Having never been much of a blogger or a blog reader before, I am gonna take my own stab at this. Given my background, my natural inclination is to treat it like an on-line newspaper column. That being said, if you choose to read these entries don't be too surprised if you see more topical commentary than insight into what I did this weekend. I know you are all just dying to hear about my trips to Costco, but unless it is a really compelling story, I will spare you all the trouble.Now, since this is the first of these perhaps I should start with some disclosure to help people understand where I am coming from...I am second, third and fourth generation in my family in Hawaii depending upon where you start counting. On the Japanese quarter, my great grandparents came to work in the sugar fields of Olaa around 1910. On the American quarter, my grandfather came to Honolulu and Pahoa to fight the war in the Pacific in 1942. And then on the Danish half, my dad sailed to Hawaii in 1965 to bring the ship used in the film adaptation of the James Michener novel Hawaii.Now the keen observer is going to ask, "Wait, I don't see any maoli blood in that list. How come he is here on Maoliworld?" For that you would have to go to my friends, but for some insight, read on.Sixteen years ago I started working in the community via a program called Na Pua Noeau. No one is more surprised than I that that one decision has put me on a path that would go this long and will likely take me all the way to the end. I have basically spent my entire adult life work for and with kanaka maoli and in the maoli community.With that in mind, I want to respect that and all that I have learned these past years. Therefore, I want to give this community the chance to determine its own membership and stay true to the intent of Maoliworld.How do we do this? Simple. Respond to this posting and let me know. If I get more votes to stay, then I stay. If I get more votes to go, then I go.Let's give it until Sunday or 60 votes (10% of Maoliworld) whichever comes first. And hey, one or the other, you will see me around...
Has it been sixteen years already? I can't believe I've known you for that long. My vote is obvious...STAY. In the words of Uncle Ammon, "GOD WILLS IT!" You know Hapahaole is right. You are committed whether you like it or not.
I say STAY. Only an individual who has been living in outer space for the last 17 years would not appreciate and understand the work and commitment you have put forth. And as Hapahaole has mentioned, "you were committed to us Kanaka whether you like it or not!"
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NUFF SAID!