Hawaiʻi has faced many challenges as a people from battling fellow kanaka to spiting powerful authorities. We are to this day prisoners in our own homeland. Constantly ignored by our local government who sends false promises of equality and tranquility and favor the wishes of profitable outsiders. Nā Kanaka Maoli have every right to be upset with these despicable circumstances. Their act of pride is a force to be reckoned with. Many have felt the strength the people have built whether they feel intimidated or inspired. But can their actions lead to dire consequences?
The film Act of War: The Overthrow of the Hawaiian Nation is a 1993 documentary that greatly focuses on the distraught natives where they inform their audience about the history of the infamous overthrow involving the last royal queen of Hawaiʻi, Queen Liliʻuokalani. Explaining how businessmen and men of power forcefully took control of the islands without the consent of the queen or the people. And 100 years later, not much has changed in terms of power in the pacific isle. Native Hawaiians are taking matters into their own hands by fighting against the corrupt system that they were forced to live under. But to some people they think that the natives are being unnecessary and reckless.
I have met many people who have given me their perspective on the Hawaiians act of war. I may not agree with their thoughts but I can at least be kapu aloha and respect their views. They would say that the people should be grateful for the opportunities and resources America has procured for Hawaiʻi. They were able to introduce practices such as modern industrialism and cultural diversity. Although the way they presented all this to the natives wasn't positive, it sure was eye opening. The natives were introduced to a new world beyond their own. And today many Hawaiians were able to take advantage build success for the people. But what I see wrong with this is how much it strays from traditional customs and practices which could lead closer to the extinction of the Hawaiian culture.
From the natives perspective, it seems to me that people who are more powerful than the natives are those who can truly take advantage of these practices and gradually gain control of their home. While outsiders build their potential future in the islands, the Hawaiian people are left behind having to deal with their inconsideration. With high taxes, expensive real estate and low income careers, they seem to be put in a hole that they can't escape from. But that is why they fight for a better tomorrow. I truly respect the acts of my people even though I have not been able to contribute to the cause. But I am willing to help whatever I can to push my ʻohana forward.
