Thu - October 8, 2009

'Ike : Historical Transformations: Reading Hawai'i's Past to Probe its Future


'Ike : Historical Transformations: Reading Hawai'i's Past to Probe its Future



Saturday, October 24th
10am-5pm.
Center for Hawaiian Studies

FEATURED PRESENTERS:
Kamana Beamer
Lorenz Gonschor
Kūhiō Vogeler
Kekuni Blaisdell
Ikaika Hussey
Terri Kekoolani
Jon Osorio
J. Kehaulani Kauanui
Maivân Clech Lâm
Keanu Sai
moderated by Lynette Cruz
moderated by Jon Osorio

The event is free and refreshments will be provided.

Here is the online flyer for the presentation:
http://www.imipono.org/txt/ike.html

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Tue - October 6, 2009

Documentary Biography on Hawaiian Patriot Joseph Nawahi


Documentary Biography on Hawaiian Patriot Joseph Nawahi

Wednesday, Oct. 7, 6 pm at Center for Hawaiian Studies, UH Manoa

A film showing of the recently made documentary on Joseph Nawahi, followed by panel discussion w/ filmmaker Victoria Knuebuhl, Jon Osorio, Noenoe Silva.

Joseph Nawahi was a true Hawaiian patriot and leader. Part of Hui Aloha 'Aina Hawaiian Patriotic League who traveled across Ko Hawai'i Pae 'Aina and collected the anti-annexation petitions known as the Ku'e petitions which stopped U.S. annexation. Filmed in 'Olelo Hawai'i (Hawaiian Language) and 'Olelo Ha'ole (english)

Sponsored by Hoonaauao Film Series at Kamakaku and the Center for Biographical Research.


Here's the flyer: ff.pdf

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The Myth of Ceded Lands: A Legal Analysis with Dr. Keanu Sai



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Fri - September 25, 2009

SF Chron review: "Nation Within": Gripping tale of Hawaii's illegal overthrow


San Francisco Chronicle review of Nation Within: The History of the American Occupation of Hawai‘i

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Mon - September 21, 2009

Coffman reads "Nation Within: The History of the American Occupation of Hawai'i"


View the video at C-Span's video archive

Nation Within: The History of the American Occupation of Hawai'i
Tom Coffman

Tom Coffman talks about the U.S. annexation of Hawai'i and the resistance to annexation by the native population there. August 21, 2009 marked the 50th anniversary of Hawaii's statehood. Mr. Coffman spoke at Native Books in Honolulu. About the Author: Tom Coffman, former reporter for the Honolulu Advertiser and the Honolulu Star-Bulletin, is the author of "Catch a Wave: A Case Study of Hawaii's New Politics" and "The Island Edge of America." His book "Nation Within" was made into a PBS documentary. For more, visit: tomcoffman.com.
51 minutes

To purchase the DVD, look below the viewing screen and click "Buy Now."

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Tue - September 15, 2009

Coffman reading "Nation Within" on C-Span BookTV




This reading was taped at Native Books Hawai'i on August 16, 2009. If you are watching outside Hawai'i: for California add 3 hours, for New York add 6 hours. For more information, visit the publisher Koa Books or C-Span Book TV

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Sun - September 6, 2009

Ka Lei Maile Ali`i "The Queen's Women" re-enactment today at Palace


late notice but Ka Lei Maile Ali`i Hawaiian Civic Club is doing the re-enactment of The Queen's Women (of an 1897 anti-annexation petition meeting in Hilo that was recounted in the San Francisco Call), with Dr. Keanu Sai providing a talk to set the context, today at the Kanaina building at Iolani Palace grounds at 1 pm. Free.

Posted at 11:29 AM     Permalink      

Sat - September 5, 2009

"Hawaii: A Voice for Sovereignty" to be released in Hawaii


Press Release
PRLog (Press Release) – Sep 03, 2009 – Othila Media Productions has announced that the documentary film "Hawaii A Voice For Sovereignty" is beginning a theatrical tour starting with special screenings at the Palace Theater in Hilo, on the Big Island Sat. Sept. 5th and Sun. Sept 6th. Following the screenings in Hilo the film will move to Waimea at the historic Waimea Theater, Kaua'i, Sept. 25th. More screenings will be announced throughout the Hawaiian Islands, the U.S., New Zealand, and Japan.

The documentary is an inspiring, and educational modern epic which takes us on a journey beginning with the takeover of Hawaii in 1893. The oral history, told by Native Hawaiians, reveals how Hawaiian culture, spirituality, and land rights continue to be threatened to this day.

