is nothing but greed that drives America's quest for dominance, or as I like to call it, "Imperialisim",:
Illegal Killings of thousands Native Indians by military force.
RESULT: Land Expansion into the western territories for precious metals and land development.
Illegal Killings of Natives in NY (Niagara) and forcable relocation by the military.
RESULT:Producing and generating half of the U.S. electricity use
The Wounded Knee Massacre (Pine Ridge, SD)
RESULT:Giving the U.S. Government the largest gold producing mine in the World
California (land owned by mexico, ilegally taken by U.S., by military force)
RESULT: the last stronghold of land that made the United States what it is today for it's final land expansion and for it's precious metals and coastal ports
Slave trading / slave labor from Africa
RESULT: producing the richest economy in the world, producing more than half of the world's cotton and tobacco demands.
Overthrow of the Hawaiian Kingdom by American Business and military force.
RESULT: centralized strategic shipping/trading port/post and military naval base in the middle of the Pacific
Alaskan Natives Lands taken away, and relocated.
RESULT:supplying more than half of America's oil supply and it's Natural resources
Iraqi People/Iraqi War
RESULT:stock piles of oil from that region is now under the total control of the United States, obvioulsy ran by Haliburton
These are just a few of what really made America what America is today. Land was not just given to the U.S., the Native Indians did not want to give up their homes, same goes for the Hawaiians. However, the greed of big business, men and the Government only cared about their interests of expansion, strategic interests and wealth. America became the nation it is by use of force and bloodshed. I only speak the truth from what is already in our History books, so I hope this does not upset anyone.
The reason I posted this here, is for education and understanding on why the Hawaiian people have so much anger and hatred towards the U.S. and anyone coming to Hawai`i to make a buck or even retirement for that matter. To "haole's", Hawai`i is paradise with beautiful beaches and lush tropical forests. But to Hawaiians, it is a land that we no longer recognize, it was a Nation of our people governed by our queen now governed by Hotels and the military. It is a prison which was once our home, it was our land abundant with life, now owned by rich caucasians abundant with ignorance. Why do we, as Hawaiians, have to buy land, when it already belonged to us in the first place? Why do we need permission to live and go to some beaches, when it was already ours to begin with?
You see, I have heard through various seminars that I have attended that, "Hawaiians should just get over it" or, "Hawaiians are lacking the education and should just be happy what we did for them", or even this one, "America did a favor for the Hawaiian People, we brought them money, clothed them, and even built them houses to live in...we civilized them". At one point, a caucasian woman told me to my face to, "Go back to your own country" And a caucasian man told me, "Whites are the dominant race, you Hawaiians are just too stupid to realize that"
...that hurts and it pisses me off.
Fighting for our exsistance and our rights as a people of a once sovereign nation recognized by over 103 countries as a Sovereign Nation...is all we have left today. And all we have to fight for.
So, the next time anyone asks why the Hawaiian people are so angry and full of hate, remember this post...
Aloha
Keali`i Blaisdell
This is not to offend anyone, more to educate those who don't understand.
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Reid
Ha`aha`a
Andorra
1526 Posts |
Posted - 02/22/2007 : 2:48:00 PM
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Keali`i, everything you say is true and we weep for it. But, you forgot the Italians who were imported by white Robber Barons to build marble mansions and granite universities in the Northeast US, and then sent back to an exhausted land, themselves exhausted and impoverished. You forgot the Chinese who were imported as indentured labor to build railroads on the mainland and chop sugar cane on plantations everywhere and then abandoned, if they had not already died. You forgot the Poles who were used as mules in the mines of the eastern mountains by those rich whites. You forgot the old Scotch-Irish who perish in the coal mines of Appalachia still - this year and last. You forgot the Jews who died in the millions in Europe at the hands of Christians of every sort and who died fighting for Blacks in Alabama not so long ago. You forgot a lot of stuff.
...Reid |
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kealiiblaisdell
Akahai
USA
52 Posts |
Posted - 02/22/2007 : 3:00:26 PM
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I did not forget those, I was specifically speaking of Hawai'i and it's people fight for survival and why they are so angry towards the United States and the Caucasian race.
