1976 Poster: Stop the Bombing, Makua Valley
December 11th, 2010 ·
Another oldie.
This poster by Hawaiian artist Rocky Jensen was made in 1976 to protest the Army’s destruction of Makua Valley. It was distributed by Gail Kawaipuna Prejean, then director of the Hawaiian Coalition of Native Claims, not long after the January 1976 protest against the bombing of Kahoolawe, which was organized to coincide with the American bicentennial. It promoted a rally at Makua, which took place on February 26, 1976.
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Yesterday, I acknowledge Kawaipuna in our sacred circle at makua. Students were from the whole world and they were their to document, research and write a paper as to why the US military should 'get the hell' (my words) out of Hawaii.
I did not go on this trip because I do not like asking for permission on a religious access. And this is a religious access for me. I am a haumana from the temple of lono--and my diety is Ku and Hina given to me by Kahuna Sam Lono.
Instead, I left the group as they departed--yes I was concern because I know they will be treading on poision ground. Toxic nuclear isotopes to be exact and sadly, they will injest into the bodies and carry this isotopes for the duration of their lives.
I prepared a hookupu for the ahu with: kukui nuts and its blossom, salt of three levels from kauai salt pond, ti leaf from the corner of the gate entrance and lawai. Placed into a coconut that I got from a houseless person at Keaus--my hookupu connects our beautiful peopl living on the beaches, Kauai ancient salt ponds and the duty of gathering what our people held dearly to their tables. May this hookupu thank the spirits of Makua for our misgivings. May they know that our future generation always ask the spirits for permision and place in their nourshing bodies nutrients from our aina.
I returned to pick up Pono Kealoha and Shantel Awong and we had a wonderful day at the tomb of the unknown. Paiana, singing, swimming, and lots of prayers too. My Kupuna Leimomi Mookini was with us too.
One last note, I did attend mahealani's group session at Pokai bay where alot of people I knew were in attendance from small kid time. Its always exciting to meet them and talk about the next step to our independence from the US military and their nation of foolish wars!
I had a blessed day with my girlfriend just sharing many sacred places at Koolaupoko. We picked three kinds of Lehua and took a picture of it red, yellow and orange. Drove down the old pali road. We stopped at Ulupo and reflected on Kukaniloko, Pupukea and all sites that are sacred.
Tomorrow is a very sad day for many of us that knew Kawaipuna, I just wish that the active children or younger generation could have met him. For he was always rich from the heart and genuine with the things he said. He was never unkind to women or their children. However, when it came to confrontations he knew defense and for our people he was just!
Having to confront the US Military existed in my family before I was born. I met Kamaka Palikiko through Puhi Pau. I can still remember the moment cause she had these documents in her hand. To my surprise she started talking about the 'Palikiko Rape' case. She went on about Clarence Darrow and the information she had too, in her hand was from the Massie Case. She was trying to prove Palikiko's innocence.
We were together a lot Gail, Kamaka, Puhi Pau, and myself going from hot spot to hot spot. And in those days they was alot going on...too many!
When I lost Gail on April 14, 1992 so much of me had died on the inside. And a whole year later to loose my Uncle Randy Kalahiki too.
There is much to be said, and share with you all in due time.