Photojournalist and filmmaker Catherine Bauknight says “to be separated from their culture, land and spirituality could result in the extinction of a culture. These are extremely critical issues not only for the Hawaiians but for the entire global community as well. The Hawaiians want to get their message out to the world.”

Posted at 10:54 AM     Permalink      

Tue - September 1, 2009

The Myth of Ceded Lands: A Legal Analysis by Keanu Sai, PhD


The Myth of Ceded Lands:
A Legal Analysis by Keanu Sai, PhD

Sponsored by ASUH and Hawaiian Studies

Based on the 1898 joint resolution of annexation, Governor Lingle claims that the State of Hawai‘i has good title to Ceded Lands and that Native Hawaiians have a moral but not a legal claim to these lands. There are those who oppose and those who agree. But what are Ceded Lands? Why do issues about Ceded Lands revolve around the illegal overthrow of the Hawaiian Kingdom government and the annexation of Hawai‘i to the United States? 

David Keanu Sai, Ph.D. in political science, has done extensive research on this topic. Drawing from his recent doctoral dissertation and law journal article written last year, he presents a historical and legal context that show there are no "Ceded Lands."

Date: Thursday, September 10, 2009
Time: 12:30pm – 2:00pm
Where: Paliku Theatre, Windward Community College

Presentation Followed by a Panel Examination and Audience Q&A
An Introduction to the Presentation is available at: http://www2.hawaii.edu/~anu/
For more information call: 235-7388 or email: peterm@hawaii.edu

Posted at 11:26 PM     Permalink      

"Hawaii - A Voice for Sovereignty" showing in Hilo


HAWAII -- A VOICE FOR SOVEREIGNTY
A Documentary film by photojournalist Catherine Bauknight
Sat • Sept 5 at 7pm - Sun • Sept 6 at 2:30pm
Palace Theater, Hilo

View the flywer: Voice for Sovereignty Poster.pdf

Posted at 11:24 PM     Permalink      

Sun - August 30, 2009

"The Statehood Project" play at Kumu Kahua theater


Check out "The Statehood Project" play currently running at Kumu Kahua theater:
In conjunction with Fat Ulu Productions, an organization dedicated to creating and strengthening communities through the literary arts (it recently produced a series of collaborative poetry performances), Kumu Kahua presents a collection of monologues, scenes and stories written by Hawaii playwrights, poets and storytellers. With the intention of presenting multiple perspectives on the issue of statehood in Hawaii – including political, historical and sociological – in early 2009 Kumu and Fat Ulu invited local writers to create short, personal expressions and reflections on any chosen aspect of statehood. These pieces were first read by the writers or actors to an audience, then revised by the writers and refined and organized by producers at Kumu. The result is a significant, and refreshingly different addition to both the commercial promotion and journalistic reportage that has been celebrating Hawaii's 50th anniversary of statehood.

A review in the Star-Bulletin
Statehood for Hawaii was:

a) A tragedy.
b) A disaster.
c) An illegal act.
d) All of the above.

Those answers represent the range of perspectives found in "The Statehood Project," the Kumu Kahua/Fat Ulu Productions collaboration that opens the 2009-2010 season at Kumu Kahua. It consists of short works by 16 playwrights, authors and poets, and a 1974 vintage poem by the late Wayne Westlake.

The Westlake poem, written in response to the 15th anniversary of statehood, is performed several times in the show. The final lines sum up the show's general take on statehood: "It's raining/I feel like crying."

Thursday, Friday & Saturday 8pm: September 3, 4, 5, 10, 11, 12, 17, 18, 19
Sundays 2pm: September 6, 13, 20

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IZ: E Ala E




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Thu - August 27, 2009

Queen's birthday celebration


Honoring
QUEEN LILI`UOKALANI
on her 171st birthday

9/2/1838 – 9/2/2009
Sept. 2, 2009 • 4 – 7 pm
`Iolani Palace Grounds @ the ahu
For more info:  kaluamoku@yahoo.com • 783-2313

Flyer: Queen-BDay-flyer-09.pdf

Posted at 01:44 PM     Permalink      

Tue - August 25, 2009

HuffPost: Hawaiian Independence Movement Gains Momentum


Published at Huffington Post by Tony Sachs
Life, Liberty, And The Pursuit Of The Perfect Wave: The Hawaiian Independence Movement Gains Momentum

To celebrate the 50th anniversary of Hawaii's statehood, I went down to the beach at Waikiki and witnessed a lovely evening fireworks display. Only thing is, the fireworks didn't have anything to do with the anniversary -- it's something my hotel does every Friday night for the tourists. At least in Oahu, there wasn't much of anything else going on to commemorate the historic anniversary, either. A '50s nostalgia concert starring the Platters, the Coasters and the Drifters, or imitations thereof. A conference at the Hawaii Convention Center. A march and rally for Hawaiian independence.