Hawai`i was a Kingdom, a sovereign Nation, taken away...illegaly. I only mentioned SOME events that made America the Nation it is today... the topic I posted was HO`OHUI `AINA (Annexation)and those of NON CAUCASIAN ANCESTRY fighting for their survival against those OF caucasian ancestry, but thank you for adding those. Some must understand why the topic of Hawaiian Rights and/or Annexation can so easily upset one of Hawaiian Ancestry, and their beliefs and anger against those who are Caucasian. It is however truly disheartening that alot of the Hawaiian people associate skin color to the pains and suffering of the Hawaiian people. Alot of times, I find myself ashamed to be Hawaiian when violence by Hawaiians happens against those who are innocent from any wrong doing at all. It makes Hawaiians looks violent and ungrateful. I mean, in all honesty, I have struggled with the fact that in the past on a job application, it says "Pacific Islander", not Hawaiian. But through legal battles, nowdays on all applications, you will see a box where it says, "Native Hawaiian".
It may seem that i'm bitter. Truthfully told, I am not. As a people we have came a long way. I am proud to be an American. I also believe that if America never came in, we would of probably been under the control of another country. After all, Hawai`i had been under the control of Russia and United Kingdom at one point before Ho`ohui`aina took place. This is only to educate those who truly don't understand why the Hawaiian People are so angry towards the "Haole" and the U.S.
I hurt, believe me I do. However, I also believe that through education (such as this post) or even at Hawaiian venues alot of people will have a better understanding of Hawai`i and it's people. Hawai`i introduced so many things to the World that doesn't get credit for it, some examples are: Sking, Bobsleding, The Cowboy, Surfing and many many more... Hawai`i had electricity at `Iolani Palace way before the White House did...amazing huh...
Aloha
Keali`i |
Edited by - kealiiblaisdell on 02/22/2007 5:40:35 PM |
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wcerto
Ahonui
USA
5052 Posts |
Posted - 02/22/2007 : 3:30:47 PM
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So well put, Keali`i. I surely understand why Hawaiians feel that way. That part is easy. Anyone would feel the same way in the same circumstances, I would think. But, how can I, as an individual, ho`oponopono? What I mean is that things need to be made right on an individual, one-by-one basis by those of us who also love Hawai`i and her people. What can we do? What do you want to see done? What do the Hawaiian people want done? Not everyone Hawaiian is in favor of sovereignty. Not all are opposed.
I've read the Clinton apology. OK now, so what? What next? I do not see the government doing anything concrete to make up for it. I think anyone would agree that egregious wrong has been done. I am a quality assurance specialist by trade, and I have to make sure contractors doing work for the DoD do it right. When I have to cite them for doing something wrong, many times, that is only thing I need to do to set things right -- many times people are just not aware there is a problem. Once they become aware, it is easy to set things right. That doesn't work in this instance. I love Hawai`i. I do not want to feel guilty for coming to Hawai`i. Nor do I want someone to feel rancor toward me because I did.
Someone let the haole buy land, or take posession of land. Someone wanted to enrich the kingdom through trade. Someone permitted the sandalwood trade, and on and on. It takes at least two individuals to make a problem, to put a bad idea in action -- one who gets the idea and does the bad thing, the other to permit them to do it, either through specific action or deliberate inaction.
Bottom line...as a native Hawaiian, what do you want us to do? The best I can do is to respect you and your land; to love you and your land; to honor your traditions and history and culture. I want to be pono, but I do not want to give up visiting Hawai`i. Is it not pono if I do visit Hawai'i? Should I stay away?
Keali`i thank you so much for your honest, forthright and respectful mana`o, and for sharing it with us. |
Me ke aloha
Malama pono,
Wanda |
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kealiiblaisdell
Akahai
USA
52 Posts |
Posted - 02/22/2007 : 3:51:25 PM
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So true Wanda, as much as it hurts, I have to admit that I also point the blame on one of our monarchs...King David Kalakaua. In my opinion, he wasn't a King for the people, He was a King for wealth and luxury. He was a very flashy monarch and wanted wealth, lots of wealth, he alone of course opened the doors for trade and granted land to those who could bring about wealth to the Kingdom, and to his own pockets. Before there were pineapple or sugar, there were rice fields as far as the eyes could see...and they brought great wealth to the King.
