In the Hawaiian language Aloha is used as a traditional greeting or farewell. Yesterday 261 Members of the House of Representatives said Aloha to the principles set forth in the Constitutuion by voting in favor of H.R. 505, the Native Hawaiian Government Reorganization Act….
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WHAT?… I’m NOT Hawaiian?!?
Dec 24
Posted by GRIH in Commentary | No Comments
by The Essayists | editor@zeroshibai.com
My wife’s parents came here in 1919 from the Philippines (many of us share a similar story). They had a bunch of children who have served in the Military, the Hawaiian Air Guard, Hawaii National Guard, built homes, had families, and contributed to the culture and the economy. My wife was born in the Territory of Hawaii. One of her daughters teaches our children here in Hawaii. Her grandchildren go to school in Hawaii. When my daughter read the changes that would be wrought by the Akaka Bill, she said, “What? I’m not Hawaiian?!?”
A friend, a cleric who has devoted his life to ministering to the people of Hawaii (including those inconvenient vows of poverty and chastity), is fifth generation Hawaiian. Oops, I shouldn’t call him “Hawaiian”. He’s fifth generation of a Portuguese family who came to Hawaii in the 19th Century. That family has built businesses, families, homes, and faith in these islands. Presented with the Akaka Bill he asked me, “What? I’m not Hawaiian?!?”
A good friend’s family came here in the early 19th Century. People were still living in lava tubes on the Big Island. His ancestors served the Kings and Queens with loyalty and distinction. They served the people of Hawaii, generation after generation. He is Caucasian. Not Haole – for those of you who are completely clueless, Haole means foreigner, not white. According to the Akaka Bill about 80% of this state’s residents are Haoles. My Caucasian friend asks, “If we’re not Hawaiians, what are we? We have nowhere to go. This is our home.” Read the rest of this entry »