Wait a minute, I said to myself as I read that last one in the Honolulu Advertiser. I thought Texas was the only state that wanted to secede from the Union. Why would Hawaii want out?
[...]
But the pieces started to fall into place when we went to 'Iolani Palace, built by King Kalakaua in 1882 when Hawaii -- the only state to have ever been a legitimate, globally recognized kingdom -- was still a sovereign nation. A decade later, his successor, Queen Lili'uokalani, was forced by an American-led faction to relinquish the monarchy and was placed under house arrest there. Restored to something approaching its 19th century glory in the late '70s, the palace is now a major tourist attraction -- and a gathering place for Hawaii's many independence groups. We weren't shocked by the unabashedly pro-royal tone of the palace's audio tour. After all, the royals are the place's big selling point. But the final audio segment, in which "Prince" David Kawananakoa (a descendant of the Hawaiian royal family) advocates Hawaiian sovereignty, made us prick up our ears.

It turns out that the independence movement isn't just a nutty gambit to avoid paying federal taxes, the way it is in Texas. The Hawaiians, especially those who can trace their ancestry back to the time when Captain James Cook "discovered" the islands, have some pretty legit grievances. ...

Posted at 12:10 PM     Permalink      

Sun - August 23, 2009

Radio New Zealand: Hawaii demonstrators call for independence


Radio New Zealand aired this report today about Friday’s Fake State Protest
Hawaii demonstrators call for independence

Posted at 02:06 on 24 August, 2009 UTC

About 500 demonstrators have called for Hawaiian independence on the 50th anniversary of the state.

The protestors marched to the Hawaii Convention Center, where a statehood commemorative conference was being held.

Lynette Cruz, an organiser of the Hawaiian Independence Action Alliance, says supporters of full independence for Hawaii are a minority.

But she says the movement is growing as recent scholarship reveals more about the history of Hawaii.

“Because all of us know for a fact actually that there cannot be a state of Hawaii because there was never an annexation treaty between Hawaii and the United States, it just makes us realise quite clearly that what was going on was a kind of a fake celebration of a statehood that doesn’t really exist.”

Lynette Cruz says protests calling for native Hawaiian rights usually attract much bigger crowds, but she was pleased that those that took part in this demonstration were committed to the cause of independence.

Posted at 04:29 PM     Permalink      

WaPo op-ed on Hawaii statehood, Obama's citizenship


Lois-Ann Yamanaka has an opinion piece in today's Washington Post on the "statehood" anniversary, tying it in to Obama's birth certificate craziness (see here for more of my perspective and legal analysis on that), here's an excerpt:
So as our state celebrates its 50th anniversary this weekend, the fuss over Obama's birth certificate -- its authenticity and what it might be hiding -- has been kind of perplexing to me. The president's mother is American. His father is Kenyan. Is he an anomaly because he is of American and Hawaiian and Kenyan heritage? Exotic? Because he's from a state that isn't a state because we aren't on the mainland? Because he is from this provincial place that had been a state for only two years when he was born? For a few voices shouting loudly from the fringe, that has been enough reason to raise questions about whether he really is what he says he is.

Here, we have another question: Is Hawaii legally a state? Was the Kingdom of Hawai'i stolen? Some native Hawaiians say that, though Obama is American in the eyes of America, the real issue is that Hawaii is not a legitimate state in the union. We were a kingdom taken by force by the revolutionary Committee of Safety, which was backed by the U.S. Marines. Our queen was forced to abdicate her throne in 1893 to prevent bloodshed among her beloved subjects.

This makes Admission Day, as the statehood anniversary is sometimes known, more complicated. Robert Kanaka`ole Ebanez, one of the founders of the Hawaiian Independence Alliance, a sovereignty group, hasn't been in a mood to celebrate statehood. Ebanez believes that the bickering over the president's birth focuses on the wrong thing. To him, Obama is a legitimate Hawaiian citizen born after the "illegal overthrow of the Kingdom of Hawaii."

