today at the Maku`u market my tri[p to Keanakolu fruited....I Am will support and call for the House of God to be built on the highest mountain in the world...calling all allies around the world... all the rock builders.....all peoples of the world.....to come to the building of the prophecy of life & happiness for all.....The State of Hawaii cannot and will not protect our sacred sites and burials...we must organize and create our own task force to protect our sacred sites...in the near future we will be taking applicants for Hawaiian Marshals for these very reasons...we will be also planning and building The Temple of rock for our God and ourselves on/in Mauna Kea to worship and receive mana...we cannot have the biggest dumpers (besides the US government) UHH of toxic hospital waste and other toxic and deadly materials in our ocean( years back there was a lot of dead fish and thousands of hypodermic needles floating on our east side of Puna, Kau) the UHH were cited but it was all hushed up...... the DLNR are neutralized by the UHH and cannot protect our mountain and our other sacred sites and districts....as they are mandated...BLNR have given up their supposed obligations for conservation and now our assessories with the developers.....Hawaiian Nationals and peoples of Hawaii we must unite and organize our own protections of our sacred aina...mahalo for your timealoha ainaMalama Ka aina
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Posted by Pono Kealoha on April 29, 2009 at 9:00am
STATE OF EMERGENCY... !The legislature if trying to merge a bill which would do two things. Pls watch 'Ehu's video and it will explain it better than I could. They have cancelled these meetings twice...and usually when they are trying to push something this EVIL...they do it late at night...behind closed doors. As much as we probably can do nothing about that OTHER than to protest outside of OHA's OFFICE or at the Capitol....the ONE thing we all can do easily is to voice our opposition. Full Audit! Full Moratorium on Ceded Lands! and most importantly. ...DON'T ALLOW OHA TO COMBINE A GLOBAL CEDED LANDS SETTLEMENT W/ THERESTORATION OF THEIR FUNDING!On Mon, Apr 27, 2009 at 1:44 PM, carroll1-Wayne wrote:Aloha kakou,On Wensday, April 29, 2009 at 3:00pm in room 224, there is going to be a continuation of a conference committee meeting between the Chairs of the House and Senate Committee on Hawaiian Affairs, Rep. Mele Carroll and Senator Clayton ...BE THERE!OHA is linking the two to avoid and audit and ram through legislation which would ammount to the passing of the Akaka Bill.https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6HnYpYMFgsY
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Posted by Free Hawai`i on April 29, 2009 at 4:46am
FREEHAWAII.INFO PRESENTSFREE HAWAI`I TVTHEFREE HAWAI`I BROADCASTING NETWORK"DON'T LET THEM FOOL YOU!"With An Illegal Land Grab In The Works, The Office Of Hawaiian Affairs Is Also Trying To Grab More Money - All The While Hiding What They've Already Done & They Don't Want You To Notice.What's Going On Here?Watch & You'll Find Out!Read more…
Posted by Pono Kealoha on April 28, 2009 at 1:30pm
Updates on Global Settlement / Moritorium Bills from Mililani Trask & Kahoonei April 29th at 3:00pm in Room 224.I got there 4-28-09 @ 3:30pmjust in time to see everyone from that committee meeting leaving. Had planned on filming...but after speaking with an aid from Mele Carroll's office, I decided to leave. Evidently it was rescheduled for tomorrow the 29th at 3pm. Her aide said that the people they needed were not available...(whatever that means)...so cancelled till tomorrow. Room 224.I plan on going, so will report. But...I'd really suggest anyone who can make it should go. Good to have a "presence" there. Kali Watson and Keoni Aagard (classmates) were there and Keoni is the one who told me it was srescheduled for tomorrow. He said there was nothing of importance discussed today, but said important to come tomorrow.DonnaOn Tuesday, April 29, 2009 at 3:00pm in room 224, there is going to be a continuation of a conference committee meeting between the Chairs of the House and Senate Committee on Hawaiian Affairs, Rep. Mele Carroll and Senator Clayton ... The following bills are being discussed as follows:SB 995—Relating to the Office of Hawaiian Affairs; settlement of back payments. The conference committee opened up last week Friday and a conference draft bill was handed to Rep. Mele Carroll and her conferees proposed by Senator Clayton Hee. Since the House draft and Senate draft of SB 995 are different and there is no agreement at this time. Senator Clayton Hee offered a proposed conference draft legislation to Rep. Mele Carroll for her and her conferees consideration. This Tuesday’s meeting is where the discussion is taking place.The conference draft that you all may have received in email form, was sent to you by Rep. Mele Carroll’s office to ask for your input and concerns. She is concerned about this bill because Senator Clayton Hee includes a new section where he wants to include a global settlement. Rep. Mele Carroll is concerned because there was no public input on a global settlement and for the purpose of transparency, she wanted to get this information out to the Hawaiian community for their input ... Please note that Rep. Mele Carroll has not agreed to anything at this time. She is waiting to hear from all of you. Please email your comments.Another bill that is going to be taken up at the 3:00pm agenda is SB 1677 Relating to the issue of the ceded lands. This is a Senate Majority package bill where it sets a policy on how the public land trust and/or ceded lands are sold and/or transferred, exchanged. The Senate and the House during the usual legislative process disagreed and offered house drafts and senate drafts. This is why the bill is in conference. Last week, Senator Clayton Hee had some discussion on what parts of the bill he agrees with the House and the Senate.Rep. Mele Carroll asked that they reconvene the conference meeting toTuesday, April 29, 2009 at 3:00pm for more discussion. Her reasoning for getting more time discussing this bill is so she can inform all of you about the discussion on the bill and hopefully she can receive input from the Hawaiian community. What is sad is that she hasn’t received very much email testimony or comments from the Hawaiian community as she would have liked for a full moratorium on the sale and transfer of ceded lands. She is receiving more email messages from the Hawaiian community on HB 900 supporting the house draft.I also want to be clear that my boss, Rep. Mele Carroll still stands on the position of a full moratorium ... She is standing firm on her position of a full moratorium.As for the SB 995, her job is to receive the information that Senator Hee puts out and when it’s the right time, will make a decision on the final conference draft proposed. This can go on til Friday of this week as it usually does since there is a fiscal implication. Friday is the deadline to make decision on any bills with fiscal implications.SO WE ARE CLEAR, REP. MELE CARROLL HAS NOT AGREED TO ANY GLOBAL SETTLEMENT OR HAVE NOT CUT ANY DEALS EITHER. SHE IS THE ONLY LEGISLATOR THAT I KNOW WHO IS DOING HER BEST TO GET COMMUNITY INPUT ...Last, if you are deeply concerned about these issues, I invite all of you to join us at the conference committee meeting on Tuesday, April 29th at 3:00pm in Room 224.Call me if you have any questions, 224-8068 or 586-6237.Na'u me ke aloha,Wayne Kaho'onei Panoke
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COMMEMORATIVE CEREMONIES FOR THE BATTLE OF NUʻUANU