No one should stay away from Hawai`i, I dont condone those who use the topic of Ho`ohui`aina as a way to spew hate and racisim. I applaud those who uses the topic as an educational tool to educate those who do not understand why SOME hawaiians are so hateful to a country and to the caucasian race.
To me, we all bleed the same color blood (unless you are Klingon, lol) and skin color is only the surface. Peel back the surface (SKIN) of every single human being in this world...and ALL colors of a person becomes exactly the same.
Education is the key for everything...and my hope is that all of you who reads this, reads this AS an educating tool, not as a racial one. To all those who uses violence as form of jusitfication related to Ho`ohui`aina, should rightfully pay the consequences. I don't condone racisim, hate and violence. And when Hawaiians commit to violence or hate to another human being, it makes me ashamed to be Hawaiian and ashamed to use the word "Aloha".
Aloha
Keali`i
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Edited by - kealiiblaisdell on 02/22/2007 4:09:18 PM |
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hawaiianmusiclover06
`Olu`olu
USA
562 Posts |
Posted - 02/22/2007 : 4:02:36 PM
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Aloha mai e Keali'i, I have to say and agree with you that this is a touchy subject for the Hawaiian people. You put it so well. I have to say that it hurt me even though I am not Hawaiian even though my first name is. I just wanted to say a big mahalo for educating all of us, including myself. I didn't know that Hawai'i had electric at 'Iolani Palace before the white house. That is amazing. I feel for the Hawaiian people, I feel for you. E malama pono.
Aloha,
Alana :) |
Aloha Kakou, maluhia a me aloha mau loa (Hello everyone, peace and love forever) |
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MentoBuggah
Aloha
22 Posts |
Posted - 02/22/2007 : 4:16:20 PM
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Sorry, can't let this pass, and I know I speak for many mainland haoles who mistakenly feel they are outsiders and do not have the right to chime in.
Sure, the overthrow was illegal and imperialistic by any definiton, but it is naive to think that Hawaii could remain untouched during the 19th century. I don't think you would have enjoyed being occupied by Imperialist Japan or Csarist Russia, the two most likely alternatives. The American Protestant movement replaced a feudal system that was at least as oppressive (if you weren't Ali'i) and did bring some good institutions along with their diseases.
So why emulate those you resent by lumping all caucasions together? I would venture to guess that most haole TP members are likely to respect Hawaiian culture and support local musicians.
I have several friends who will never return to Hawaii due to racism and assaults. That's a good thing, you may think, but Hawaii has been a state under the US umbrella of protection for two generations, and for those that would prevent me from exercising my first amendment rights to travel within the US: I see you as being no different than the rednecks in Idaho who shot US Biologists on Federal land.
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kealiiblaisdell
Akahai
USA
52 Posts |
Posted - 02/22/2007 : 4:46:58 PM
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quote:
Originally posted by MentoBuggah
So why emulate those you resent by lumping all caucasions together? I would venture to guess that most haole TP members are likely to respect Hawaiian culture and support local musicians.
As humans, and as a caucasians, you may take this personally, and I don't blame you, however the question is why? Why is education such a horrible thing to those who do not understand the reasons why Hawaiians are so angry? Just like your friends who will never return to Hawai`i, shouldn't they deserve an explanation on why?
Ignorance comes to those who only see whats in front of them, and to those who refuse to see and hear the truth through the use of education. Mentobuggah, you are entitled to your opinion, however you are turning this personal. This post is for educational purposes only explaning the reasons of Hawai'i and its people of Native Ancestry. It has nothing to do racisim...after all, we were all educated by America on everything there is to know about America, so why not truthfully be educated by a Hawaiian on certain Hawaiian issues.
Whenever something happens to America or Americans of Caucasian ethnicity, everyone comes to their aid and fights for their freedoms and rights. But when something happens to Hawaiians, Natives of America or those of non caucasian ethnicity, it's not even on a single sheet of Newspaper...examples:
Caucasian girl gets mauled by a Tiger Shark on Kaua`i...she gets World wide news coverage...3 weeks later Teenage hawaiian boy gets mauled by a Tiger Shark...no news coverage.