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"Statehood" Protest in Waikiki 8/21 video



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Sat - August 22, 2009

Brave New Voices: "1893" by Jamaica (on HBO)


Jamaica performs one of her poems from HBO's new series " Russell Simmons Presents Brave New Voices"

Posted at 09:49 PM     Permalink      

Statehood protests for 50th anniversary



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Fri - August 21, 2009

Iolani Palace to remain quiet as Hawaii observes 50th; few celebrate statehood


Advertiser article
Sandra Reyes strolled across the empty grounds of 'Iolani Palace this week and fully understood why state officials are not marking 50 years of Hawai'i statehood today with any kind of celebration.

"I can see why they would be afraid," said Reyes, who lives in Makaha. "You have to understand the history of Hawai'i."

Lee Cataluna column
That sound you don't hear is the celebration of the 50th anniversary of statehood. Oh sure, they're having a conference at the Convention Center today, but it sounds suspiciously like one of those sustainability conferences they have every six months. A highlight of the all-day event is a job fair. That pretty much sums up where we find ourselves at this moment in time.

Anniversaries are good times for the media to sell advertising, kids to compete in poster contests and Reyn's to make a special shirt. For the rest of us just trying to get by, there is a feeling of ambivalence. Anybody throwing a big statehood party in their garage tonight? Anybody soaping "Happy Statehood" signs on their car windows? Anybody going to remember this day as a shining moment 50 years from now? Uh, no.

Maui News article
Today's Admission Day holiday is no cause for celebration, according to a crowd of Native Hawaiians and supporters who rallied Thursday afternoon by the State Building in Wailuku.

"Statehood is a fraud," Kahu Ken Ho'opai Jr. said into a hand-held megaphone as he spoke to passing motorists on High Street. "The truth needs to be exposed. We've been all lied to."

The rally on High Street took place on the eve of today's 50th anniversary of Hawaii statehood.

Another rally will be held from noon to 1 p.m. on Keolani Place approaching Kahului Airport.

Statehood Events and Specials
Today
• "New Horizons for the Next 50 Years," wide-ranging conference addressing economics, agriculture, military, Native Hawaiians and other topics, sponsored by the 50th Anniversary of Statehood Commission, 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. at the Hawai'i Convention Center. Cost is $15 to $50. Information: www.hawaiistatehoodconference.com.
• State Judiciary panel discussion on statehood with retired Chief Justice William S. Richardson and retired Judge Betty M. Vitousek, noon at the Judiciary History Center (417 S. King St.), free.
• "50 Years of Hawaiian Cultural Renaissance," entertainment by Eddie Kamae and the Sons of Hawai'i, plus Hawaiian craft demonstrations, food and movie showings, 11 a.m. at Hana Beach Park, Maui.
• March and rally for Hawaiian independence, sponsored by the Hawaiian Independence Action Alliance and the Institute for the Advancement of Hawaiian Affairs. Starts at Ala Moana Beach Park (Diamond Head side) and ends at the Hawai'i Convention Center, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Tuesday
• "Statehood Hawaii Movies," a compilation of classic travel films about Hawai'i, hosted by local film historian Steven Frederick, 7 p.m. at the VIP Screening Room. Cost is $7.50. Information: www.stevestoursandfilms.vpweb.com .
Thursday
• "State of Aloha," special two-hour broadcast of PBS Hawai'i's "Insights," featuring one-hour statehood documentary produced by the University of Hawai'i Academy for Creative Media, followed by live panel discussion hosted by Dan Boylan, 7:30 p.m. on PBS Hawai'i. Encore Aug. 28 at 10:30 p.m. and Aug. 30 at 3 p.m.

Posted at 08:59 AM     Permalink      

Tue - August 18, 2009

Events of 1893 come alive in this week's free living history walking tour


Advertiser story
Annexation forces bent on overthrowing Queen Lili'uokalani were meeting behind closed doors in offices at the corner of Merchant and Queen, Hina Kneubuhl anxiously told a gathering of listeners.

"They are accusing the queen of treason, and revolution!" she shouted. "And they are forming a committee for safety to formulate a plan of action!"

Kneubuhl was joined by "Legislator" Charles Timtim, who added, "It is insulting and outrageous that the very men — I won't say gentlemen — who promulgated the Bayonet Constitution by force, now have the audacity to call the queen treasonous!"