Each year since 1995, Nā Papa Kānaka o Puʻu Koholā has presided over the ceremonies at the Pali Lookout, on the last Saturday of April. In this blog, I share the thoughts of a first-time participant of this annual event, Reverend Ryan Kalama, President of the Kailua Hawaiian Civic Club:COMMEMORATION OF THE BATTLE OF NU'UANU 2009I awoke at 3:00 a.m. full of excitement about witnessing and participating in this Awesome Event. I had put on my garment that I prepared the night before. I stood in front of the Mirror dressed in black, with my yellow and tapa black print Kihei, my black and gold velvet Lei and yellow gold with black threading yarn Lei. I took the time to meditate that Ke Akua would bless everyone who was going to attend this Commemoration. We, Marvelle Kuulei Laughlin, Mary Ann Kanoelani Crowell, and myself, Kahu Ryan Alena Kaimana Kuhio Kalama arrived at 04:30 a.m., Saturday early morning, on April 25th, 2009, at the Pali Look Out, and we could see the many Ceremonial Participants preparing their garments, for this Honorable Event, under a tent; which was surrounded by the walls of the Koolau.These men and women of the Commemoration were adorned in their Ceremonial Attire that was so appropriate for this Event. One could hear and feel the breezes blowing through the trees through out the area, some of the visitors were expressing that they felt the chill breezes and they thought that the sound of the breezes were talking to them.The environment was completely dark, except for the brightness of car lights, as people were driving their cars up to the site and parking where ever they could find space, the huge 10 foot X 20 foot tent had bright lights which gave a glow reflection through out the area. The aroma of hot coffee, the sweetness of pastries, and the juicy fruits where being handed out to be shared amongst the Ceremonial Participants and the many guest that were surrounding the area. You could hear the whispers of everyone sharing how exciting everything seemed to be. Many shadows were walking everywhere as the anticipation waits on.The cool breeze swirled through out the area as we had all snuggled together trying to keep warm. It was so chilly that Kumu / Kahuna Sam Ohu Gon had noticed that our young man, Hekili, was very cold and offered his warmblack fleece jacket to keep him warm. Hekili was selected to be one of the Hookupu Presenters, representing the future Ceremonial Participants, at this awesome Event. Many visitors who had attended this Commemoration worejackets and warm clothing respectfully, stood by around the area, in the chilled air, awaiting the men and women, who were preparing themselves for this Honorable Historical Event. Everyone seemed so excited waiting for the Event to begin. This anticipation kept their interest as more visitors arrived, and so there they all stood in the chilled air of 50 degrees. Those who were Hawaiian, and those who so believe in our Culture, had such a passion of wonder as they awaited for the Ceremony to begin.This was my first experience, I could feel the excitement that others were feeling, who haven't seen this type of rare Event any where, we were awed with all the Ceremonial Participants, and we could feel the energy that was in the air. Marvelle Kuulei Laughlin, President of the Hawaiian Civic Club of Waimanalo, and Aunty Mary Ann Kanoelani Crowell, Vice-President, were greeting the majority of the Ceremonial participants, took a moment to introduce me to who they knew and then went to gather their Hookupu from the car. They were preparing themselves for this special Event. Kahu Yvonne Leimomi Keawe Kaiahua, Uncle Donald Kaiahua, and their grandson, Hekili, dressed in black, had arrived with their Kihei and Leis on. They also entered into the tent area to greet and malama everyone who wasparticipating.A beautiful young women had approached me, and had asked, if I knew Ryan Kalama, I chuckled, and said, Aloha that I was he. She said oh thank God, explaining that she was Aunty Moana Demello's, Administrator of St. Matthews Episcopal Church, daughter and she handed me a bunch of beautiful Tropical flowers that she had gathered from her yard, and a handmade beautiful 40 inch long Pukenikeni Lei, to give as a Hookupu to represent her family, the Hawaiian Civic Club of Waimanalo and the St. Matthews Episcopal Church. How thoughtful was this young women, who had taken the time to come so early in the morning, and attend her first Commemoration with her boy friend. She stated that she was also excited about seeing all the Ceremonial Participants getting ready.There were a variety of people who were taking pictures of all the Ceremonial Participants, Halaus, Kumus, Na Papa Kanaka o Pu'ukohola Halau, Na Kupa'aina o Hawai'i and the Chanters. At this time it was 5:30 a.m. the warriors of the Na Kupa'aina o Hawaii were in their malo attire standing in the 50 degree cold chill, some wore oil, some had meditated, some focused, some just toughed it out because of their passion to follow through on the ceremony. The Na Papa Kanaka o Pu'ukohola Heiau where adorn in their garments and Kihei, the Hawaiian Civic Clubs that attended were well represented with their Clubs Kihei and Leis on carrying the Hookupu. The attending Halau's also came in their garments and adornments presenting their Hookupu of Oli, Dance, and/or Gift to lay upon the Designated Kuahu.
The lovely Miss Mina Elison arrived with her beautiful ti leaf weaved lei; in which she had handmade, to be given for the Hookupu Ceremony for the Battle of Nuuanu. Mina, Aunty Yvonne, Uncle Donald, Hekili, Doctor Burrows, and myself had represented the Kailua Hawaiian Civic Club. Mina held the 40 inch Pukenikeni Lei, Hekili held the weaved Ti leaf Lei, and I held on to the Heliconia, Fern, and weaved Pele hair wrapped around the stocks. Kuulei Laughlin and Aunty Kanoelani Crowell with a coconut, beautiful arrangement of Anthuriums, Heliconias, Ferns, and weavedwith Pele's Hair. They had represented the Hawaiian Civic Club of Waimanalo. Aunty Waimea had represented the 'Ahahui Mālama I Ka Lōkahi and presented a large Gourd grown from the Kapaa Area at the Nāpohaku Site near the Kawainui Marsh.Kahuna Sam Ohu Gon, the Na Papa Kanaka o Pu'ukohola and the Na Kupa'aina o Hawai'i, had lined up to prepare for the Ceremony. The Kailua Hawaiian Civic Club, the Hawaiian Civic Club of Waimanalo, and 'Ahahui Malama I Ka Lokahi had lined up behind them. Then the other participating Halaus had lined up after us. The Visitors who attended surrounded along the sides of the edging of the Park and the Forestry. Everyone became silent as the chanters began to walk towards the cliff where the Battle of Nuuanu took place. The sound of the Conch Shell was blown, the Kahunas and Kahus started their Chants of permission to enter began to echo through out the area. Cameras were flashing, the crowd started to form a half circle around the procession; which started at the tent area approximately 50 yards from the Pali Look Out where the Battle of Nu'uanu had been. Each Halau, Organizations, Special Guests, Kumus, Kahus, and visitors who had attended this Commemorative were all witnessing the most powerful moment of the Commemorative of the Battle of Nu'uanu.Everyone had surrounded the Pali Look out area the three Kahu's had beckoned everyone in to give their offering. The wind was blowing, the air was chilled, and the Ceremonial Participants stood strong to give us their Commemoration to the Battle of Nu'uanu. The Na Papa Kanaka o Pu'ukohola and the Na Kupa'aina o Hawai'i purpose was to honor the Na Kanaka, Na Koa, and the Na Ali'i that shared in this Historical Moment.
