Hawaiians
look to future
with optimism
Many are hopeful that 'one day we
By Pat Omandam
will get our lands back; one day we
will have a full nation'
Star-BulletinTwice this decade, Hawaiian rights groups and supporters have shown they can put aside their political differences and create a single voice while observing key dates in Hawaii's history.
That occurred in January 1993, during the centennial of the overthrow of the Hawaiian kingdom, and this past week's events marking the 100th anniversary of Hawaii's annexation.
Now the question is what to do with such political power.
"I guarantee the movement still will continue," said Mel Lonokaiolohia Kalahiki, a key coordinator of this week's events.
"But we want to move cautiously to the next step. The Hawaiian community needs to understand where we are now before we move to the next step. Then, everything else, when the changes come, will be smooth."
Office of Hawaiian Affairs Chairwoman A. Frenchy DeSoto told the thousands of people gathered at Iolani Palace yesterday she felt a renewed sense of what it means to be Hawaiian.
"I can't help but look at the future with a cautious sense of optimism," she said.
Already, organizers of last week's Aloha March are planning another march on Washington, D.C. -- in the year 2000, with 20,000 people -- to continue national exposure of the plight of native Hawaiians.
"I would like this nation of Hawaii to come back to the people, said Butch Kekahu. "The rightful and honest thing for the American government to do is to correct it. Give back what you stole."
Also on the agenda next January is a Hawaiian sovereignty summit at Kualoa Beach Park to discuss issues affecting self-determination. Organizers of "Ho'omalu ma Kualoa" say the centennial annexation is a powerful reminder of the deep harm that results when strong political interests ignore and overwhelm the will of the people.
And later this month, the Hawaii Advisory Committee to the U.S. Commission on Civil Rights will hold a public hearing at the East-West Center to gather information on the status of civil rights of native Hawaiians, five years after the November 1993 passage of U.S. Joint Resolution 103-150, known as the "apology resolution."
Keali'i Gora of Ka Lahui Hawaii said the annexation observance shows there is hope that native Hawaiians can continue to work together to rebuild a nation.
Education, he said, will unlock the keys so that "one day we will get our lands back; one day we will have a full nation, that we will be able to care, as well as shelter, clothe and house our people."
Ka Lahui governor Mililani Trask asked Hawaiians if they are ready to give their people a choice of a monarchy, an autonomous government, a traditional government or perhaps secession from the United States.
"Are we brave enough to allow all of our people to vote on the choice that America never gave to them? And are we strong enough to live with the decision of the majority of our people?" she said.
DeSoto said Queen Liliuokalani would be proud knowing that 100 years later, Hawaiians finally know the truth about what happened.
"After 100-plus years of colonization, we are still here," DeSoto said. "Give celebration to that fact."
Raising of Hawaiian
flag over palace
stirs emotions'What if there really is a chance
By Pat Omandam
that a nation can emerge?'
Star-BulletinAs a non-Hawaiian who is active in the native rights movement, Steve Kubota had a surreal experience as the Hawaiian flag was ceremonially raised over Iolani Palace.
As he watched with nearly 5,000 people yesterday, Kubota described the feeling as waking up from a dream but then realizing it may not be a dream.
"It was a glimmer of reality," he said. "What if there really is a chance that a nation can emerge?"
The noon flag-raising over the palace stirred the emotions of nearly everyone in the crowd. Some cried, others cheered and clapped, and a few whistled.
Mostly, everyone came to see the irony of the event. At noon, Aug. 12, 1898, Hawaii's flag was lowered and replaced with the U.S. flag to recognize Hawaii's annexation. It was reported that most Hawaiians, in support of Queen Liliuokalani, stayed away from the ceremony.
Yesterday, however, the entire palace complex was filled with native people and their supporters, all of whom came to see the Hawaiian flag raised in its place exactly 100 years later.
Huddy Iaea stood under a palm tree near the palace, determined to witness Hawaiian history despite the searing midday sun.
The 72-year-old former Marine and retired machine operator said he had pledged his allegiance to the United States, but in recent years that oath had worn thin as he learned more about the 1893 overthrow of the Hawaiian monarchy and annexation five years later.
"History is dirty," Iaea said. "I've got nothing against America, but they've got to give back the land."
Scott Miller of Waiehu, Maui, who took off from work yesterday as he did in 1993 for the Onipa'a events marking the centennial of the overthrow, said he was again compelled to support the Hawaiian rights movement.
"I'm glad that I came to participate," Miller said. "What is one day of work compared to a once-in-a-lifetime event?"
Also making a brief appearance late yesterday was former Hawaii Gov. John Waihee, who said he wanted to attend the flag-raising ceremony but couldn't make it.
"It's good to see the people coming together, telling the story of the annexation," said Waihee.
Meanwhile, event security escorted a lone protester who carried a large sign and American flag on the palace grounds.
George Avlonitis, 66, said this was his opportunity to inform Hawaiians that they have had several chances to vote on independence and that Liliuokalani herself said she had hope for the Hawaiian people under American rule.