Jean Benet Ramsey, rich caucasian girl found dead in the basement...world wide news coverage...1 year later a young african american girl found dead, raped and tied to a tree in washington state...no news coverage
Baby Jessica, a young caucasian baby fell into a hole...worldwide news coverage....5 years later a 2 yr old mexican boy fell into hole for more than 18 hrs...no news coverage
Get the Picture? Am I telling the truth? Or am I being as you put it, "no different than the rednecks in Idaho who shot US Biologists on Federal land"...
This is not personal, so don't make it personal. After all, I assume you READ all my posts in this topic and every post it says "EDUCATIONAL" cmon guy...if you feel like im directing this AT ALL caucasians, and turning this into a Hawaiian VS Whites war, than maybe YOU have something to think about, on the way you view minorites and they way you view your skin color.
If I cannot post something educational that all of us deserves a better understanding, especially on this topic alone, and by you spewing something totally out of proportion, than what you are saying to me is I have no rights and do not belong to this society. This entire post was in response to Kaulana Na Pua and the reasoning of anger and frustration of the Hawaiian people towards America and those of Caucasian ethnicity, to educate those who do not understand the reasons why. Not to belittle those in here or to spew hate...read it with an open mind not a closed one. And If I felt that the Taro Patchers were never going to understand any of this, I would have never posted this topic...read what I posted, all of it, and you will find where I stand on this matter...c'mon guy! Oh, and yes, my `ohana does come from a line of Ali`i's....for your info.
A better understanding and knowledge starts with education and starts with someone brave enough to stand up for it and implements it. If there are any doubts...than just ask Rosa Parks or Martin Luther King Jr...better yet, try Abraham Lincoln. It is also better if one would research...by International Laws, a Nation can only extend it's boundries 11-13 nautical miles out to sea, therefore, making Hawai`i illegal as a State of the United States. Why do you think Guam and Saipan are not States of the U.S. and Puerto Rico for that matter? The U.S recently tried it with the Phillipenes and failed! Hawai`i was under the protection of England, France, Japan and many other countries around the globe, with treaties and good ties with 103 Nations, therefore eliminating any possibilty of a hostile takeover until the United States came in. Even the President at the time and era, refused to make Hawai`i a territory of the United States, until his term was up and the next President took office...And Japan was never an empire until the United States paid a diplomatic visit to Japan for international trades and goods and started arms trading and dealings for Japan to abolish the Shogun and the Samurai (not based on the movie, my wife is Japanese and has family in Japan). As for being under the protection umbrella of the U.S., answear this question? Was it by our choice as an independant sovereign nation with free minds of our own, or was it by gunpoint and cannons pointed into Honolulu and at Hawai`i's people by the United States Military? Do your research before posting something that ridiculous!
True, Hawai`i has come along way since 1893 and everyone all over the world has come to love Hawai`i and it's Traditions, and it's music like Traditional Hawaiian and Ki`Ho`alu...but at what costs, and at who's expense? Hate Me, love me...it does not matter...Im not at anyway trying to disrespect ANYONE or ANY RACE...people would like to know why they get the dirty looks and get robbed and get assaulted and get called ugly names when they vacation to Hawai`i...I don't condone it, I hate that it happens, and am very ashamed of my own people but,this topic explains the reasons why. If I cannot voice an explanation for my people and some of their ways of doing things, than what use am I to my own people and to you all who cannot understand those reasons why?
Keali`i
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Edited by - kealiiblaisdell on 02/22/2007 6:40:43 PM |
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hapakid
Luna Ho`omalu
USA
1533 Posts |
Posted - 02/22/2007 : 6:09:44 PM
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I don't think annexation is a sensitive issue at all. Hawai'i was taken from the monarchy by pro-American men and that's that. No one can dispute those facts. We should never forget.
What the contemporary federal government should do in 2007 is a good topic of discussion, though. Unfortunately, trying to right the wrongs gets harder the farther away we get from 1893.
Most of the regular posters at TP.net have read extensively about the monarchy era and the annexation. We already know much of the history of Kalakaua, Sanford Dole, Lili'uokalani.
Many of us are also light-skinned and encountered lots of stink eye on various visits to the islands. I think most of us understand where it comes from.