As the sun rose over the Pali Look out you could hear, participate, and witness the traditional Oli. This had marked the 215th Anniversary since the events occurred that placed Kamehameha as the ruler of O'ahu, Moloka'i, Maui, and Hawai'i. The oli had stopped when Kahuna Ohu Gon had announced that the trees had cast their shadows upon the Koolaupoko's. We had greeted the Dawn of Morning with Sunrise protocols, chants, olis, hulas, and gifts. The Ceremony continued for two hours and it was so full of energy as we honored our ancestors. We have gathered to keep our history alive in our minds, in our hearts, in our souls, and to perpetuate our Hawaiian Culture.Ohu lead the Chanters, the Na Papa Kanaka o Pu'ukohola , the Na Kupa'aina o Hawai'i, the Halaus, the Hawaiian Civic Clubs, other Organizations, and Visitors who attend back down to the Tent area. We gathered together toembrace each other for sharing this Awesome Commemoration. The Ceremonial Participants gathered to get warm, changed, and to get something warm to drink ( hot coffee, hot tea, hot cocoa, and hot water), some fresh pastries, and juicy fruits. We had bid Aloha to all of them for sharing with us this special moment in time. I would attend and participate in this Honorable Commemoration over and over again. The Kailua Hawaiian Civic Club would like to invite all of the Hawaiian Civic Clubs to witness and partake in this unbelievable moment of Time and History. We would have stayed later, but the O'ahu Council had called a General Membership Meeting in Kahana Valley at 09:00 a.m.; so Mina Elison, Marvelle Kuulei Laughlin, Mary Ann Kanoelani Crowell and myself had to bid our farewells at 08:00 a.m. for we had at least an hours drive.Once again I hope that all of you would make it a traditional activity to attend. The whole family should be involved and plan to make this a special event to share with friends in the Community. We are all responsible to support one of the rarest commemorations of our Hawaiian History. Mahalo to all that had put this event together, Kahuna Sam Ohu Gon, Na Papa Kanaka o Pu'ukohola, Na Kupa'aina o Hawai'i, the variety of Halaus, Kumu Hulas, Kahus, and of course Doctor Burrows and Aunty Waimea for their guidance.Aloha Ke Akua;Kahu Ryan Alena Kaimana Kuhio KalamaPresident of the Kailua Hawaiian Civic Club-----------------------------
Mahalo iā ʻoukou e Kahu Kalama mā, no keia waihona.ʻOhu
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Mea Makamae a Hawaiian Cultural retail shop at the Royal Hawaiian Hotel is looking for part-time sales and people. Ideal for Waikiki resident. If interested please call Ke Kai at 808-927-2343
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A few pictures that epitomize how some people treat Hawaiians like dirt in Hawai'i. Notice two main things:1. The setback and2. The height of the hotelsAnd some people wonder why I think the way that I do *LOL*Seriously... THIS is how Clearwater Beach looks. What they did to Waikiki is terrible, terrible, terrible.Some people have not been to Clearwater Beach though which is understandable and there is a reason why I live near and work along it. It puts things in perspective once one sees what exists outside of Ko Hawai'i Pae Aina. I didn't know this when I was a little girl though primarily because I was indigent while growing up.Of course I never thought I would see beyond Hawai'i because I was indigent as a child but then should it matter that I was poor? LOL Seeing what I have seen though... wow... I am amazed and shocked that some people would abuse Hawaiians the way that they do. They seem very emotionally abusive. Not only that but how they have the setbacks in Hawai'i and to me the amenities for the local people in Hawai'i are sub-standard. I CANNOT BELIEVE IT. I cannot believe what they have gotten away with. Therefore I like to post some pictures sometimes because sometimes words just do not do it. It is quite sad actually seeing the contrast.Anyway I took these with my Casio Exilim 8.1 mp so do not expect great pictures LOL:
What was it about this event that was special for me? I must admit there were many booths that displayed our Hawaiian culture. The most fascinating booth had po'e making spears, flutes and other crafts. It was interesting to watch them craft their project as we looked onward! Kawailani was fascinated by the flute and expressed her interest to make one.
There was another booth that my daughters enjoyed. We learned about conserving energy and how we can make our home safe. Hopefully, with a timer which Kawailani acquired from the festival, she will shorten her showers to five minutes! Hmmm...that would be nice to know!!!Anyway, I had fun with my daughters. It was one way I spent the day with them. For myself, I really do enjoy taking them out. When I was working and attending college, it was difficult making time to spend with my children. Today, I'm happy to have some time which I never had.
It is difficult to juggle demands of life, work and family. I know what it feels like. I've been there and done that too! Overall, I just wanted to share life special moments with my children. By the time we arrived at home, they were ready to bathe and take a nap!Have a nice day! Oh...if you know of any one that teaches flute making, please let me know. Mahalo.
Posted by Free Hawai`i on April 28, 2009 at 4:49am
From Prominent Native American Elouise Cobell -"On Monday, May 11, the U.S. Circuit Court for the District of Columbia will hold an important hearing on our case.We will be challenging the Aug. 7 ruling of U.S. District Court Judge James Robertson.He has held that the Indian Trust beneficiaries are not entitled to any interest on the $455 million that he believes the government failed to place in our individual trust accounts. We will argue that we are entitled to interest on that money and say that his method of calculating how much money was not properly credited was inaccurate.The government has indicated it will argue that you, the trust account holders, are not entitled to any money at all...."Read The Entire Letter HereRead more…
Disease, illness, and other physical and mental difficulties are serious issues which we can prevent only with awareness, sustained dedication, and conscious effort. Part of this effort should go toward making time to unwind and take a break too. In our busy world, it's sometimes easy to make fun and personal time a low priority. In addition to healthy eating and exercise, social connections have been proven to strengthen us against illness and disease. The title of this post is a quote by ee cummings and was found on the webpage for the Cancer Treatment Centers of America. The CTCA offers humor therapy sessions to help cancer patients and their families use and enjoy laughter as a tool for healing. Although there is some debate in medical research as to the details and amount of benefit laughing provides in preventing and treating illness, there can be no argument that laughing decreases stress and makes us feel good. So, e mālama i kou kino and yuk it up today, and remember, "half the fun in laughter, as well as in healing, is sharing it."*For more, just web surf using "Laughter Therapy" - there are plenty of sites, but here's a small sampling:News articles:NPRABCPatch AdamsResearch articles:2007. Hayashi et al. Laughter modulates prorenin receptor gene expression in patients with type 2 diabetes.2006. Bennett and Lengacher. Humor and laughter may influence health: II.Complementary therapies and humor in a clinical population.*2003. Balick & Lee. The role of laughter in traditional medicine and its relevance to the clinical setting: healing with Ha!If you know some clean ;) jokes, websites, stories, maybe share the laughs with us on our Group page. It's about finals time, we could use some extra cheer.
