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Good news for my causes.. and for my niece Makanamaikalanimai

Posted by Ululani on March 3, 2009 at 12:00pm


For my family and friends who like KNOW:

Today I got an award... unexpectedly LOL at a meeting this morning. Well one thing I really like is how nowadays I have a haole first and last name... yet I am pro-iwi and pro-oiwi LOL It REALLY amuses me.This is what it reads:


"Congratulations on increasing your sales productivity to achieve greater success in 2008 than in 2007. By applying the One Degree concepts of Attitude, Belief, Commitment, Focus, Kindness, Leadership, Perseverance and Service to your business, you have added the extra degree of effort that produces exponential results.__________ ______________ recognizes your accomplishments and wishes you continued success."

On the bottom it says, "Honoring Excellence" so yes I am VERY happy because it is EXTREMELY difficult to raise money on my OWN to donate to MY causes as in to WHO and to WHAT I value BEFORE I die. EXTREMELY difficult but I am VERY determined to donate to MY causes BEFORE I DIE LOL



He hoailona LOL Seriously... thank you to my kupuna! Das who. It really should not have my name on it. KWIM? I already helped one of my best friends who is oiwi too buy his first house. That was one of my goals and as of December 2008 he GOT IT. I am so happy for him and his two keiki!Well THAT is why for the most part I have been super busy... trying to donate to MY causes. Sometimes I don't respond to some emails from my family and friends. It's not because I am a snob. Instead it's because I HAVE to donate to MY causes BEFORE I make,In 2009 I hope to surpass what I did in 2008 meaning I want to donate MORE to MY causes. Like WAY WAY MORE.




There is also great news for my niece, Makanamaikalanimai:1. She was recently accepted to attend UH-Manoa contingent on her finding housing and2. She was recently accepted to attend Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University in Daytona Beach, Florida which some consider the top engineering school in the U.S. :)I am not sure which one she will choose. While I like UH-Manoa now after a few people have changed my mind about people caring about less fortunate Hawaiians like how I USED to be, I hope she attends Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University because I want her to get into Electrical Engineering. While UH-Manoa is a great school and I think that oiwi watch out for other oiwi there... the racist comments directed to oiwi may affect her which she has not seen or heard in Virginia. In Virginia they do not single out and target her based on her national origin... so whatever she decides... it's fine with me.Well I told her that there are other oiwi who attend that school... which is cool!Of course this means that I MUST work even harder just to TRY to HELP HER LOLLatahs!


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Kapaa First Hawaiian Church 2

Posted by Lokomaika'i Kuhaulua on March 3, 2009 at 9:12am
Looking for pictures of our previous Kahus of the church, if you have a picture, know of someone that has a picture or can point me in the direction to find info please let me know.We are putting pictures of them up in our sanctuaryThese are the Kahus I am looking for1. 1879 Rev. John M. Kealoha (1879-1897) served 18 years2. 1939 Rev. Edward Woodward ( 1939-1940)3. 1941 Solomon Opio (Haiolelo 1941-1946 Licentiate to 1957)4. 1950 Rev. Charles Holokahiki Keahi (1950-1951)5. 1951 Rev. Herbert Brewster (1959-1960)6. 1970 Rev. Ivan Konkoly7. 1972 Dr. Douglas V. Magers (1972-1973)Mahalo Nui LoaLokomaikai KuhauluaKapaa First Hawaiian ChurchBoard of Trustees and Historian
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Ahahui 2009 Service Projects - Join Us!

Posted by ʻAhahui Mālama i ka Lōkahi on March 3, 2009 at 5:38am

‘AHAHUI MALAMÄ I KA LOKAHI, KAILUA HAWAIIAN CIVIC CLUB and KAWAI NUI HERITAGE FOUNDATIONIn cooperation with the following environmental and Hawaiian cultural organizations:DLNR Division of State Parks, Windward YMCA, Hui O Ko‘olaupokoInvites you to kokua and malama theRamsar Kawainui/Hamakua Wetlands of International Importanceon our upcoming 2009 SERVICE PROJECTSULUPO HEIAU (Night of Inspiration) one of the first sacred temples to have been built as a “mapele” (agriculture) heiau by the first people or menehune and dedicated to Kaneulupo. The Kailua Hawaiian Civic Club and Ahahui Malama I ka Lokahi are the co-curators at this State Park heiau complex and conduct service projects every second Saturday of the month to restore the ethno-botanical and cultural features.NA POHAKU O HAUWAHINE (The rock formation of the Hawaiian Mo`o goddess and guardian of Kawainui Marsh) is located on the makai side of Kapa`a Quarry road about one mile in from Pali Highway. It offers a panoramic view into the “piko” of Kawainui Marsh where one can observe in tranquility the wetland birds and marsh vegetation. Ahahui Malama i ka Lokahi is the curator for this sacred site. We are planting the 12 acres with native plants to recreate a dryland forest ecosystem. Brush removal and trail construction has revealed ancient Hawaiian terraces that align the massive rock outcrops. We are also working in the marsh, to create a wetland bird habitat. Service projects are held the third Saturday of each month.KAWAINUI ESTUARY WETLAND BIRD ISLET and KAHA NATIVE LANDSCAPE RESTORATION - As part of the Ahahui Malama i ka Lokahi restoration program in Kawainui Marsh, an islet located at the Kaha Park side of the Kawai Nui estuary has been cleared of alien vegetation and landscaped as a wetland bird habitat. Ahahui assists Hui o Ko‘olaupoko in maintaining a Hawaiian plant landscape at Kaha (Kawainui Neighborhood Park).Meeting time for all service projects will be at 8:30 am and completed by 12:30 pm. Meeting places for Ulupo Heiau will be at the heiau parking area next to the Windward YMCA. For Na Pohaku o Hauwahine it will be on the right side of Kapa’a Quarry Rd. about one mile from the intersection of Kapa’a Quarry Rd. and Kalanianaole Hwy. For the Kaha Landscape maintainence we meet at the Kawainui Neighborhood Park.(Dates of projects may be subject to change depending on weather or other circumstances. Check for updates at the AML blog: http://www.ahahui.wordpress.com)UPCOMING SERVICE PROJECT DATES - 2009Sat. Feb. 21 Na Pohaku o HauwahineSat. Feb. 28 Kaha (Kawainui Neighborhood Park)Sat. Mar. 14 Ulupo Heiau - Lo’i KaloSat. Mar. 21 Na Pohaku o HauwahineSat. Mar. 28 Kaha (Kawainui Neighborhood Park)Sat. Apr. 11 Ulupo Heiau - Lo’I kaloSat. Apr. 18 Na Pohaku o HauwahineSat. Apr. 25 Kawainui Estuary Islet (by Kaha Park)Sat. May 9 Ulupo Heiau - Lo’i KaloSat. May 16 Na Pohaku o HauwahineSat. May 23 Kaha (Kawainui Neighborhood Park)WHAT TO BRING: Backpack, lunch, water, rain gear, mosquito repellent, gloves.TOOLS: Sickles, pruners, handsaws, hand cultivators.CALL: Phone: 593-0112 or email email@ahahui.net or hemanumalia@hotmail.com for more information and to sign-up for these service projects.
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HAWAIIANS DENOUNCE OFFICE OF HAWAIIAN AFFAIRS & STOLEN LANDS SETTLEMENT