So went the first walk-through rehearsal of "Mai Poina" ("Don't Forget"), a living history presentation set for tomorrow, Thursday and Friday at 5, 5:30 and 6 p.m., starting in front of the Hawai'i State Library.

The free tours, presented by the Hawai'i Pono'i Coalition, give people a review of events surrounding the 1893 overthrow of the Hawaiian monarchy from the arena where those events took place. Tour guides and role players in period costume enact the story at six tour stations around 'Iolani Palace.
[....]
Sammie Choy, "Mai Poina" director, considers the walking tours a counterpoint to the 50th Anniversary of Statehood celebrations taking place around the Islands.

"The person doing the introductions will say something about, 'We unapologetically present this tour from the perspective of those loyal to the Hawaiian nation and the queen. ... We want you to remember that Hawai'i was once an independent country with a strong identity,' " Choy said.
bilde.jpeg

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Mon - August 17, 2009

THE “EVERY PERSON'S” ROLE IN STATEHOOD RALLY TO SUPPORT HAWAIIAN INDEPENDENCE




THE “EVERY PERSON'S” ROLE IN STATEHOOD RALLY TO SUPPORT HAWAIIAN INDEPENDENCE

Join in actions to bring forward U.S. international accountability and counter statehood.

Please attend the August 21 Statehood Rally.

U. S. imperialism and occupation in foreign countries has oppressive impacts on everyone as valuable global resources go to military enforcement and ordinary people are kept economically deprived and dependent on big business. Those impacted by the continuous illegal occupation will join in peace and solidarity to highlight the fraud of statehood.

Theme Black and Lime Green. Carry or wear a ti leaf as a cultural symbol to cleanse the wrong from this land.

www.TruthAboutStatehood.org www.KillStatehood.com
2 min. PSA on YouTube

(also, Wed, 19th, Paint and Pizza Sign Workshop in Chinatown gallery. Info on links)

Michael Daly and AntiStatehood Hui are calling together settlers to Hawaii, disadvantaged people impacted by occupation and concerned people. In support of HIAA and rally leaders ~ see rally posting Fri, 14th.

Education | Action | Nonviolence

Posted at 07:33 PM     Permalink      

New book explores Liliuokalani’s legal challenge


Media release
“The Rights of My People” examines the two battles for Hawaii’s sovereignty. Liliuokalani led them.

Author Neil Thomas Proto revisits the first battle – the 1893 coup d’état and annexation in 1898 – through a new perspective: the harsh remnants of the Civil War, the missionaries’ disquieting view of race, and the Renaissance and newly defined role of Hawaiian women.

Explored for the first time is the second battle: the fate of the Crown lands – a quarter of the Hawaiian Islands – taken in the 1893 coup d’état and contested aggressively by Liliuokalani through 1910.

For more than a decade, the queen took up residence in the nation’s capital, often for months at a time, to challenge the complicity of the United States in the media and before Congress. With reluctance, she turned to a court of law; many found this to be disquieting.

Through previously unexamined court records, correspondence, and graphic portrayals, “The Rights of My People” tells the story of Liliuokalani’s political, legal, and media maneuvering. She used her hard-earned wisdom and skill to lend credibility to her claim that the taking of the Crown lands by the United States was immoral and illegal.

The threat of execution and assassination and the continued use of religious and racial condescension and deception by her adversaries, old and new, unfold in Honolulu, Hilo, and onto the continent in San Francisco, Boston, and Washington, D.C.

Find out more and order online at www.rightsofmypeople.com.

Posted at 02:40 PM     Permalink      

Sun - August 16, 2009

Hawaii plans quiet, sobering 50th anniversary


AP has an article syndicated far and wide today on the "statehood" anniversary this week:
Hawaii turns 50 years old as the 50th state Friday, but there will be no grand parades, no dazzling fireworks, no lavish displays of native culture.

Organizers of the observation are not even willing to call it a party. It is simply a "commemoration," one that is sensitive to a painful history of the Hawaiian monarchy's overthrow and unresolved claims of Native Hawaiians.

The main event is a low-key daylong conference reflecting on Hawaii's place in the world. Behind the tourist-friendly tropical images of beaches and sunshine, many remain uncomfortable with the U.S. takeover of the islands and the idea that businesses have exploited Hawaiians' culture.

"Instead of state government having huge parties and fireworks, we're having a convention," said Manu Boyd, cultural director for the Royal Hawaiian Center, a shopping and entertainment area in Waikiki. "That shows the strength and spiritual power of the Hawaiian people, whose shattered world has not yet been addressed."