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This was the first time I attended an event like this! What a beautiful experience taking my two youngest daughters with me. The most funniest thing happened when I got up that morning is that my Keapoi who is named after me woke me up. I auau and prepared for my journey. I was quiet as a mouse and thought Kawailani would be asleep when I was near the door! Well, she was awake and her two eyes peeped up while her nose in the pillow. So cute and funny. "I'm going to the Pali," I stated to her. "Would you like to go, its still dark?" Kawailani leaped off the couch and sprinted to the second floor. She combed her hair and brushed her teeth. As Kawailani was ready to exit the door, I called Livi's name. "Livi its mom, do you want to go?" A smile on her face could be seen and she extended her arms toward me. I picked her up and asked Kawailani to prepare her bag for the journey. We exited as a family and picked up a friend and drove to the Pali.At the Pali, we could hear the voice of a young man sharing his message in 'Olelo Hawaii. It was cold, however the exchanging of words and wisdom comforted my soul as I observed them. By far, it was educational and inspirational.I saw uncle Mel Kalahiki Sr. and his 'ohana. My cousin Bobby and Alexander stood near the tent as we spoke about genealogy. I was blessed with a kahea and so much to say that words can't be expressed. The aloha I feel for those who walk the path of our ancestors yesterday are here TODAY! What was it that brought me here to this event? Perhaps curiosity, yet the yearning to be spiritually and culturally connected to our culture!Overall, it was comfort of 'ohana and making new friends. It was establishing ties with old ones and renewing new goals. It was about sharing our Hawaiian culture with my children. Growing up I observed many Hawaiians distracted from their culture and often wanted to be proud to share it but often ridiculed. I have shed many tears and hold none back. I have walked and made foot prints that day with my daughters in great delight!As I renew old insecurities and establish new meanings, I leave you this thought.....MALAMA YOUR SELF! DON'T ALLOW ANYONE TO DISCOURAGE YOU FROM REACHING YOUR DREAMS! IT WILL TAKE TIME, BUT NEVER GIVE UP...YOU MUST PERSIST IN ALL YOU DO FOR YOUR CHILDREN WILL ALWAYS LOOK TOWARD YOU FOR GUIDANCE.WE MAY NEVER AGREE ON WHAT PATH OUR CHILDREN TAKE, HOWEVER WE DO LOVE AND CHERISH THEM FOR WHO THEY ARE...Life is to short to dwindle on small things that matter least. There is more to care of such as our language, education and above all our culture. Aloha Ke Akua and our ancestors then and now!
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The PDF document below provides statistics from 2006 about the state of Native Hawaiian health in Hawai'i as compared to other ethnic groups. It is an enlightening, useful resource and reference - and we were taught that epidemic illness was a thing of the past! It also contains contacts for healthcare systems/practitioners on every island who focus on native health issues. The ‘Ahahui Lā‘au Lapa‘au may also be a helpful resource. Please join our group and add us as a friend. E mālama pono kākou.OHA DataBook 2006 - Health.pdfRead more…
Hawaiians dying young of diabetes Asians also among those with high diabetes ratesTuesday, September 9, 2008By Christie WilsonAdvertiser staff writerWith Hawai'i's elderly population expanding quickly, hiring a geriatric specialist seemed a good idea to officials at the Wai'anae Coast Comprehensive Health Center.But when they examined the center's demographics, they found a smaller-than-expected number of patients over age 65.The stark truth was that many patients from the largely Native Hawaiian community were dying off before reaching old age, succumbing after years of struggling with diabetes and its complications, which include stroke, heart disease and kidney failure."Patients age 45 to 65 were getting everything 20 years earlier. That's why we didn't have a lot of elderly patients," said medical director Dr. Rick Custodio.In fact, Native Hawaiians are more than seven times as likely to die from diabetes than whites in Hawai'i, according to the state Department of Health. They also have the highest diabetes rate in the state and are diagnosed with the disease at an earlier average age than other ethnic groups."It's devastating for the Hawaiian community because so much of the population is affected," said Mele Look, director of community engagement in the University of Hawai'i medical school's Department of Native Hawaiian Health."What's most alarming is how much it's appearing in children, and that hits any society hard, particularly the Hawaiian community. It's very hard now that they're seeing a very serious, disabling disease in their children."Asians and other Pacific Islanders also suffer disproportionately from diabetes, a condition marked by high levels of blood glucose resulting from defects in insulin production or use.Researchers are uncovering clues as to why minority groups are more prone to type 2 diabetes, the most common form of the disease, but Look said hereditary conditions are overshadowed by controllable risk factors such as diet, physical activity levels and other behavioral choices.Nearly 12 percent of Native Hawaiian adults in Hawai'i have been diagnosed with diabetes, compared with 9 percent of Japanese, 8 percent of Filipinos and 5 percent of whites, according to the Health Department's 2007 Behavioral Risk Factors Surveillance System survey.Native Hawaiians also have the highest diabetes mortality rate of any ethnic group in the state: 47 deaths per 100,000 population. That compares with seven for whites, 19 for Japanese, 22 for Filipinos and 32 for "others," including Chinese.The average age of diagnosis for Native Hawaiians is 43, five years younger than the nearest ethnic group, according to the survey.Lifestyle countsKane'ohe kumu hula Wayne Panoke was only 25 when he was diagnosed with type 2 diabetes. Instead of taking steps to improve his health through lifestyle changes, Panoke depended on medication to control his diabetes. Then, seven years ago he fell ill and was told he would have to immediately start dialysis or die.At the time he weighed 485 pounds."I just lost my father and I realized I needed to live to fulfill my promise to him to take care of my mother and the three children they had adopted," said Panoke, 60, who began watching his diet and increased his activity levels.Today he weighs 276 pounds and is no longer on diabetes medication, although he still requires dialysis three times a week because of the irreversible damage done to his kidneys by diabetes.Through his own struggle, Panoke has become more aware of the toll the disease has taken on his fellow Native Hawaiians, and he has become active in native health issues."With diabetes, Hawaiians are dying by the minute," he said. "I'm saddened by it each day. When I go to dialysis each week I see more and more of my people sitting on those chairs, and what troubles me most is that they are getting younger. When you see 21- and 22-year-olds sitting in those chairs, it gets very hurtful."He said the impact of Western lifestyles, the disconnect between many Native Hawaiians and their culture, and economic stresses are major contributors to many health problems in his community."The 'ohana structure is collapsing because of economic needs. There's not enough income to eat properly and people live off canned goods two or three nights a week, and