Posted by Free Hawai`i on March 3, 2009 at 4:40am
Hawai`i Free Press - February 14, 2009In spite of short notice, sixty angry Hawaiians gathered at Hilo’s Keaukaha Elementary School Wednesday night to tell OHA trustees and members of the House Committee on Hawaiian Affairs what they think of OHA’s proposed ceded lands revenue settlement....Just as with the 2008 settlement proposal, testimony in Hilo was 100% opposed to OHA receiving any ceded lands revenue.Speakers were angry and emotional....Most of those who spoke felt that OHA was taking from Hawaiians rather than giving to them. Said one: “After you guys take your cut, how does that affect the rest of us Hawaiians? We cannot make any more claims after that....”That was one point those testifying at the hearing agreed on. As one explained: “You guys (OHA trustees) got the monetary value, we got the shaft. You stealing ‘em. You guys only topping off for yourselves.”A Panaewa Hawaiian Homelands resident pointed out: “The ceded lands belong to God, not OHA.”Another Hawaiian Homelands resident pointed out: “(When OHA was established in the 1978 ConCon) you changed to 49.9% and less (blood quantum) and my 25% children not going to get s*** from you guys.”Keaukaha resident Albert Kalihi said, “Why not resolve it for the Hawaiian people (instead of for OHA)? I’m tired of being ignored. You wasting all of our time. I wish somebody would do something.”Kilauea Marciel, a registered nurse said: “I don’t understand why the OHA is in charge of us and our complaints and our needs. Who do we go to that not on the State payroll? I go around begging for medicine to help homeless Hawaiians. OHA doesn’t help.”Mililani Trask explained “OHA is a state agency guilty of breach of trust and mismanagement.” She argued that OHA’s policy of creating non-profit corporations to manage its growing property empire was a scheme to personally enrich individual trustees and create a power base for them at the expense of OHA’s Hawaiian beneficiaries....Roy Takalao asked: “Why you going to steal for? Stealing is wrong.”Read The Entire Article Here
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Ka'u Ghost Story The blood of Na'ai li'i

Posted by Robert Ebanez on March 2, 2009 at 11:30pm
Here is another one that might be intense..because i had to remember the details of that event over the last few days. It was not pleasant..Are you folks sure you want to go down this road? No turning back now....I sound like a roller-coaster operator at Disneyland.....he he.....oh now i understand why you guys like this stuff.........the rush....Yeah..Again, I am not liable for anything......no joke....hey Mr Attorney this is a disclaimer...he he....I'm not kiddingWell, good luck guys and gurls.....have fun....mental.....buggas.......I will always be here for you in need of help...just call my name and I'll be there protecting you....May keakua bless all of you....have fun......crazy..guys.G and I decided to go holo holo down South Point since all the darn stores close at 6pm in Pahala town in the 1990's......it is about an hours drive to South Point from Pahala, or in 30 minutes depending on who's driving.We were the only ones there that night. There is a cliff of about 20 feet high by this place we fished at.G reversed the truck in so that when we leave we can drive forward and onto the road. The truck's tail gate was facing the cliff and about 50 yards away. It was convenient to use the trucks tail gate as a table to fish on. The Sunset here is just beautiful, as we fish with our spinners along the cliff. It is always nice to be home in Ka'u and see mother nature at its best. This is country, Hawaiian style mixed with multi-nationals and Kanaka Maoli. Ka'u will always be my home.The action was slowing down so we decided that maybe in the next couple of hours we should go home.I told G i was going to slide down a whole taco as bait and see if it hits before we leave. We were tired and it must have been after midnight on an Akua night (Full Moon). The wind here is strong and blows off shore constantly at times. The water looks calm but lives have been lost here since the current is so strong it can take you out for miles.....With the wind came the cold chilled air, from the mountains. G went into the front cab to sleep and i jumped into the bed of the truck, with my feet facing the tail gate, and sea. It was kinda warm for me since i had on a sweater with the hood. The trucks bedding was uncomfortable to sleep on but, being tired from the day I fell fast asleep. I could feel the truck rocking hard from side to side but, i figured it was the strong winds rocking the truck.Then I heard muffling noises like someone screaming for help. I was lying on my back and my eyes were open. Then the freakin truck was moving backwards heading for the cliff which means certain death for G and I. I jumped up and turned at the same time before I landed to see what the heck is going on. I saw a large 7 ft tall Kanaka in the front cab with G. He was pressing the gas and throwing it in reverse. i saw G terrorized with fear on what's happening while trying to press the brakes and change the gear to drive,,but we were moving fast now towards the cliff for certain death.I tried opening the driver side door ,so I could pull G out of the truck . The cliff was yards away. i had to make it work. I just had too.....The driver side window was slightly open and i stuck my hand inside because now that Kanaka was choking G so i was trying to rip his hand off G's neck.This Kanaka's hand was like Shaq's.....freakin big hands...but G must have changed gears forward, it gave me sometime to think. what to do...i jumped in the bed and threw a hard punch at the glass, which i shattered upon impact . I punched that demon hard on his temple, and release my chi at same time, but nothing happened ,so that was freaky. He only smiled at me,laughing and said he needed someones koko....to drink.....then he went after G's throat .I saw the fear in G's face ,then i called mom and my ancestors for help , they were here, my mom that i love and I said Lord take me and not G........mom wept for me.......I choked that Kanaka and he released G and choked me ....I squeezed hard and my fingers tore thru his skin and I dug my hand deep into his throat , i ripped hard at it and the blood was everywhere...but it was colored black, the blood,but it felt like blood. i continued to squeeze the life out of this thing.I felt weak, then saw it drinking, his blood....which was weird....i then killed it..He is now dead....Make....but the blood he drank, was mine.....i died too...Bobby Make that cold windy night along with my kill....now i know how it feels to die and leave this earth....I've done it so many times in the past like my ancestors before me, to save a soul. i guess it is the law as an ancient warrior that roams the aina.....there is a legend in our family where the saying goes like this:He mano holo 'aina ke ali'iWhich means: A chief is like a shark swimming and roaming on land,Like a shark that travels the deep sea, the ones on land, should never be tampered with.....Never...We woke out of this dream and i grabbed my knife and walked to my ulua pole and cut the line. Packed up and threw everything in the bed and drove off to Pahala. We never said anything for years and may never will.But you know braddah G, I would do it again for you in a heart beat......Aloha noBobby ENa'ai ali'i (k) is the brother of Na'ai Huna lii (w) . She was Keli'iPaahana's mother. Kel'iiPaahana's bones wrapped in black,red and yellow tapa are interned in Halemaumau where Na Wahine sits in Kilauea since the 1860's.The blood I have are of Na'ai ali'i (k) and of other ancestors. The meaning of Na'ai Huna lii is The Hidden Chief.Bobby EShare
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Our People Unite

Posted by Kau`ionalani on March 2, 2009 at 7:00pm
Lastnight I couldn't sleep and came up with this:


From Hilo To Hanalei
Our People Rise
From Wai’ehu To Ka’u
You Hear Our Cries

Through Honoka’a To Kekaha
Our People Unite
All Across The Islands
Searching For Right

All Of Our Natives
And Those Far From Home
Feel The Pain And Anger
Burning In Our Bones

‘Auwe, ‘Auwe!
What Has Happened to our land?
From Hana To Hau’ula
We Take A Stand

From Kula To Kaunakakai
There Is Strength In Our Eyes
Through Kona To Kahului
We Keep Our Culture Alive

From Waimanalo to Waimea
We Raise Our Voices High
From Kealakekua to Kailua
We Have Determination And Pride

The Will To Set
A Wrong To Right
A Chance, A Shot
At A Better Life

Our Native People
Are In Distress
There Is Chaos, Confusion
And Unrest

‘Auwe, ‘Auwe!
What Has Happened To Our Ways?
Greed Is A Disease In The World Today

From Lana’i To Laupahoehoe
Our People Are Ready, And Willing To Fight
To Make Things Pono
To Make Things Right