I have a large extended Hawaiian family who don't seem to care about soveignty issues, apologies and rights for native Hawaiians. They're too busy working as bartenders, food servers, real estate agents, government office workers, construction workers and military personnel.
Jesse Tinsley |
Edited by - hapakid on 02/22/2007 6:15:23 PM |
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RJS
Ha`aha`a
1635 Posts |
Posted - 02/22/2007 : 6:59:40 PM
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I have family and friends in New Mexico - a State where both Mexican/Latinos and Native Americans got crapped on as bad as Hawaiians. Same stuff -- soveriegn nations, land taken -- one big difference is that once the Caucasians took over, they realized the land wasn't worth much except for nuclear research and the tourists who liked the high desert and mix of cultures. Now, of course, Santa Fe and northwards is crawling with rich LA types and their are wealthy retirees all over. -- Well, to the point -- Oftentimes when we go visit there, we have been the targets of anger. As much as I understand the anger, it still hurts. Now, we have given a substantial amount of $$ each year to help with children's education, especially on one pueblo. Our idea is that it's the best thing we can do to help empower people whom other caucasians made powerless. (By the way, my immigrant family received treatment that is illegal to do to animals today, at least in most states.) One summer, a couple of years ago, while visiting friends on this pueblo whom we were invited to visit - twice on the way to their house and once going back we got a bunch of hatred from locals - this time it got physical -- rock thrown at the windshield. Bottom line -- we had enough. Next year our money went elsewhere. Fortunately, or more realistically unfortunately, ther are a lot of people in the world, even in New Mexico, that need help. Comes a time when anger and hatred becomes counterproductive. On a very practical level -- too much anger will loose allies which will be very important to get real change done.
Now Kealii, I'm not accusing you of that anger/hatred.
But I have experienced it from some people while visiting the islands. And I wasn't anywhere near "sacred" land. True most people treated us with true courtesy. But the last time there when a couple of drunk punks tried to chase us off a beach - pretty close to too much for us to take. In fact, we haven't been back for a couple of years.
What I'm now going to say does not apply to Kealii or to any particular person, except maybe the punks that tried to drive us off the beach. . .
My take at this point in my life is, "That anger stuff is pretty easy to do, and pretty "cheap." Takes no effort. Gets nowhere. Take that energy and do something with it. Learn the language. Learn the culture deeper and deeper. Teach it to the keiki. Go over to a nursing home, or an auntie down the block, and malama the elders. Work the political scene. Get something done." |
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wcerto
Ahonui
USA
5052 Posts |
Posted - 02/23/2007 : 01:42:35 AM
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Keali`i - I respectfully draw your attention to some of my unanswered questions from earlier posts on this subject. What do you want? What do the Hawaiian people want? How for the non-Hawaiians to make things pono?
I believe the biggest problem is economic. That is why so many native Hawaiians are leaving the islands for jobs mainland. The islands are not expandable. They only have so much land avaiable for housing. Cannot build a home on a sheer cliff. Too many folks from mainland/other countries move to Hawai`i. Not enough room for everyone. Too many necessities of life need to be shipped in to Hawai`i. That sure cranks up the cost of those goods -- from refrigerators to cars, from clothing to toilet paper, from food to drink....
Today there are 454 federal job vacancies in Hawai`i posted on www.usajobs.gov, These jobs range from GS-3 all the way up to senior executive service. Good jobs paying good benefits and a decent salary. These jobs range from about $20,000 to over $100,000 per year, Plus, federal jobs in Hawai`i get an additional 25% over and above the rest of the regular federal salary schedules because of cost of living. 454 jobs need to be filled by the federal government in Hawai`i. You know how many job openings in Cleveland/northeast Ohio? Only 17. Know how many open in Akron, OH -- two!
Why are there so many in Hawai`i going unfilled? These jobs all have future potential. Is it because of apathy? Is it because the requisite skills are not there? Is it because of lack of training or education? Many federal jobs do not require a college degree -- I do not have one and I have worked my way up to a very decent paying job.