that's not good from a health perspective."Cheap eatsNearly three-quarters of Native Hawaiians are overweight or obese, compared with approximately half of whites, Filipinos and Japanese, according to Health Department surveys.More alarming is that 43 percent of Native Hawaiians are obese, compared with 22 percent of the overall adult population.Lower levels of education and household income are two risk factors for obesity, and statistics reveal that Native Hawaiians are at the bottom in both categories. Native Hawaiians also rank low in daily vegetable and fruit consumption and in leisure-time physical activity."People with lower income have a tendency to eat cheap fast food that's very high in fat. In many communities, especially in the urban core of Honolulu where there are a lot of immigrants, they don't have as much access to fresh fruit and vegetables, or parks where they feel comfortable walking," Look said.Dr. Wilfred Fujimoto, a diabetes expert and retired endocrinologist, said Hawaiians and Asians have undergone a dramatic shift away from traditional diets and activities that helped protect them from chronic conditions such as diabetes, hypertension and heart disease."Pictures from the old days show Hawaiians were all pretty lean and muscular, and now there is an increasing occurrence of being overweight and obese. The lifestyle of the Pacific people has changed. They don't have to fish or farm. Walking long distances is not part of their usual lifestyle anymore," Fujimoto said."It's the same story for Asians who came to Hawai'i as plantation laborers. We've seen a rise in diabetes as they have become more sedentary."A study by University of Hawai'i researchers found a reduced prevalence of diabetes among Japanese men who had retained a more traditional lifestyle that included regular physical activity and a diet of rice, vegetables and small amounts of fat and animal protein.For more recent arrivals, diabetes can be a byproduct of their reach for the American Dream, as they adopt Western habits and struggle to assimilate. Look said it's not uncommon for immigrants who come to Hawai'i in good health to develop diabetes or pre-diabetes within 10 years.Rice can also be riskyThe waiting room at the Kalihi-Palama Health Center fills every Wednesday morning with low-income patients seeking services at a diabetes clinic started nine years ago to serve mostly Filipino and Micronesian immigrants. Its staff of two nurse practitioners, a nutritionist and a diabetes educator see 20 to 30 patients during each weekly session, checking their blood glucose levels, charting their progress and advising them on as diet and exercise."Food is a big issue for a lot of our patients," said certified diabetes educator Jane Pelkey. "For many of them, rice is their main staple and that's dangerous for a diabetic."A lot of patients are unemployed and often turn to food to deal with the stress in their lives, she said.Nurse practitioner Anne Leake, who also works at the diabetes clinic, said a 10-pound weight gain during an immigrant's first year after arrival is not unusual."They're eating a more American diet and eating more calories, but it's not just because of increased calories. They also are less physically active," Leake said. "Most, especially those who lived in the provinces, were used to walking long distances."And now they have some money and they are less poor, and food is cheaper here as a percentage of their income and it's more available. When you come from a country where food is so limited and then you come here and it's unlimited, naturally you're going to take advantage."Immigrants from the Micronesian islands offer additional challenges, Leake said, such as their unfamiliarity with refrigeration and other conveniences that would allow them to enjoy more fresh foods rather than rely on canned goods for nutrition.Also foreign is the Western concept of "working out," or "sweating for the sake of sweating," Leake said.Many Pacific languages don't even have a word for "exercise," said Puni Freitas of Kokua Kalihi Valley, a nonprofit health organization.She recalls that when Kokua staff tried to encourage some Micronesian patients to incorporate walking into their daily routine, the puzzled response was: "Why would we walk when we can catch the bus?"To provide the kind of useful physical activity that makes sense to Pacific Islanders, Kokua Kalihi Valley and other health programs have started community gardens where they can "work out" and harvest fresh produce to enhance their diets.Body typesThe diet dilemma is not unique to minorities and immigrants. America is a nation of snack-food-scarfing couch potatoes, leaving the question of why whites haven't been as impacted by type 2 diabetes as minorities.Research by Fujimoto and others suggests there are genetic differences among ethnic and racial groups related to where fat is stored in the body that may raise the diabetes risk.Fujimoto said there is a strong association between increased visceral adiposity — fat stored in the abdomen — and insulin resistance that can lead to diabetes."Where you put your fat is important," he said. "It's the old apple vs. the pear body shape. We see more 'apples' in type 2 diabetes."But even within the "apple" barrel, the risk varies, he said."You can have two people with an apple shape, one with most of the fat under the skin and the other with most of the fat inside the abdomen, and the one with the fat inside the abdomen is at greater risk for diabetes," Fujimoto said.Other research has found that Asians, Native Hawaiians, Pacific Islanders, Hispanics, African-Americans and some other minorities have a greater tendency to store fat in their bellies, boosting risk.In a study of Japanese-American men in Seattle, Fujimoto discovered his subjects were least able to carry excess weight before developing diabetes and other health impacts. "They don't have to gain a lot of weight. Their BMI (body mass index) doesn't have to be as high as for Caucasians," he said.The BMI is a measure of body fat based on height and weight. BMI of 25 to 29 is considered overweight, and 30 and above is obese. The World Health Organization recently suggested a lower BMI standard for Asians, 23 to 24 for overweight and 25 and above for obese.For Native Hawaiians and Pacific Islanders, the cutoff is higher — 26 to 31 BMI for overweight and 32 and up for obese.Another theory links the higher prevalence of diabetes in nonwhite immigrant populations to the so-called "thrifty gene," a genotype that allows the body to quickly store fat in times of abundance to survive periods of famine. Although helpful to hunter-gatherers, that would be a distinct disadvantage in a time of corner convenience stores and 24-hour drive-throughs.Others hypothesize that over the centuries, European whites adapted to foods that promote diabetes, while Asians and other groups around the globe now experiencing the diabetes onslaught have had only recent broader exposure.Kumu hula Panoke, for one, has shown that Native Hawaiians and others at greater risk of diabetes needn't be resigned to their genetic fate."You can live a long life if you just take control of your diabetes and the amount of food and what you put into your body," he said. "I'm not saying you have to be perfect. It's portion control: Satisfy your craving and move on. And most important, get out of bed."Staff writer Dan Nakaso contributed to this report. Reach Christie Wilson at cwilson@honoluluadver tiser.com or 808-244-4880.Reach Christie Wilson at cwilson@honoluluadvertiser.com.