From Kaho’olawe to Kunia
All Is Not Lost
We Still Show Aloha
To Any Soul We Cross

From Keaukaha to Ka’a’awa
We Are Restless And More
From Kilauea To Laie
Our Will Power Soars

From City To City
Together We Lift
The Voices Of Our People
Keakua’s Gift

‘Auwe, ‘Auwe!
Our Natives Cry
We Can Change Life
We Have To Try

The Time Has Come
The Time Is Now
Spread The Word
Across The Town

Hawaiians Are Ready
Hawaiians Are Here
He Hawai’i Au
Ready To Fight, No Fear.
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MAUI CELEBRATES TORCH MARCH

Posted by Free Hawai`i on March 2, 2009 at 5:30am
LAHAINA - A sea of people of all ages embraced and honi'd, or touched noses, Friday at Lahaina while celebrating the end of a weeklong, 193-mile torch march around Maui to raise attention for Native Hawaiian issues.Elders of Na Kupuna O Maui had joined the marchers at Puamana, walking the last 1.2 miles of the journey called E Ka`apuni A Ho`a Kukui Na Moku`aina.An estimated 400 people ended the march about 4:15 p.m. on a hot, dusty patch of Moku`ula, or Malu`uluo Lele Park, with traditional haule-lani rites honoring deceased members of the Native Hawaiian community.Coordinator Ke`eaumoku Kapu said the marchers fulfilled their goal, to ignite "a spark of light that spread across all of Maui." The "light," represented by the trek's continually lit torches, signified unity and enlightenment about Native Hawaiian issues, he said. Those issues included the ceded-lands lawsuit now before the US Supreme Court; threats to Native Hawaiian trusts, exemplified by lawsuits related to Kamehameha Schools admissions; and Native Hawaiian health, education and well-being, he said.Read The Rest Here
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Message from the President of ʻAhahui

Posted by ʻAhahui Mālama i ka Lōkahi on March 1, 2009 at 1:38pm

Chuck%20Burrows%20atHanaloa%20Helela(1).jpg

Aloha mai käkou!It has finally come to pass! On October 24, 2008, after years of contentious disputes, the City and County of Honolulu officially transferred ownership of 693 acres in Kawainui Marsh to the State Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR).It is now the responsibility of the Division of Forestry and Wildlife (DOFAW) to manage and maintain the natural resources of both Kawainui and Hamakua wetlands as Ramsar Wetlands of International Importance. A major 40+ acres wetland bird restoration project was in jeopardy of losing its funding. Now the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and DOFAW can do it in 2009. This wildlife habitat construction project will stimulate interest from school and community groups to participate in the environmental and cultural educational activities and to engage in the malama or stewardship of Kailua¹s natural and cultural resources.The long-term efforts and planning to protect, conserve and restore Kawainui Marsh by Kailua’s concerned citizens and organizations along with the city, state, federal agencies and legislators will become more fulfilling and productiveas we work united on the common good for the health of the ecosystem and community. The 1994 Kawainui Marsh Master Plan can now be revised and updated to incorporate the restoration projects taking place at Ulupo Heiau, Na Pohaku o Hauwahine, Kawainui Park and at other sites below Castle Hospital and below Le Jardin Academy along Kapaa Quarry Road. Hawaiian organizations, i.e. Ahahui Malama i ka Lokahi and the Kailua Hawaiian Civic Club, will work in partnership as curators with DOFAW and the State Parks at these various sites.Ho‘olaulima o Kawainui, a coalition of community groups, e.g. the Kawai Nui Heritage Foundation, Kailua Historical Society, Hawaii Thousand Friends, Hawaii Audubon Society, Ahahui Malama, Kailua HCC, DOFAW and AMERON have been meeting for the past four years to plan for a Kawainui Visitor Center and interpretive sites around the wetlands. A visitor center as well as a Hawaiian Cultural and Environmental Center with meeting rooms, cabins and camping facilities can now be seriously considered.Ahahui Malama has completed a $54K North American Wetlands Conservation Act (NAWCA) grant with Ducks Unlimited for out-planting native Hawaiian plants on selected areas of the 12 acres of Na Pohaku o Hauwahine. We are currently finishing up a $17K Castle Foundation grant for the dryland reforestation and wetland bird habitat at Na Pohaku, and this work is being continued with a grant of $23K from the Office of Hawaiian Affairs (OHA).We are developing a “Cultural Resource Landscape Management Plan” for Ulupo Heiau. The LEF Foundation, State Parks, the Nature Conservancy of Hawaii and the Kailua Hawaiian Civic Club have contributed funds toward this project to be completed in the Fall of 2009. The completed plan could also serve as a template for Na Pohaku o Hauwahine and eventually become part of a revised Kawainui Master Plan.On Monday February 16, 2009, we will be celebrating the Ramsar World Wetlands Day at Kawainui Marsh. We are planning to have talks on the proposed wetland bird pond construction and to establish a Kawainui Visitor Center. “Greening” displays of sustainable energy, environmental and organic food cultivation will be demonstrated. There also will be scheduled tours to Hamakua, Kaelepulu and Na Pohaku wetlands.Ahahui Malama encourages your continued financial support for the educational and restoration work that we do in Kawainui Marsh and elsewhere. We also invite you to join us on our scheduled activities and for those who reside on the continent, be sure to contact Ahahui Malama whenever you come to Hawaii.Malama pono,Chuck “Doc” Burrows[Charles Peʻapeʻa Makawalu Burrows]
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Piukeona