When statehood came calling in 1959, it ushered in an era of economic prosperity through tourism and the side effects that came with it: resort high rises, more than 500,000 monthly tourists and an emphasis on hokey luaus rather than the authentic host culture.

Sovereignty groups advocating independence from the United States make up a minority, but many residents recognize the long-standing issues associated with the 1893 overthrow of the monarchy, the islands' annexation and past harms to the Native Hawaiian people.
[...]
Alaska, by contrast, which joined the union in January, 1959, embraced the 50th anniversary of statehood with concerts, fireworks displays, a prize-winning float in California's Rose Parade and observances throughout the state during the past 12 months. Among the festivities celebrated in a downtown Anchorage festival was the re-enactment of placing the 49th star on the American flag.

Here, even the low-key conference is drawing complaints. Hawaiian sovereignty groups are planning protests outside the convention center Friday, and some say the conference's topics are too focused on tourism, economic development and business opportunities.

One panelist, University of Hawaii Center for Hawaiian Studies professor Jonathan Osorio, said the conference should focus more on Hawaiian culture and history.

"It's a political cop-out because the state doesn't really want to address the legal or political nature of its claim to authority in Hawaii," Osorio said. "It's one of the reasons they have really muted its commemoration."
[...]
"This newfangled idea of celebrating statehood shows that people don't understand Hawaii's history, or if they do understand, then they're celebrating a lie, a theft, that essentially stole a people's right of self-determination," said Poka Laenui, a Hawaiian and attorney who has worked for independence for more than 30 years.

Posted at 04:19 PM     Permalink      

Fri - August 14, 2009

March and Rally for Hawaiian Independence


March and Rally for Hawaiian Independence

After 50 years of being misled, Hawaiians are challenging a long history of misinformation leading to the creation of the State of Hawaii and the commemoration of 50 years of its existence. Join us in challenging U.S. propaganda by calling attention to the ‘real story’ and asserting Hawaiian independence.

When: August 21, 10 am – 1 pm
Where: Ala Moana Park (Diamond Head side) and marching to Waikiki Convention Center
Why: To tell the truth of Hawaiian sovereignty and U.S. imperialism
· The REAL story is outside, not in the convention center
· The state of Hawaii is the result of U.S. imperialism

•Carry or wear a ti leaf as a cultural symbol to cleanse the wrong from this land.

For more information, call 697-3045 or 284-3460. This event is spearheaded by Hawaiian Independence Action Alliance and the Institute for the Advancement of Hawaiian Affairs, with support from Hawaii People’s Fund and Ka Lei Maile Alii Hawaiian Civic Club.

Posted at 02:46 AM     Permalink      

Thu - August 13, 2009

No jubilation felt in illegal statehood


Letter in the Star-Bulletin last week:
No jubilation felt in illegal statehood

The "Jubilee of Statehood," was supposed to be a humdinger of an event. But the mood had changed considerably since 1959, so the state's celebration commission decided to downplay the jubilant part of jubilee.

You see, over the last few decades Hawaiians became increasingly aware that there was something wrong with statehood. The more that was discovered about the shady circumstances that led to statehood, the more statehood looked like a massive con job. The people of Hawaii (and the world, for that matter) were hoodwinked.

The passage of the Apology Resolution in 1993 by Congress and signed by the president, had obvious implications: It confirmed that Hawaii was being unlawfully possessed by the U.S.; that the Kingdom of Hawaii never ceased to be; and that the people of Hawaii had the lawful right (indeed, patriotic duty) to restore their country.

The Republic of Hawaii was unlawful; the annexation of Hawaii by the U.S. was unlawful; the Territory of Hawaii was unlawful; and the State of Hawaii was and is unlawful.

This is radically different from Hawaii being the 50th state. The dilemma for the state is: celebrating the jubilee of a lie.

Oliver Dukelow
Kahakuloa Village, Maui

Posted at 06:35 AM     Permalink      

Wed - August 12, 2009

Another side of statehood


Joan Conrow has an article in the Honolulu Weekly, "Another side of statehood: A native son comes home to fill a void during statehood celebrations"
Amid official preparations for a 50th anniversary of statehood celebration–including the lei-bedecked arrival of the USS Hawaii, a $2.5 billion nuclear submarine billed by the Honolulu Star-Bulletin as “7,700 tons of aloha”–a counter movement is offering a different narrative of how, and why, Hawaii became part of the Union.