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Wai'anae has more diabetes cases than rest of state, by farTuesday, September 9, 2008By Will HooverAdvertiser Staff WriterThe Wai'anae Coast Comprehensive Health Center sits at the epicenter of Hawai'i's diabetes crisis.As the primary medical facility in this disadvantaged region, it treats more Native Hawaiians than any other facility — and diabetes among Hawaiians is four times the national average. At the same time, the number of all adults on the coast with diabetes is double the statewide rate.The Wai'anae Coast also leads the state in the percentage of residents who smoke, have high blood pressure, don't exercise, and are obese — all of which compound the diabetes epidemic.The result, says Dr. Stephen Bradley, associate medical director for the center, is a catastrophic surge in people of all ages and races with diabetes on the coast. The costs are diminished lifestyles, shorter life spans and an overburdened healthcare system, he says. But as bad as things are here, Bradley knows they could get worse."There is an enormous number of undiagnosed diabetics out there," said Bradley, who worries that the epidemic could expand beyond the center's current 26,000 annual patient load and overwhelm its $38 million annual budget.Holding back the tsunami is the job of the health center, and it does so with a comprehensive array of tools that are as much down home as high tech.To be sure, the center offers the latest in clinical and medical services. But on any given day, patients might go on a supermarket tour where they learn how to choose healthy foods, visit a farmers market sponsored by the center, watch a cooking demonstration or work out in the center's gym.Still others might get a visit at home from a community health worker."Our philosophy is to treat folks in the most complete way possible regardless of their ability to pay," said Bradley.The center has focused on a two-fold preventive approach: keeping younger patients who don't have diabetes from getting it, and stabilizing patients who do have diabetes so it doesn't progress to debilitating and costly related disorders — kidney failure, blindness, leg amputations, strokes, obesity, or nerve and heart disease.Diabetes Police PatrolTusi Taumua, 50, playfully refers to herself as "The Wai'anae Diabetes Police Patrol." Actually, she is a diabetes education specialist and one of the center's traveling community health workers.With the facility's number of primary diabetes patients reaching 2,000 and rising, Taumua's workload can be heavy. On any given day she visits eight to 10 patients, sometimes more. These are home visits, and sometimes home is a tent on the beach.It doesn't matter to Taumua.A recent session at the home of Junedale Pakele on Hokuukali Street in Wai'anae was typical.Pakele, 62, was referred by her doctor because the patient's average daily blood sugar level was dangerously elevated. The doctor hoped that if Pakele better understood how diabetes affects her body, her self-management of the disease might improve.Although Pakele had a vague comprehension of diabetes, she was confused about the specifics, as well as her insulin injection procedures. Taumua outlined in simple but specific terms the causes and effects of diabetes, and the details of using insulin."Your body can adjust to having abnormal blood sugar levels for a long time," Taumua told Pakele as the two sat at a table on the patio. "The problem is that it's eating at you. The longer your blood sugars are high, even though you feel OK, the more it's not good for you."Taumua explained that the pain and numbness Pakele now feels in her legs and feet are the lasting effects of her high sugar levels throughout the past decade. Unchecked, the problems would only magnify.The better wayTaumua's initial visits can take up to two hours, with follow-up chats lasting from 45 minutes to more than an hour. Taumua bases her responses on the patient's questions and concerns, patiently reiterating her responses as many times as necessary."I don't often tell them, 'OK, you need to do this,' but I suggest that this may be a better way of doing it. It's easier for them to grasp when you do it that way."Part of Taumua's job is to explain practical and affordable ways in which patients can manage their diabetes in order to lower and maintain their average sugar levels. For example, when Pakele mentioned that Spam is one of her favorite foods, Taumua suggested boiling, not frying, a smaller portion of Spam, dicing it and mixing it with, say, cabbage and possibly other vegetables in a soup."It's not what you eat, it's how much of it you eat," Taumua told her. "Smaller portions are better."Taumua has diabetes herself. She says she tries to be diligent about managing it to set a good example."But, I'm like everybody else who likes to eat everything," she said with a laugh. "At least I know when I should really not be doing it.""Not doing it" however, goes to the heart of the diabetes dilemma in today's complex society, said Mary Francis Oneha, the center's Quality and Performance director."It's not as simple as 'Well, just do it — go and exercise this much and eat this type of food and it will be OK,'" she said."It's being able to get the right foods, having the money to get the food; it's what's easy to get that stretches the funds the furthest, and being motivated to exercise, and getting the right type of exercise that will work."Add to that time demands, work schedules, family obligations, personal problems, financial difficulties, and it's not hard to understand why so many people develop diabetes and are unable to manage it, she said.Lisa Zick-Mariteragi, nurse practitioner at the center, spends much of her time trying to help diabetes patients break down barriers to controlling disease.It's an uphill battle. Yet she sees hope. Her task is to present options and help patients make informed decisions."I tell my patients, 'You can ignore diabetes, but it will never ignore you,' " she said. "I find that when you respect people they end up making good decisions. This is an incredibly resilient community."decision-makingStill, making good decisions can be a formidable task, say Arnold and Leilani Ujimori of Ma'ili, who both have diabetes. For more than a decade the two have worked with center health providers to manage their disease — with mixed results.In the beginning, both say, they were in denial. Later, between raising a family and work, proper diet and rigorous exercise seemed out of the question.Now that they've reached the consequences stage of the disease, Arnold Ujimori, is ambivalent."I just take it in stride," said Ujimori, 51, who began giving himself insulin injections for the first time in late July. "I'm still obese, I still smoke, and I still like a drink."He admits he's done poorly when it comes to self-managing his disease. Being laid off from his plumbing job this summer has only made matters worse, he said.His wife, on the other hand, gives her own self-management effort better marks."I've been where he is," she said. "I had to go on insulin. I was taking shots two times a day."That was two years ago. Since then, she has shed more than 20 pounds through exercise and improved diet. As a consequence, she no longer needs insulin injections.Managing her diabetes remains tough, she stressed, and there's room for improvement. Still, she's pleased to be heading in the right direction.Even her husband has felt a tinge of motivation. For him, insulin injections were the wake-up call. He's talked of working out at the Comp Center gym, and paying attention to the personal trainer and nutritionist there. His goal is to eventually no longer need insulin shots.irony of exerciseOne irony associated with the diabetes crisis, said Richard Bettini, the center's chief executive officer, is that health plans are leery of paying for diet and exercise programs. Yet diet and exercise offer the best hope for bringing the epidemic under control, he said."You can give people expensive drugs to control their diabetes," said Bettini. "Or, you can get them walking and exercising and eating the right foods. That way you keep them out of emergency rooms and hospitals."To change the health plan status quo, the facility has pioneered an Innovation and Design Center dedicated to finding ways of developing diet and exercise programs that have positive, measurable outcomes.Once results can be guaranteed, health plan providers will be motivated to provide coverage for diet and exercise because it could save them money, said Bettini."That's the wave of the future."In the meantime, success against diabetes on the coast is measured in tiny steps, said Bradley."Can we get our diabetics healthier in the sense that they're not doing further damage to their organ systems?" he said. "If we can stem that a little bit by whatever we're doing — medically or nutritionally — that's a success."And if we can get some of the community aware, educated, fed better and more fit, we feel that is also successful. Because those individuals will probably not go on to develop a diabetes at a later age."At a glanceWhat: Wai'anae Coast Comprehensive Health CenterAddress: 86-260 Farrington HighwayEmployees: Approximately 500Annual budget: $38 millionNumber of patients annually: 26,000Programs: In addition to offering clinical and medical services, it sponsors a local farmers market, provides registered dieticians, nutritional classes, supermarket tours, a workout gym, a gardening program, cooking demonstrations, two nutrition and exercise programs for kids, and manicured walking trails (with shade trees and information kiosks stationed along the brick-laden pathways).Where to call: For information on diabetes programs call 697-3558The state's highest percentage of adults with diabetes — 15.2 percent (more than twice the statewide rate)Lowest percentage of residents with a "healthy weight" at 26.6 percentHighest percentage of obese residents statewide at 42.6 percentHighest percentage of residents who reported no leisure time physical activity at 27.7 percentHighest percentage of smokers in state at 26.2 percentHighest percentage of residents with high blood pressure at 32.1 percentO'ahu's lowest percentage of residents with health insurance at 87.1 percent.Source: State Department of Health's Behavior Risk Factors Surveillance System surveys for 2005-2007Reach Will Hoover at whoover@honoluluadvertiser.com.