Posted by Kihei de Silva on March 1, 2009 at 8:40am
Piukeonaʻs Notoreity is Growningna Kīhei de SilvaKaulana mai nei ‘o Piukeona lā‘Auhea wale ana ‘oe 
Ka lima ku‘i o Maukealana 
‘Auhea wale ana ‘oe.‘Akahi a lana ko‘u mana‘o lā
‘Auhea wale ana ‘oe 
E hui ‘ōlelo pū kāua lā
‘Auhea wale ana ‘oe.‘O wau kai kapa ‘ia mai nei lā
‘Auhea wale ana ‘oe 
Mai‘a wīwī hapa Mekiko lā
ʻAuhea wale ana ʻoe.Wīwī haokila makeneki lā
‘Auhea wale ana ‘oe 
Nanea na‘e kou puka linohao lā
‘Auhea wale ana ‘oe.Ha‘ina ‘ia mai ana ka puana lā
‘Auhea wale ana ‘oe 
Kaulana mai nei ‘o Piukeona lā[Ka lima ku‘i o Maukealana lā]‘Auhea wale ana ‘oe.Piukeona's notoriety is growing 
Now pay attention
Like the artificial limb of Maukealana
Now pay attention.I've just now realized
Now pay attention.
That we‘d better have a talk
Now pay attention.I am the one who has just been called 
Now pay attention.
The skinny, part-Mexican banana
Now pay attention.But this skinny bit of magnetized steel
Now pay attention.
Has certainly been enjoyed by your iron ring 
Now pay attention.This is the end of my song
Now pay attention.
Piukeona is becoming well-known
[The artificial limb of Maukealana]
Now pay attention.The story of Pōlani and her part-Mexican lover (he refers to himself in his song as Piukeona) illustrates, in juicy detail, the consequences of gossip and conclusion-jumping in a closely knit Hawaiian community. The story demonstrates, as well, the double-edged potential of words spoken (or, in this case, composed) in anger.According to Kawena Pukui's summary of the story, Pōlani's relationship with her handsome hapa Mekiko was ruined by a jealous woman who went to him with lies about Pōlani's dissatisfaction with his performance as a lover. When he heard that Pōlani had described him as a maiʻa wīwī (skinny banana), he lost his temper and composed a song that praised his own endowments and abilities ("Ko‘i‘i ku‘u pua inu i ka wai" – Ever fresh is my water-drinking flower) while insulting Pōlani's body parts and fidelity ("Nānā iho ‘oe i ko kai kapu / Ua hehi kū ‘ia e ka nui manu" – Why don't you care for your own kapu sea / Where the birds have trampled at will). He sang this song at a party to which they were both invited, and the unsuspecting Pōlani fled in humiliation.Pōlani composed a reply and delivered it at a subsequent gathering. Although her mele was neither as insulting nor as memorable as his (we have no record of it today), the young man was overcome by remorse when he discovered that she had been, in Pukui's words, "the innocent victim of a jealous rival." He begged for – and received – Pōlani's pardon, but she refused to resume their lovers' relationship, having lost all desire for one who had proved to be suspicious, quick-tempered, and nasty.Pukui says that the story of Pōlani was one that she heard many times in her childhood. We can imagine how it served as the bad example against which proper behavior was modeled: don't listen to gossip, don't jump to conclusions, don't vent your spleen in public, don't elevate yourself at another's expense, and don't forget that your ill-chosen words can come back to hurt you. Pukui also notes that the song "Piukeona" was once as well known as the story; it was especially popular with Pōlani's family who would sing it whenever the young man was present – just "to see him squirm!" Hawaiian songs are usually songs of celebration; more often than not, they focus on joy and beauty, even in situations where these can only be found in the past. Here, however, the mean-spirited "Piukeona" was somewhat gleefully turned on its composer as an illustration of the consequences of his negative focus.Unfortunately, the details of the story and the full impact of the 26- and 30-line versions of the song have been confused and diluted in the 100 years since Piukeona's insult originally backfired. When we first learned the song for presentation in the 1989 Merrie Monarch Festival, for example, we took the "side" of Pōlani's lover in the mistaken belief that she had insulted his virility in a fit of jealousy over his attraction to another woman. As for textual dilution, it is not only evident in the shortened John Pi‘ilani Watkins'[1] version but even in the much older Roberts' text. Pukui indicates that the latter text is, in fact, comprised of three different songs – "ʻAno‘ai Ke Aloha No Piukeona," an unnamed mele, and another song for Pōlani that begins with "‘Auhea wale ana ‘oe / E ka u‘i Pōlani hana kupanaha."A comparison of Pukui, Roberts, and Watkins reveals that Watkins' recorded version is constructed of the first four lines of Pukui and Roberts, and lines 9-12 of Roberts. Watkins' version, moreover, changes the initial "'Ano‘ai ke aloha no Piukeona" of the two earlier versions to "Kaulana mai nei ‘o Piukeona" and the "Kani pono na‘e kou puka linohao" of Roberts' 12th line to "Nanea na‘e kou puka linohao." Watkins' version also employs the opening line of Pukui's "third" song – "‘Auhea wale ana ‘oe" – as the refrain that follows each line of his otherwise Pukui- and Roberts-derived text.The text provided above is transcribed from the re-released Watkins' recording – with occasional changes made in deference to Pukui's notes and Roberts' manuscript. Watkins pronounces Piukeona as Piukeone, and Maukealana as Maukelana. According to Pukui, both Piukeona and Maukealana are the Hawaiianized names of "characters in a foreign tale." I know nothing else of this story, and tracking it down would make for a valuable research project.[2] Whether or not the names can be traced to a foreign story, their possible Hawaiian meanings are themselves appropriate to someone intent on defending his physical attributes and virility: Piuke-[‘]ona easily translates to "fragrant / intoxicating beauty" and is probably the man's poetic name for himself. Mau-ke-[‘]alana – "continuously rising up" – might well be the nickname of his notorious magnetic appendage. My Pukui-based translation of Roberts' un-edited text is provided below: the serious reader, however, would do well to examine Pukui's version and notes in the Bishop Museum Archives.Ano ai ke aloha no PiukeonaKa lima ku‘i o MaukealanaAkahi i lana ko‘u mana‘oE hui olelo pu kauaMalia o loa‘a lihi aku oeI ka lihilihi o pua ka lehuaHe pua mamo mai KeaweO ka‘u hana ite ia o ka me‘oO wau ke kapa ia maiHe maia wiwi hapa MekikoWiwi haokila makenekiKani pono na‘e i ka puka linohaoNana e hao mai pau na inoPuka pu me ka lepo wai akikaKe kumu uha iho ia malaloKa huina ka uea oleloOlelo ana oe i ko‘u ke‘ePehea oe e ka ui PolaniUa moku o lehua au i ke kaiKuu ana puu nui puu wa‘awa‘aHe awawa hohonu o KauhaoO ka lepe a moa ko muaNa‘u hele mua nei aianaE ka ui Polani hana kupanahaHa‘ina‘ia mai ana ka puana laKa ui Polani hana kupanaha.This is the love song of PiukeonaHe of the artificial limb MaukealanaI have just now hopedThat we might talk togetherOr that I might meet briefly with youIn the lehua blossom fringesI am a descendant of KeaweWhose work is the gaining of favorsIt was I who was calledThe part Mexican skinny bananaBut mine is really a thin bit of magnetized steelThat will strike home to your iron ringIt will draw out all your vile traitsExtracting the dirt and acidsDown there at the junction of your thighsIs the meeting place of telephone wiresWhere you speak of my shortcomingsWhat about yours, pretty Polani?Your lehua is an island jutting into the seaOn it stands a huge furrowed hillKauhao is a deep valleyWith a cock's comb at its entranceI am the one who first took an iron to itO strange-behaving PolaniThis ends my songFor pretty, strange-behaving Polani._________________________Haku meleAlthough John Pi‘ilani Watkins has been credited with composing this song, two considerably older and longer versions can be found in the Roberts Collection of the Bishop Museum Archives. According to Mary Kawena Pukui, whose notes are appended to Roberts' text, "Piukeona" was composed in 1897 by the part-Mexican lover of Pōlani, a woman born in either Ka‘ū or Kona in the late 19th century.SourceMS SC Roberts, 2.6:62c-66c, Bishop Museum Archives. Roberts received this 26-line "mele hula pila" (hula with guitar accompaniment) from Mrs. Levy Ho‘opi‘i of Hanapai, Kaua‘i. Pukui's notes, with a 30-line version, are penciled in the margins and backs of the Roberts' manuscript.Select Discography1) John Pi'ilani Watkins, 49th State HRC-297A; re-released on Vintage Hawaiian Treasures Vol. 2: Hula Hawaiian Style, Hana Ola HOC 1800.2) Myrtle K. Hilo, Will You Love Me When My Carburetor's Busted? Lehua S1206.3) Tony Conjugacion, Pure Tony, Kahale KMI-14001.4) Weldon Kekauoha, Hawaiian Man, A Guava Ding Thing GDT 1230.Text aboveTranscribed from the Watkins' recording and edited by Kīhei de Silva.Translation: Kīhei de Silva, based on Pukui.Notes1. Hula master John Piʻilani Watkins (1928-1983) is remembered today as the creative force behind the original Germaine's Lū‘au at Sea Life Park and as the composer of many still-popular mele hula, among them: "Green Lantern Hula," "Hāna Chant," "Kaloaloa," "Me Ka Nani a‘o Kaupō," and "Ulupalakua." His 49th State Records version of "Piukeona" is perhaps the oldest release of a song that Tony Conjugacion, Keali‘i Reichell, and Weldon Kekauoha have done much to re-popularize.2. Kimo Alama Keaulana has indicated that "Piukeona stems from a Hawaiian language newspaper serial that ran for a real long time. The tale is about someone from Maudelana (Maukelana). This story ran in the 1860s and must have been well enjoyed for it ran so long." (Personal Communication, May 24, 1999.).© Kīhei de Silva, 1997. All rights reserved.
This essay was first published in He Aloha Moku o Keawe: A Collection of Songs for Hawai‘i, Island of Keawe, (Honolulu: Lelepali Productions, 1997) 26-28. It is offered here in slightly revised and updated form.
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DO WE HAVE A WINNER? ON "VOICES OF TRUTH – ONE-ON-ONE WITH HAWAI`I'S FUTURE"