If I was faced with a job waiting tables or one of these federal jobs, I think it is a no brainer which one I would pick. And, if I knew all those jobs were waiting out there, I would make sure I had skills and education that was marketable enough to get me one of those jobs. All federal agencies provide tuition assistance. Many hard-to-fill jobs pay off student loans for you. All federal jobs provide "bonus points" in hiring and keeping veterans. For instance, a federal employee with almost 30 years of service but who is not a veteran has less retention standing than a veteran with any length of service, so if there was a lay-off, the 30-year employee would go and the vet would stay.
Anyhow, there are plenty more jobs than just tourism and construction.
Mahalo. |
Me ke aloha
Malama pono,
Wanda |
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MentoBuggah
Aloha
22 Posts |
Posted - 02/23/2007 : 06:02:19 AM
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quote:
Originally posted by kealiiblaisdell
Oh, and yes, my `ohana does come from a line of Ali`i's....for your info.
While my ancestors were milking cows in Poland, your's were drowning people who stepped in their shadows. Now, you can walk unmolested in Kalihi while I get the crap kicked out of me by a couple of ice-heads. Thank you for the education. |
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RWD
`Olu`olu
USA
850 Posts |
Posted - 02/23/2007 : 07:39:16 AM
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| Is Aloha skin deep? |
Bob |
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islandboo
Lokahi
USA
237 Posts |
Posted - 02/23/2007 : 08:32:43 AM
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Auntie Pilahi Paki (whom we have obliquely to thank for the member level designations here on taropatch) said something once, the essence of which is that aloha is Hawai'i's gift to a world which desperately needs it and that the world will one day turn to Hawai'i in its search for world peace because the key to world peace is aloha.
While the topic discussed in this thread is quite emotional, it is important to remember that we are a family and we should offer up our points of view with love and respect. It is a hard thing for me to endure stink eye and worse simply because of the color of my skin, but none of us are alone in having been victimized that way. Terrible things have been done in the past to the people of Hawai'i (and elsewhere), and terrible things continue to be done to them today - there are many wrongs to be righted. I am appreciative of Keali'i for trying to educate folks about the way the acts of the past haunt the present. I can't change the past. I can try to protest that my ancestors were not the haoles who did such awful deeds, and that they were in fact on the receiving end of similar abuses, but that really doesn't matter much either. All I can do is try to live my life in a pono fashion and attempt to incorporate the ideals of the aloha spirit in all that I do.
I don't know that this post makes much sense or that it is even germane to the topic at hand. However, I do know that taropatch.net is unique in my experience in terms of the courtesy, civility and respect we have for one another, and I hope that everyone will remember and treasure that fact, even in the face of contentious subject matter.
My warmest aloha to you all,
Debbie |
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hapakid
Luna Ho`omalu
USA
1533 Posts |
Posted - 02/23/2007 : 08:59:37 AM
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Mentobuggah, Wanda, et al,
I understand the problems in Hawai'i and Hawaiian culture past and present. Hawaiians took part in the dismantling of native land ownership and government. But Keali'i is sharing his frustrations in a pono way, by telling the story of Hawai'i and venting a little. It's easy to crack back about the abuses of the ali'i system or dysfunction in modern society such as drugs and alcohol abuse, but it shouldn't cause us to generalize about Hawaiian people. Yep, there are backroads in Hawai'i you shouldn't drive if you're haole, but there are parts of many cities you shouldn't walk at night. If you're welcomed by local people in Hawai'i, consider it a blessing. If you're not, understand where it comes from let them be. With the right attitude, you may break down some barriers.
Jesse Tinsley |
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chunky monkey
Ha`aha`a
USA
1018 Posts |
Posted - 02/23/2007 : 10:50:12 AM
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| My turn. In my experiences of 17 trips to Hawaii since 1989, the real Hawaiians (Kevin Brown and Ohana, Leilani Bond and Ohana, the Kahumokus, Uncle Dennis K and Ohana; John and Hope Keawe; the Pahinuis; the list goes on) have treated me and my family with aloha at every turn. My only bad experiences (stink eye, etc) came from people who just happend to live there, and were likely not Hawaiian at all (pick a mix from the Hawaiian melting pot). I suggest that it's the music, and everything that goes with it, that has formed a common bond. I probably have little in common with most Hawaiians and most of the TPers, as well (heritage, politics, economics, etc) EXCEPT THE MUSIC. That, it seems, is quite enough to make this work. |
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