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Nanakuli family's struggle now spans four generationsSunday, September 7, 2008By Will HooverAdvertiser Staff WriterMonica Bell is able to remain calm and cheerful even as her legs swell and ache, and she's feeling nauseous — frequent reminders of the diabetes that has laid waste to three generations of her family and taken hold of a fourth.Like many who feel fine early on despite having diabetes, Bell paid little heed to her illness after she was diagnosed 20 years ago.No more.Today, she's going blind and diabetes rules her very life."I get sick on a daily basis," said Bell. "It's a nasty disease. It's with me at all times. It never goes away. Every day it is a challenge."Her Hawaiian family has suffered profoundly because of diabetes, and to see what it has done to them is to witness the epidemic proportions the disease has reached on the Wai'anae Coast, where Bell and her family live on Mano Avenue in Nanakuli.The disease killed Monica's father, and several of his siblings. Her mother, whose kidney failure is a result of diabetes, spends four hours three times a week attached to a dialysis machine. All three of Monica's sisters have diabetes and take daily insulin injections, as do Monica and her mother.Monica's daughter, Taryn-Courtney Bell — TC to those who know her — was diagnosed with diabetes when she was only 6. At 13, she has been on insulin injections more than half her life. And last year Monica's son, Alika, 16, was also diagnosed with diabetes.As for Bell herself, diabetes has robbed her of the ability to drive, hold a job, walk easily, or ever again enjoy a sense of well-being. The vision in her right eye is gone, and although she still has limited sight in her left eye, she's unable to focus. Even the sight she has left could eventually fade."I do think about the future," she said. "And it is scary. I think you just have to get tight control on your diabetes. You probably can't get better. But you maybe can prevent it from getting worse."Household caretakerOf those who live in the Bell household, only Monica's husband, Gino, a truck driver, does not have diabetes. But the disease has affected his life all the same and rendered him the household caretaker."Gino does everything for me and our kids," said Monica, 38, who married Gino Bell in 1992. "He's just wonderful. He has things he likes to do — he fishes and surfs. But before he does anything, he makes sure that the family is doing well."He has altered his diet to meet the improving eating habits of his family. He dashes to the store on short notice at all hours. Since Monica can no longer see to drive, Gino juggles his work schedule and takes vacation days to accommodate various doctor and dialysis appointments, eye examinations, American Diabetes Association functions, or the diabetes classes his two children attend at the Kaiser Nanaikeola Clinic every month."I'm like the backbone," said Gino, 47, who has worked 17 years for a firm that subcontracts to the military. "I've saved up a lot of hours, so I can help out, taking them here and there."He says he is grateful to be able to do it.His pleasant disposition can be a calming influence on a family often straining simply to function, according to his wife.'Lot of starches'Monica's mother, Archidalia Kawa'a, 64, frets about her fellow Hawaiians who suffer in great numbers from the disease, yet tend to be the last and least to seek treatment, because of cultural pride, shame or a lack of health insurance. By the time many do reach out for medical assistance it's often too late, she says."Diabetes is terrible," said Kawa'a. "My husband, John, had both his legs amputated because of it. He died at 59. His mother died at 49. His father died at about 54. I have diabetes. All four of my daughters have diabetes, and my grandchildren have diabetes."Furthermore, those in the community who are diagnosed in time to make a difference frequently fail to heed doctors' warnings that they should exercise, eat healthy, and manage their sugar levels, she says. Since they don't feel ill or exhibit symptoms in the beginning, they are less inclined to work out or give up fast foods and snacks."It's a way of life in Hawai'i," she said. "That's how we eat since we were young — lot of starches."Monica Bell, for instance, wasn't especially bothered when she was diagnosed in 1988 as a senior at Nanakuli High and Intermediate School. She didn't know much about the disease, and although she was overweight, she considered herself generally fit.Her concern rose after her mother was diagnosed a short time later, she says. When her father became seriously ill in the late 1990s, "it opened my eyes to what diabetes is."Still, she didn't alter her habits. By the time her father died on Christmas Day in 2002, she could no longer see well enough to drive. The following year, because of her failing eyesight and debilitating nerve damage in her legs, Bell left her job and began collecting Social Security benefits.She is stoic about the outcome."It was my own fault. I never listened. But now I'm trying to do my best because I've got to help my kids out."For her the alarm bells rang loudest when her daughter was diagnosed with type 2 diabetes, the kind that has stricken the rest of the family and a form of the disease once associated with older adults."She was so young," she said. "Even the doctors were surprised."pushing healthy lifestyleA genetic susceptibility associated with type 2 diabetes can be triggered by behavioral factors such as obesity and a sedentary lifestyle. There is also evidence that diabetes may run in families, according to experts.Today, Monica worries that TC and Alika won't take diabetes seriously until they're suffering from the permanent or life-threatening effects.TC tends to eat too much and not the right foods, Monica says. Alika, who is lean and trim at 5 feet 10 and 155 pounds, doesn't eat enough of anything. And for the diabetic, eating too little can be as worrisome as pigging out on fries and double cheeseburgers.So their mother pushes them both to watch their diets and take their meds."I tell them, 'You don't want to end up like me.' "To that end, she and Gino encourage TC and Alika to attend two-hour interactive diabetes classes at Kaiser Permanente's Nanaikeola Clinic in Nanakuli, where a doctor, nurse practitioner, dietitian and behavior medicine specialist guide the Bell children and two other young diabetics through the various aspects of managing their disease.While the purpose is serious, the classes are low-pressure, light-hearted affairs in which the participants prepare healthy meals, compete on computer games aimed at diabetes education, and discuss useful ways of coping with their disease.The sessions include playful physical exercises, such as a vigorous match of balloon volleyball, or no-net ping pong waged across conference room tables shoved together. Invariably, these exercises culminate in raucous balloon popping or wild ping pong ball batting, but not before everyone — clinical staff included — has had a good workout.going for the veggiesThere are even encouraging signs that some of it may be achieving the desired effect. In a recent class, dietitian Justin Miyashiro watched as the kids whipped up a batch of healthy dill dip and served it with a platter of delicately prepared celery sticks, cut carrots, and sliced mushrooms and cucumbers.Not only did Alika polish off a plate of vegetables and dip, he quietly returned for seconds, which he also finished. Likewise, TC said she enjoyed the food — "Especially the mushrooms! I like them. We've got to get some of this stuff."As the class was winding down, Miyashiro threw the discussion open to suggestions for next month's healthy meal."Portuguese sausage with eggs," piped up Alika."Is that healthy?" wondered Miyashiro."OK," replied Alika, to the laughter of all present, "Portuguese sausage and eggs — with tofu."Reach Will Hoover at whoover@honoluluadvertiser.com.