Posted by Free Hawai`i on March 1, 2009 at 8:00am
To hear all the different interpretations of what occurred at the US Supreme Court this last week in the stolen lands case, you might think people were describing completely different events.The Honolulu Star-Bulletin's op-ed piece was especially astounding, as it determined the fake state of Hawai`i and attorney general Mark Bennett the clear winner.Yet anyone who has read the transcript of the oral arguments can only laugh at that assertion.And yet no one's laughing at one thing the Office of Hawaiian Affairs attorney said that caused shock and outrage.So what really did happen? Find out this Wednesday on Free Hawai`i TV.Mahalo to everyone who has let us know how much you enjoy our new Voices Of Truth show featuring Kukaniloko.It's an amazing place indeed – one that's still revealing all its secrets.We've got this and a lot more coming your way on Voices Of Truth – One-On-One With Hawai`i's Future.MONDAY, March 2nd At 6:30 PM – Maui – Akaku, Channel 53MONDAY, March 2nd At 7:00 PM & FRIDAY, March 6th At 5:30 PM – Hawai`i Island – Na Leo, Channel 53SATURDAY, March 7th At 8:00 PM – O`ahu, `Olelo, Channel 53"Kukaniloko – Birth Of A Nation – A Visit With Tom Lenchanko"One of Hawai`i's oldest sites dating back to 1060 AD, Kukaniloko was a birthing place for high ranking ali`i. Today it's known as a portal where people from all over the world are drawn by an ancestor's calling – to link back and touch family members long since gone. Tom's demonstration of how various stones in Kukaniloko were used, including the birthing stones is not to be missed. A breathtaking visit to a special place where the ancestors await - and time stands still. Watch It Here.THURSDAY, March 5th At 8:30 PM & FRIDAY, March 6th At 8:30 AM – Kaua`i – Ho`ike, Channel 52"Kawainui Magic – A Visit With Chuck “Doc” Burrows"What is it about Kawainui marsh that’s so irresistible? Certainly the unparalleled beauty and ecological importance, but there’s something else. Join us as we visit with long time Kawainui caretaker Chuck “Doc” Burrows as he explains the marsh’s deep cultural history and reveals why it’s a special place like no other. 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.You can watch Voices Of Truth anytime on the web.And for news and issues that affect you, watch Free Hawai`i TV, a part of the Free Hawai`i Broadcasting Network.
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Honolulu pushes for weaker sewage outflow quality standard

Posted by Pono Kealoha on March 1, 2009 at 3:48am
March 1, 2009Honolulu pushes for weaker sewage outflow quality standardCity seeks legislation to raise allowable levels of certain key pollutantsBy ROB PEREZAdvertiser Staff WriterThe city, facing mounting fines for discharging contaminated sewage into the ocean, is urging state lawmakers to pass legislation that would weaken the very water-quality standards that a federal judge ruled the city violated for years.The changes, if adopted, would raise the allowable levels for certain key pollutants in Hawai'i waters by as much as five times. But they also will make some standards more stringent.Critics are concerned about easing up on the standards, particularly because the listed pollutants are at the heart of the city's dispute with environmental groups and the Environmental Protection Agency over contaminated discharges."It'll be breathtaking," Robert Harris, director of the Sierra Club's Hawai'i chapter, said of the substantially weaker standards.But the city, with the state's concurrence, has told lawmakers that Hawai'i's standards — among the most stringent in the country — are outdated and should be revised based on national ones issued in 2006 by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.The proposed changes, they say, are based on more current, better science and would continue to provide sufficient safeguards for Hawai'i beachgoers, seafood eaters and marine life."Bottom line, we think the public will be adequately protected if we use national standards," said Larry Lau, the state Department of Health's deputy director for environmental health.Hawai'i's current water-quality measures have not been substantially revised for nearly three decades, according to city officials.If the legislation passes, the new standards would be considered "interim" until the EPA, which must approve any changes, makes a decision.The city is asking lawmakers to take quick action so it can use the new standards to help seek the elimination or reduction of potentially hundreds of millions of dollars in fines from a pending lawsuit brought by the Sierra Club and two other organizations over sewage discharges. A federal judge last year found that the city from 1999 to 2007 committed thousands of violations of the current water-quality standards. The proposed changes, if adopted, would bring the city in compliance with one key measure used in that case and likely help reduce other violations.The city also is hoping to use the interim standards to bolster its appeal to EPA over ordered upgrades to Honolulu's two main sewage-treatment plants, work that likely will cost more than $1 billion and could lead to sewer fee hikes for Honolulu customers.The federal agency in January mandated the upgrades after ruling that wastewater discharged from the two plants did not meet the current standards.In addition to disputing the validity of those measures, the city maintains the upgrades are unnecessary because the treated wastewater, which is dumped nearly two miles offshore and at a depth of more than 200 feet, is not harmful in any way.If the legislation is passed, "the city would have a stronger basis to urge the EPA and the court to evaluate our performance against the most appropriate, current standards, not standards based on EPA-recommended water-quality criteria from 1980, nearly 30 years ago," Tim Steinberger, director of the city's Department of Environmental Services, said in a written statement."And if evaluated against those standards, the city would be able to confirm what EPA concedes all of the biological and monitoring data already show — that our treatment plants are not posing any risk of harm to human health or the environment."EPA spokesman Darrin Swartz-Larson said the city inaccurately portrayed the agency's position, saying the data showed a mixed picture.Unusual approachEven if the city is successful in getting the legislation passed, the effort may be for naught.States usually revise their water-quality standards through an administrative process that under EPA rules requires scientific and technical justifications for the proposed changes and an open, transparent process that allows the public to comment on the proposals. Going the legislative route is unusual and raises questions about meeting EPA requirements."At this point, it's not clear from the EPA's perspective whether what's going on now (at the Legislature) would satisfy the process to adopt revised water-quality standards under the Clean Water Act," said Dean Higuchi, another EPA spokesman.Steinberger said city officials have tried for more than a year to get the state to amend the standards through the normal administrative process, noting that a required review of the standards every three years already is overdue.Unable to get the state to act on a timely basis, city officials turned to the Legislature this session for help.Initially, the bill introduced at the city's request focused on the two pesticides, chlordane and dieldrin, and a bacterium, Enterococcus, that were at the center of the Sierra Club litigation and the EPA-ordered sewage-plant upgrades. The bill called for adopting the EPA standards for the pesticides and a 2005 DOH recommendation for Enterococcus.But the two measures moving through the House and Senate (HB 834 and SB 1008) have since been amended to include a much broader adoption of the 2006 EPA standards for numerous pollutants. The EPA standards, based on national studies, are minimum levels that states must meet, although each state is free to adopt more stringent ones.politics decriedSome environmental groups, particularly those involved in the litigation, and others have vigorously objected to changing pollutant measures via a political process.They maintain that the city and state are attempting to weaken Hawai'i's stringent standards without any scientific analysis showing whether the national ones are appropriate here, especially given Hawai'i's year-round beach use, subtropical marine ecosystem, higher fish consumption and other factors that tend to distinguish it from other states.The proposed changes, the critics add, could lead to more water pollution in a tourism-dominated state that relies heavily on its clean waters. That would put water users and seafood eaters at greater risk of illness and further threaten Hawai'i's fragile marine ecosystem, they say."I cannot support a proposal that would double or triple the amount of pesticides and bacteria in the water, particularly without a thorough scientific analysis of how this would impact Hawai'i," Kailua resident and scuba diver Elbridge Smith said in written testimony submitted to the Legislature.Fred Madlener, board member of Hawai'i's Thousand Friends, another plaintiff in the sewage litigation, noted that the allowable levels for the enterococcus bacteria would increase fivefold and significantly raise the risk of illness for swimmers, including those in Waikiki, who swallow water with the higher bacteria counts."Tourism is such an important part of our commercial life here that it makes no sense to jeopardize it by downgrading our standards," he said.The Sierra Club's Harris cited the example of pesticide levels permitted in local waters. For chlordane, the state years ago adopted a standard that was three times greater than the national one because Hawai'i consumed three times more fish compared with the U.S. average, he said. EPA subsequently lowered its standard, so Hawai'i's is now five times greater, he added.Yet no analysis has been done to show the possible effects of lowering the Hawai'i threshold by a factor of five to match EPA's, according to Harris."This is just blindly adopting something," he said.research citedBut proponents defended the proposed standards, saying EPA's thresholds are backed by extensive national research that cannot be matched at the state level, particularly during tough budget times.Lau noted that the state uses other national standards, such as air-quality ones, to protect people and the environment.James Moncur, director of the University of Hawai'i Water Resources Research Center, said the existing water-quality standards are unnecessarily stringent, and scientific results show little or no benefit would result from the massive costs to do the EPA-mandated sewage-plant upgrades."It's almost like building a bridge to nowhere," Moncur said.The city's Steinberger said the environmental groups opposing the bills are doing so to further their interests in their litigation against the city. "Updating the water-quality standards is the right thing to do, plain and simple," he said.The state has been working on possible revisions to a more narrow set of standards through the normal process, but that effort is still months away.Just how much Hawai'i's standards would change under the legislation is unclear.Some thresholds will increase, others will decrease and some will remain the same. But Lau said the measures are so complicated and involve so many variables that making a general characterization of the changes would be difficult. The city says the standards in most cases would remain the same or become more stringent.State Sen. David Ige, chairman of the Senate Health Committee, said his panel approved SB 1008 last week largely based on the state's assurances that the public still would be adequately protected and because the city and state agreed the changes are needed. The bill now goes to the full Senate for a vote.
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“CEDED LANDS” - PERFECT TITLE / PERFECT CRIME

