The singer/songwriter made a memorable debut in 2001 with the hit "Couldn't Take the Mana." In it, he said that although native Hawaiians had lost nearly everything since the 1893 overthrow of the monarchy, their enemies couldn't take away spirituality.

Now Mana is back, and angrier and even more articulate as a lyricist, with powerful new insights on the interrelated issues of sovereignty, self-determination and Hawaiian nationalism.

With the help of "Radical Rob" Onekea, "I Be Hawaiian" is a welcome musical milestone in the evolution of mele ku'e (songs of resistance).

From the emotional opening of "War," and continuing through the title track and several subsequent songs, Mana denounces the status quo and calls on native Hawaiians to set aside their factional differences. It's time for Hawaiians to take individual responsibility for making things better. Get an education, he says, and get involved in the struggle.