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Posted by Free Hawai`i on April 26, 2009 at 6:24am
Faced with a proposed 100% cut in general spending, the Office Of Hawaiian Affairs has in turn slashed the funding of three organizations widely recognized for serving native Hawaiians in need.Yet OHA refuses to admit two things - why Hawai`i’s legislature would force such drastic cuts in OHA funds, and the fact that OHA has the money to keep all three of these organizations going right now.Wondering what’s going on? You won’t believe what we found including who’s standing their ground this coming Wednesday on Free Hawai`i TV. The answers will both shock and surprise you.Speaking of shocks, Mahealani Kahau’s Hawaiian Kingdom Government delivered a big one to the fake state of Hawai`i one day last spring when they stood their ground and occupied `Iolani Palace grounds refusing to let anyone in.If you’re curious how it all happened and why, tune in this week as we visit with Mahealani in a brand new segment, and also Kaua`i’s Hale Mawae on Voices Of Truth – One-On-One With Hawai`i's Future.MONDAY, April 27th At 6:30 PM –Maui – Akaku, Channel 53MONDAY, April 27th At 7:00 PM & FRIDAY, May 1st At 5:30 PM –Hawai`i Island – Na Leo, Channel 53SATURDAY, May 2nd At 8:00 PM –O`ahu, `Olelo, Channel 53“Kingdom With Aloha – A Visit With Mahealani Kahau”One early morning in April 2008, members of the Hawaiian Kingdom Government locked down and occupied `Iolani Palace grounds and reclaimed it as the Hawaiian Nation seat of government. The event created a standoff with authorities covered by media around the world. Hear Mahealani describe for the first time what it was like from the inside including how they used aloha to defuse a tense situation. As she says, “everything we do, we do for our people.” Watch It Here.THURSDAY, April 30th At 8:30 PM & FRIDAY, May 1st At 8:30 AM -Kaua`i – Ho`ike, Channel 52“I Serve My Culture – A Visit With Hale Mawae”Being a child on the front lines of the Hawaiian sovereignty movement was not always easy. Yet Hale tells us it’s what made him what he is today – a servant of both his culture and his people. Sharing vivid memories and stories, you’re sure to be inspired by one of Kaua`i’s most eloquent and multi-talented young activists. And his message is one you won’t soon forget. Watch It Here.Voices Of Truth interviews those creating a better future for Hawai`i to discover what made them go from armchair observers to active participants. We hope you'll be inspired to do the same.If you support our issues on the Free Hawai`i Broadcasting Network, please email this to a friend to help us continue. A donation today helps further our work. Every single penny counts.Donating is easy on our Voices Of Truth website via PayPal where you can watch Voices Of Truth anytime.And for news and issues that affect you, watch Free Hawai`i TV, a part of the Free Hawai`i Broadcasting Network.Read more…
Posted by Free Hawai`i on April 25, 2009 at 6:33am
Waterfront Partners sued Hawai`i Superferry in Circuit Court yesterday, alleging the Superferry has failed to pay $51,310 in rent on its leased headquarters at One Waterfront Plaza.The landlord alleges the Superferry stopped making lease payments on March 20, the day after Superferry ceased operations in Hawai`i because of a state Supreme Court ruling.Read more…
It is an ongoing myth that Hawaiians invited everyone here and we are still inviting tourists. Let me set that straight.I. We never invited Captain Cook here. He was just lost and lucky for him and his crew he stumbled upon our islands. Not so lucky for us. Within a few hours of finding Kauaʻi, one of his crew shot and killed a man. That night they fired cannons and shot off fireworks in order to terrify our people.II. We never invited whalers and sandalwood traders or most of their ship jumpers here. They brought diseases, the idea of prostitution, the idea of money and wealth, and guns. A lot of trouble ensued.III. We didn’t invite the missionaries here. Uncle Kekuni Blaisdell pointed out that the missionaries mythologize ʻŌpūkahaʻia, saying that he invited the Calvinists. But he left Hawaiʻi as a child, and lucky for him, the missionaries in New England took him in. He was sent to their Indian School, and like everyone else, died there. He was only 27 years old. He had been away since he was a child so he certainly was in no position to issue invitations on behalf of the Kingdom. The French threatened war if the government would not allow their Catholic missionaries to stay here.IV. After 60-70 years of missionizing and settling here and getting wealthy, the descendants of the Calvinist missionaries overthrew our constitutional, democratic government. We did not invite them to do so. Neither did we invite the troops from the American warship the Boston to land and point guns at our Queen.V. We didn’t invite them to create a law that banned the teaching of our native language in both public and private schools. Our kūpuna did not consider that government legitimate and they did not vote in favor of that law.VI. We did not invite the annexation of our country to the United States. In fact, there was mass organized protest of the annexation.VII. We did not invite the military invasion and occupation of our islands that immediately followed annexation. We did not ask that our islands be used as a launching place to violently subdue other native peoples like the peoples of the Philippines. We did not invite the US military to use our islands as the launching place of every war since then: WWI, WWII, the Korean War, the Vietnam War, and now the everlasting War on Terror, the Afghanistan War, and the Iraq War. We did not ask to carry such burdens of sorrow that our place is being used in the service of violent world domination. The military occupation of our islands has caused great environmental destruction, as well. In just one example, it has turned Puʻuloa, a series of amazing fishponds and clam and oyster beds, into Pearl Harbor, site of constant oil leaks, nuclear submarines, and missile launchers.VII. We did not invite the colonial status of the Territory period in which both the executive branch and the judiciary were appointed by the President of the US and our kūpuna were not allowed to vote for that President. We had only a non-voting representative in Congress. Wasn’t there a US war over such taxation without representation?VIII. We did not invite 3 years of Martial Law during WWII. All civil rights and habeas corpus suspended, nightly blackouts and curfews, and our Japanese neighbors and family members interned or sent to Japan.IX. We did not invite statehood. But we were only offered continuing colonial status or statehood to vote upon. The other choices offered by the UN decolonization were never made public in Hawaiʻi nei. We had also by that point suffered half a century of colonialism and its attendant racism. We are still feeling the effects of some of our kūpuna having internalized those terrible things.X. Last but not least, we did not invite tourists. They call Kanaka ʻŌiwi the host culture, but someone told me (with apologies to whoever said it first that I can’t remember) that “host culture” sounds like something scientists would grow a virus in. Aren’t most hosts the ones who invite their guests? We do not invite 6 to 7 million tourists here every year to cause traffic, pollution, and a host of other environmental ills. Tourism creates an economy that prices our people out of the ability to pay rents and buy homes. It directly creates homelessness among Kanaka Hawaiʻi and other people of color and all those not fortunate enough to earn high salaries. It also causes a huge out-migration of our people to the US. It is fair nor right that Kanaka ʻŌiwi should have to leave our homeland.We did not invite any of this and so we are not celebrating 50 years of statehood. Rather we are protesting and organizing to change these so that our people now and in the future may thrive here in our homeland.Resources:Anthony, J. Garner. Hawaii Under Army Rule. Honolulu: University of Hawaiʻi Press, 1975.Coffman, Tom. Nation Within. Kāneʻohe, Hawaiʻi: EpiCenter Press, 1998.Fujikane, Candace and Jonathan Y. Okamura, eds. Asian Settler Colonialism: From Local Governance to the Habits of Everyday Life in Hawaiʻi. Honolulu: University of Hawaiʻi Press, 2008.Kamakau, S. M. Ruling Chiefs of Hawaii. Honolulu: Kamehameha Schools, 1992.Perez-Wendt, Māhealani. “Host Culture (Guava Juice on Tray),” Uluhaimalama, Honolulu: Kuleana ʻŌiwi Press, 2007, p. 32.Silva, Noenoe K. Aloha Betrayed: Native Hawaiian Resistance to American Colonialism. Durham: Duke University Press, 2004.
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Attend The Press Conference & Protest The Funding Cuts4:30 PM Today At The Hawai`i Capitol
Waterfront Partners sued Hawai`i Superferry in Circuit Court yesterday, alleging the Superferry has failed to pay $51,310 in rent on its leased headquarters at One Waterfront Plaza.The landlord alleges the Superferry stopped making lease payments on March 20, the day after Superferry ceased operations in Hawai`i because of a state Supreme Court ruling.