Posted by Free Hawai`i on February 27, 2009 at 9:30pm
If the State of Hawai`i has perfect title, then the “ceded lands” is the perfect crime.At the outset of the oral arguments at the U.S. Supreme Court in the “ceded lands” case, the state declared that it had “perfect title” over those lands and that this is an “indisputable” fact.Then the state proceeded to say that the lands in this dispute were from the illegal overthrow of the Hawaiian Kingdom!Apparently the illegality of the overthrow is also indisputable because it was parroted by the other two presenters and the justices. Hello!?? Isn’t illegally gotten property called stolen property not perfect title?So the lands were stolen, but somehow the title is perfect? Oh, I get it! (wink, wink) Yes, we all agree the lands were stolen, but its OK because the thief made a detailed (but non-binding) “to whom it may concern” apology, and the thief is a nice guy (not to mention dangerously powerful).So now if we all recite the mantra, perfect title, perfect title, perfect title, all will be…well…perfect! No pesky claimants, no encumbrances, no injunction, no need to answer to anyone. Best of all, no rule of law.In essence, the state is saying to the court, “We have a perfect right to ignore the 116-year-long annoyance of ‘Hawaiian children lamenting for their homes.’ After all, our title is perfect! …perfect title, perfect title, perfect title...”Leon SiuMinister of Foreign AffairsKe Aupuni O Hawai`iThe Hawaiian Kingdom
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Be Grateful

Posted by Kawailele on February 27, 2009 at 1:13pm
Well being home a lot and having plenty time on my hands often makes me think a lot of everything i have done in my life, what ever is happening now in my life and things i plan. After thinking what i can do next make me loose focus on what i have now and not giving all my attention on things in front of me loving this very moment this present time. We all need to be grateful of what we have and not loose focus on someone elses things. Live your own life and live it to the fullest and making yourself happy. You will always have a friend when you need one for advice but dont make it your job to take care of someone elses bullshit.... Mahalo ke akua no na mea a pau!
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In U.S. Supreme Court, Office of Hawaiian Affairs Challenges State's Authority Over Ceded Lands