One leading spokesman of this movement is Dean Saranillio, a Maui native now at the University of Michigan whose dissertation is entitled Seeing Conquest: Colliding Histories and the Cultural Politics of Hawaii Statehood. He has been speaking in venues around the Islands this summer in an attempt to drum up discussion of competing narratives.

Posted at 09:15 PM     Permalink      

50 Years fake statehood





Posted at 08:00 PM     Permalink      

Tom Coffman reading from "Nation Within: The History of the American Occupation of Hawai'i"


Tom Coffman
Reading from and Signing copies of the new edition of his classic book
Nation Within: The History of the American Occupation of Hawai'i

"The best single book on annexation." -- The Nation Magazine

Sunday, August 16, 2:00 p.m., at Native Books/Na Mea Hawai'i, Ward Warehouse, Honolulu

America's long century of imperial adventures began with the illegal occupation of Hawai'i. In Nation Within, historian/journalist Tom Coffman tells the heartfelt story of Hawaii's resistance to annexation, both in Washington and Honolulu, and the role of Theodore Roosevelt and others who fueled America's drive for global power. Tom Coffman's reading will be followed by a roundtable discussion at 3:00 pm on how new information can help us envision a new future, moderated by attorney/activist Poka Laenui, and introduced by Hawaii Pacific University Assistant Professor Lynette Cruz.

See review snippets of the book in the extended entry...

Posted at 06:12 PM     Permalink      

Tue - July 28, 2009

La Ho'i Ho'i Ea photos


Some photos from La Ho'i Ho'i Ea event Sunday.

And here's some coverage from KGMB9 news.

Posted at 09:08 AM     Permalink      

Mon - July 20, 2009

Hawaiian Sovereignty Restoration Day, Sunday 7/26 @ Thomas Sq.


Ka La Ho'i Ho'i Ea
Hawaiian Sovereignty Restoration Day

Hawaiian National Holiday since 1843, remembering the end of a short British occupation of Hawaii.

Kamehameha III proclaimed "Ua Mau Ke Ea O Ka 'Aina I Ka Pono" - The SOVEREIGNTY of the Land is Perpetuated in Righteousness.

"Ea" doesn't just mean life, it means "Sovereignty, rule, independence"—in fact that definition comes first. Our "state" motto comes from this event in 1843, the first time Hawai'i was illegally occupied. It celebrates the restoration of Hawai'i's sovereign independence, and calls for it to be preserved through pono action.

pono
1. nvs. Goodness, uprightness, morality, moral qualities, correct or proper procedure, excellence, well-being, prosperity, welfare, benefit, behalf, equity, sake, true condition or nature, duty; moral, fitting, proper, righteous, right, upright, just, virtuous, fair, beneficial, successful, in perfect order, accurate, correct, eased, relieved; should, ought, must, necessary.

But what is not "pono" is the state itself since it derives its power from the bad, underhanded, immoral, unjust, unfair, false, incorrect procedure by which the U.S. has acted as though it has acquired but actually occupied Hawaii, while all the time carrying on the motto through the "republic" and through the "territory" and through the "state" that each were the living denial of, the opposite of, the contradiction of. Yes, our "state" motto is ironic.

Anyway... here's the event info!

Thomas Square
Sunday, July 26, 2009
10 am - 6 pm

10am- Opening Ceremony
12pm- Flag Ceremony
5pm- "Aloha 'Aina" Reenactment

Live Hawaiian Music by Kenneth Makuakane, Jon Osrio, Kahuli, La Ho'iho'i Ea All Stars (Imaikalani, Peter, Skippy) with Palani Vaughn, Kupa'aina, The Mount Ka'ala Band and Mana Carceras

Keiki activities including face painting, large scale konane playing, comic book coloring and lomi stick workshop, the “Aloha ‘Aina” play by Ka Lei Maile Hawaiian Civic Club, Hawaiian Issues discussion, Ku‘i ‘ai demonstrations/participation, ‘Ai pono menu, Native Hawaiian Health by Ke Ola Mamo, Lomilomi by Pa Ola Hawai‘i, Arts and Crafts for the whole ‘Ohana and Makahiki Games.

Live Music
Kids Activities
Live Play
Hawaiian Issues Discussion
Poi Pounding Demonstration
Ono Food
Hawaiian Health
Lomi Lomi
Arts & Crafts
Makahiki Games
Halau Hula
and more...