Posted by Pomaikaiokalani on February 27, 2009 at 11:50am
In US Supreme Court, Office of Hawaiian Affairs Challenges State's Authority Over Ceded LandsCeded Land Case SeriesBy Robert Thomas, 2/26/2009 12:50:20 PMWashington, D.C. attorney Kannon Shanmugam argued for the Office of Hawaiian Affairs (OHA), a state agency challenging the state administration over land rights.He began by asserting that the issue in the case should be very narrowly drawn: whether the Hawaii Supreme Court's decision was based on the Apology Resolution.He staked OHA's entire argument on the factual issue of whether the Hawaii Supreme Court's decision was based on the state's fiduciary duties to Native Hawaiians under state law, and whether the court only relied on the Apology Resolution as a recognition that Native Hawaiians have political claims.He conceded that if the Hawaii Supreme Court's decision was based on the Apology Resolution, OHA should lose:And it's for that reason, Justice Ginsburg, that we freely concede that if the Hawaii Supreme Court had relied on the Apology Resolution as creating some Federal duty, that would be problematic. That would be not -- Tr. at 36.State Law Only?The Justices questions reflected some skepticism with the argument that the Hawaii Supreme Court's decision was based only state law. This is the "independent and adequate state grounds" issue, which OHA has been pressing since the petition stage, arguing that the Hawaii Supreme Court's decision rested on state law grounds and that SCOTUS has no jurisdiction. Under Michigan v. Long, 463 U.S. 1032 (1983), if a state decision rests on state and not federal law, the state court must say so plainly.Responding to a question from Justice Souter about whether the Hawaii Supreme Court's decision was based on the Apology Resolution and state law (meaning the case is reviewable), Shanmugam conceded that the Hawaii Supreme Court acknowledged the Apology Resolution "together with State law, gave rise to the fiduciary duty," but argued that the real substance of the Hawaii court's opinion -- the ratio decedendi if you will -- was state law. Justice Ginsburg didn't seem to buy it:Then how to you explain the language, over and over again, I won't repeat it, but they said this resolution of ours is dictated by, compelled by, the Apology Resolution? Without the Apology Resolution it would be an entirely different case. And now you seem to be taking what the Hawaii Supreme Court put as the necessary link, the Apology Resolution, before that this would have been impossible, and you are treating it now as sort of window dressing, icing on the cake, really didn't matter.But we would disrespect the Hawaii Supreme Court if we didn't take them at their word and say --using words such as "dictated," "compelled." You -- you are treating this as sort of just part of the atmosphere.Tr. at 28-29. Shanmugam responded by conceding the Apology Resolution "wasn't window dressing," since it confirmed the "factual predicate" for the state law claims. He agreed that "if the Hawaii Supreme Court's opinion is read to construe the Apology Resolution as creating some affirmative duty or obligation as a matter of Federal law, we agree that that would be erroneous." Tr. at 31.A State/Federal Conflict?Justice Scalia asked if the Hawaii Supreme Court's decision was based on state law alone, whether state law conflicts with federal law. He stated that his view of federal law is that it "extinguished all property rights" in the ceded lands.As I read the Federal law, it extinguished all property rights in these lands; the lands were transferred to the Federal Government; and the Federal Government transferred them in absolute fee without any encumbrances to the State of Hawaii. Now if you are telling me the Hawaii Supreme Court is now finding as a matter of State law that there is a property interest on the part of the Native Hawaiians --I don't care what you call it, equitable or whatever --it seems to me that is flat contradiction of Federal law, and probably is an issue that we ought to address in this opinion.Tr. at 32. The Chief Justice also asked that if the case were to be sent back to the Hawaii Supreme Court, and that court affirmed the injunction under state law, whether state law would violate federal law. Shanmugam responded that the issue was not presented in the case as presently postured. Later, however, the Chief Justice noted that any decision by the Hawaii Supreme Court regarding the state's fiduciary duties must be consistent with federal law under the Supremacy Clause. Tr. at 42.What Remedy?Justice Breyer, joined by the Chief Justice, jumped in asking:[D]o you object to a three-sentence pro curiam opinion in this case where we say, to the extent that the Hawaiian Supreme Court could be read to suggest that the Apology Resolution either resolved or cast a cloud, legally speaking, on the title of the trust land, or suggested in any way that land be enjoined -- the sale be enjoined, the Court made a mistake; and insofar as it is resting on State law, that's up to them.Tr. at 33. Shanmugam responded, "I think we would acquiesce in that with one small quibble." The quibble being that the underlying claims may only be resolved in the political branches, not in court.Breyer responded, "[n]ow I have read this Apology Resolution about six times, and I certainly don't see anything" suggesting it created an obligation to enjoin sales pending a political resolution of Native Hawaiian claims. Interestingly, Shanmugam conceded the point:Yes. And we agree that the Apology Resolution could not be read to create some affirmative duty not to sell the ceded lands.JUSTICE BREYER: You agree that the Apology Resolution does not say who's right about the claim?MR. SHANMUGAM: No. There are various --ere are various findings in the Apology Resolution that could potentially be relevant to the ultimate disposition of the land.Tr. at 34-35. Justice Ginsburg again voiced her skepticism: "And the political process question I think is really bothersome, that the Hawaii Supreme Court chose to use this Federal crutch. It seems a very weak reed."Tr. at 36. Responding to a question from the Chief Justice, Shanmugam agreed that the Court could simply vacate the Hawaii decision as erroneous and remand to the Hawaii Supreme Court:CHIEF JUSTICE ROBERTS: So you would have no -- just to carry on the opinion-drafting process, you would have no objection to an opinion that said no source of Federal law gave rise to a duty under State law, fiduciary or otherwise; that any further proceedings on remand should be based solely on State law?MR. SHANMUGAM: Well, I think that that is right in the sense that we certainly think that the Hawaii Supreme Court in the first place intended to rely on a State law of fiduciary duty. And we would certainly have no problem with and indeed would welcome a remand that afforded the Hawaii Supreme Court an opportunity to do what we think they did in the first place.Tr. at 37. Justice Scalia wondered what would happen if the Supreme Court remanded the case to the Hawaii Supreme Court, "and the Hawaii Supreme Court smiles, and doesn't do a blessed thing. Leaves -- leaves the injunction against any distribution of the land in effect. What -- what happens then?" Tr. at 38. Shanmugam argued that it was unlikely the Hawaii court would do nothing, but would likely vacate the injunction and send the case back to the trial court.Substantive Effect?The Chief Justice compared the Apology Resolution to Congress' resolution apologizing for the internment of Japanese-Americans in World War II, which was a purely symbolic act by Congress. Not until Congress enacted a separate law providing for compensation was there any substantive right. Justice Scalia also questioned the assertion that the Apology Resolution was not simply symbolic. Commenting upon Shanmugam's argument that the Hawaii Supreme Court relied upon Congress' recognition of the need for reconciliation, Justice Scalia noted:JUSTICE SCALIA: And all this comes from the fact that Congress made reference to and approved a so-called reconciliation process?MR. SHANMUGAM: Well, Congress did support that --JUSTICE SCALIA: So in -- in perpetuam, this land can't be transferred because Congress approved the this reconciliation process?MR. SHANMUGAM: Only until the claims of the Native Hawaiians are resolved. And what is clear --JUSTICE SCALIA: I see.Tr. at 46-47.Hawaii Legislature Moots The Question?Shanmugam seemed to refer to a bill working its way through the Hawaii legislature to put a de facto moratorium on the sale or transfer of ceded lands:MR. SHANMUGAM: -- regardless of the degree of the reliance on the Apology Resolution, Justice Scalia, is that the Hawaii legislature has substantial discretion to act and to act in a way that essentially vacates the terms of the injunction. So if the Hawaii legislature either says, we're going to reach a definitive solution of the underlying claims of the Native Hawaiians by giving them land or additional monetary compensation, or the Hawaii Supreme Court determines that --JUSTICE SCALIA: Or denying it to them?MR. SHANMUGAM: Or denying it to them. Then presumably, according to the terms of the injunction, it would no longer have any force. So the Hawaii Legislature remains empowered to act in such a way as to get out from under the terms of the injunction to the extent they are restrictive.Tr. at 47. The argument concluded with questions by the Court of whether the state's recent public statements that it has no intention of selling any ceded lands deprived the Court of article III jurisdiction.Also See related stories and documents in Hawaii Reporter:"'Heavy Hitters' Battle in the Nation's Supreme Court Over Rights to Hawaiian Ceded Lands""Hawaii Ceded Lands Case: U.S. Supreme Courts Grants Cert Review"The amicus brief filed by the Pacific Legal Foundation in the case is posted here: http://www.inversecondemnation.com/inversecondemnation/2008/04/cert-petition-2.htmlThe State's petition is posted here: http://www.inversecondemnation.com/inversecondemnation/2008/04/cert-petition-2.htmlThe Office of Hawaiian Affairs' Brief in Opposition: http://www.inversecondemnation.com/inversecondemnation/2008/07/brief-in-opposition-in-ceded-lands-cert-petition.htmlThe brief of 29 states supporting Hawaii is here, and the amicus brief of the New Mexico Commissioner of Public Lands supporting cert is here: http://www.inversecondemnation.com/inversecondemnation/2008/06/another-amicus-brief-supporting-cert-in-ceded-lands-case.htmlThe Supreme Court's case docket is here: http://www.supremecourtus.gov/docket/07-1372.htmRobert Thomas is the Hawaii representative for the Pacific Legal Foundation. He helped author an amicus brief supporting the State's arguments. Reach him at mailto:rht@hawaiilawyer.comToday in Our Nation...Hawaii's OnlineResource for Businessand Government RecordHawaii ReporterP.O. Box 11664Honolulu, HI 96828Information and SubscriptionPhone: 808-524-4500Fax: 808-524-4594Subscribe@HawaiiReporter.comCity DeskPhone: 808-306-3161Fax: 808-524-4594Tips@HawaiiReporter.comwww.HawaiiReporter.com© 2009 Hawaii Reporter, Inc. | About Us | Terms of Service | Privacy Policy | Limitations of Liability
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'O wai la 'oe e ke kane?!

Posted by Momi on February 27, 2009 at 9:30am
'Auhea 'oe e ka ua noe?Ka noe e kipa aku i ku'u moe.Anuanu la ke pili 'ole mai....'Eha'eha ke pili mai nei....He aha la ka'u e hana aku ai?'O wai la 'oe e ka noe?...Ua kanaka.......Ua Laulau....E moe aku wau me NiolopuaPuka mai he huaHuli aku 'oe i kou kuaKau mai he pua'Auhea ko maua pu'uwai?Aia i uka...Aia i kai....Ma na kihi 'eha o ka honua...O ka lae o na kuahiwi laUe aku 'o PoliahuI ka 'eha a ke alohaHu mai kealoha i ka ho'oluhiLuhi wale ke keikiI ka 'ai wale maiHe mai'aLuhi wale aku ka wahineI ka ho'oipoipo maiKau mai ka waiHu mai ka naluHuhu 'o NamakaokekaiO PELE KA WAHINEI HI'A I KANA AHI'O Lohi'au paha 'oe?'O Aiwohikupua no?'O Lono-i-ke-aweawe-aloha 'oe?'O Hono-a-LeLe 'oe?Holo akuHolo maiPe'e akuPe'e maiE ku'u waimakaKu'u noe anuanuI waimea paha kauaE huna akua kealoha a ha'iE Hokeo aku i ka pili.E hahani maiE ke hoa kaunu no ke aumoeHea aku 'oe'a'ole ka....ho'i ka.i na manu o ka ua kanilehua"Don't cry 'oe..E ku'u sweety.Ko 'eha'eha e pa mai neiI ku'u poli e come mai 'oee ho'olono i ke konikoni anei pu'uwai"'o wai la 'oe e ke kane?'O wai la 'oe?!aheahe wale mai nei.
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Read the B.S. from Attorney General Mark Bennett regarding the so-called "ceded" lands which were NEVER ceded by our kupuna NOR by THEIR legal heirs

Posted by Ululani on February 27, 2009 at 6:30am


For my family and friends who like KNOW:



http://www.supremecourtus.gov/oral_arguments/argument_transcripts/07-1372.pdf


Try read where Attorney General Mark Bennett LIES to the U.S. Supreme Court justices about the title on page 4, lines 12 to 15:"There is no property interest that could have competed with the United States as perfect title. That perfect title was passed to the State of Hawai'i in 1959 through the 1959 Hawaii Admissions Act."THAT IS A LIE.Per the STATUTE OF FRAUDS which REQUIRES that transactions involving real property MUST be in WRITING. Yes I do know a thing or two about title and thus about LAND. (It never ceases to amaze ME how some people value their portfolio over valuing the lives of PEOPLE. In this case the lives of HAWAIIANS. Call us what you like. Semantics is TRIVIAL to me... compared to the LIVES of HAWAIIANS.)Oiwi (or Hawaiians or maoli or kanaka maoli or Hawaiian nationals... CALL IT WHAT YOU LIKE) and/or their legal HEIRS never SIGNED to transfer their title to the "state" of Hawai'i and they DID NOT AGREE and they did NOT SIGN to transfer their title to INCLUDE the "general public." Period.Notice that Bennett has NO hard copy evidence showing that Hawaiians DID because they NEVER agreed and they NEVER signed.Let's see if the U.S. Supreme Court justices show that they do not advocate conversion and allow people like BENNETT to do Hawaiians WRONG instead of doing the RIGHT THING.Statute of Frauds.They know ALL about it.Yes, I am a PROFESSIONAL and so are they. They should KNOW BETTER THAN THAT. Then again we are required to abide by a Code of Ethics or else they will yank our license way. It is OBVIOUS that Bennett has yet to abide by ANY Code of Ethics.It's unfortunate that THIS is happening but if something bad happens there is recourse. Of course in order to fight THIS later as legal heirs it will take some money to pay for legal representation.For THAT I feel sad for our keiki and our mo'opuna... as in those who ARE legal heirs because they will have to fight for what... what is ALREADY theirs AND pay to hire an attorney or attorneys. That is DOING HAWAIIANS WRONG.Do not get me wrong... but I do not worry about MYSELF. I have properties, cars... call it what YOU like. What do our mo'opuna have?Let's see... 40% of oiwi are ALREADY home-less where "home" = "Ko Hawaii Pae Aina" which some oiwi call "Hawai'i."It is ALL about the title and thus about the land. Some people like Bennett and Lingle are fighting for it while doing Hawaiians wrong just so that their colleagues, family, friends, and uh... demselves can make a profit off of the sale of the land(s)... while ALL of the oiwi whom I know are fighting for their title and thus for their land for their ROOTS.Some people like to try to twist that though LOL and try to make any kine.It's obvious to me that Bennett needs to take a class in ETHICS. Perhaps some people at OHA too because while Bennett and Lingle are fighting for the title in order to make a profit... some people at OHA are fighting for the title in order to protect their paycheck. IMHO I prefer someone who will fight for the title for the sake of OUR roots because once WE lose OUR land WE lose OUR roots.Me stating the obvious... AS USUAL LOLAnyway there is definitely a reason why MY kupuna pointed me to land. I didn't know why at the time because it is diametrically opposed to ALL of my VALUES and EVERYTHING that I believe in LOL... but they did. I had what you call? Blind Faith. IMHO I think the ONLY reason why I know words like "Statute of Frauds" and "conversion" is because of THEM. BECAUSE of MY kupuna *LOL* If it was ME... then I would not notice some words because to ME it is BORING TALK LOL.... (BTW when the deal goes through on MARCH 9TH the next day is the day I usually send out a check as a token of my appreciation to one of my CAUSES. Obviously olelo oiwi is VERY important to me so I going try send a check to Aha Punana Leo because to ME they right on! Yeah I write "For now" on the check because it is... FOR NOW LOL)P.S. I have a Motorola Q with unlimited calling incoming and outgoing minutes and for the last four months I have been contemplating exchanging it for a Blackberry. I have yet to exchange it because I like my Motorola Q. Most of my friends have either a Blackberry or an IPhone. I like my Motorola Q. It does what I want it to do and I can access my emails when I'm on the road though I still have not one but TWO laptops and FOUR desktops plus an IBM server LOL Even then my Hilo Grandma would always tell me ever since I was a little girl to learn about the computer. I didn't know why she kept telling me that when I was what... only four years old??? LOL Anyway Kalani is "encouraging" me to get a Blackberry even though he never explicitly encouraged me to get one LOLLatahs!


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starting up a Native Hawaiian advocacy group in New York

Posted by Ku'ulani Miyashiro on February 26, 2009 at 10:55am
Yesterday, we were able to get a handful of us who were available in the afternoon to go and show our kanaka maoli presence in NYC. We went to the National Museum of the American Indian in NYC (which is near Battery Park/the Statue of Liberty) to take pictures with Hawaiian flags. I chose that location because it is pretty much the only symbol of native presence I know of in NYC (someone please let me know if there are others).It dawned on us later that we also should have went to the UN - that's where many protests are held. They also have all the flags from every country in the world. We could have got arrested and tried to include the Hawaiian flag up there. Haha. That would have made for a good pic!Anyway, I also asked kanaka maoli who couldn't make it (it was LAST MINUTE kine, after all) to take pics of themselves in red and/or with the flag in solidarity.But this is just a step in the direction we want to go. I am so determined that just because I'm going to school in NYC doesn't mean I have to put a PAUSE to advocacy work for Native Hawaiians. Right? In fact, it makes for very good practice in community organizing.So, we are planning to start up some film screenings - hopefully we can get space at NYU - and educational type stuff. In addition, we are starting up a website and hopefully a social network like maoliworld where Hawaiians can connect in NY.What I found most difficult living here is that Hawaiians are virtually invisible to each other... unless we have online communities to connect. So --- this is our attempt to solve that and bridge that divide.Anyway, that's my mana'o for now.
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