Contact lahoihoiea @ gmail.com or call Imaikalani 780-3680

More info on Maoli World: http://www.maoliworld.com/events/ka-la-hoihoi-ea

Check out the flyer for more background and activities...


KaLaHoiHoiEa-2009_POSTER.pdf

Posted at 08:26 AM     Permalink      

Mon - July 6, 2009

History that should not—and will not—disappear: July 4, 1894


Belated good July 4th reading relevant to Hawaii from Larry Geller at Disappeared News.

Posted at 05:22 PM     Permalink      

Sun - July 5, 2009

Independence Day events include talk of Hawaii's independence


Advertiser reports:
The mood was less festive but still heartfelt at 'Iolani Palace, where the Temple of Lono was hosting a gathering of Native Hawaiian leaders, cultural practitioners and others who find Independence Day a bittersweet occasion.

"While everybody is celebrating the Fourth of July, we are still not independent," said Hank Fergustrom.

The event started with what Fergustrom called a "lively" discussion about the Office of Hawaiian Affairs Kau Inoa initiative, the Akaka bill, and Hawaiian sovereignty in general. It continued with an afternoon screening of Catherine Bauknight's film "Hawai'i — A Voice for Sovereignty."

"In order to get on the same page, we have to talk about our differences," Fergustrom said. "It's difficult to say that we are going to be a people if we can't come to some sort of shared platform. There are very diverse opinions (about Hawaiian independence) but people were civil and courteous, which we needed to keep our dialogue intelligent and moving forward."

Fergustrom said he hopes that participants will "go back to their home teams to share what was discussed so we can have more fluid and focused discussions."

Posted at 06:49 PM     Permalink      

Thu - July 2, 2009

July 4th events at Palace "Restoration of the Nation: Looking to the Future"


July 3, 4, and 5, 2009
Iolani Palace Grounds
PLEASE BRING YOUR OWN CHAIRS
Restoration of the Nation: Looking to the Future

Join us as we kukakuka to identify our common values,
Reconnect to our ancestors, and
Vision the future of a restored nation!

SPECIAL EVENT!
Oahu premier of Catherine Bauknight's film
Hawaii - A Voice for Sovereignty
Saturday, July 4, 1 pm, Kanaina Bldg.
Honoring our own independence!

Friday & Sunday, Noon - 5 pm (informal talk story in the evenings)
Sunday @ 9 am: Site/work visit to Kaniakapupu, Kamehameha III's Summer Palace
Parking on the Palace grounds (no meter payment required)

For more information call 938-9994 or 284-3460

Posted at 04:40 PM     Permalink      

Tue - June 30, 2009

Hawaiian independence - restoration, not secession


Patri Friedman with the Let a Thousand Nations Bloom blog contacted me about a "Secession Week Blogging" series for the July 4th week.

It is understandable that folks tend to think of Hawaiian independence as "secession" because for those unfamiliar with Hawaii's unique history, it appears to be a state of the United States seeking to be removed from the union, like secession movements in "other" states.

But it is very important to understand that Hawaii cannot secede, because it was never ceded. There was never any lawful cession of Hawaii's sovereignty or territory to the United States, therefore there cannot be secession.

Those seeking to restore Hawaii's effective independence are very explicit in avoiding the term "secession." This is more than just semantics. It goes to the heart of Hawaii's true history and legal status.

As Dr. Keanu Sai puts it:
Confusing "cession" for "occupation" is tantamount to confusing "adoption" for "kidnapping." This is not a case of semantics, but ignorance of the legal and political history of Hawai'i.

Legally, the Hawaiian Kingdom, fully recognized in the 19th century as a member of the world family of nations, has continued to exist as an independent state (in the international sense of the word, state = country), but under prolonged occupation. So it isn't a matter of seceding from a mutual and legal union, but of ending the illegal occupation of Hawaii and restoring the effectiveness of the government of the occupied state. It is more similar to the Baltic states under the former Soviet Union, which are referred to as "restored states," than it is to states in the U.S.A.

Dr. Sai's recent article in Ka Wai Ola O OHA (Office of Hawaiian Affairs newsletter), while not directly about "secession," addresses the myth of what are erroneously called "ceded lands" here that were recently the subject of a U.S. Supreme Court case. The historical/legal perspective showing that these lands were not "ceded" also explains that there was no "cession" of sovereignty or territory and therefore there can be no "secession."

For a good presentation of Hawaii's history put in simple terms in a context of imperialism, check out The Pinky Show: Hawaii vs. U.S. Imperialism.

One primary source document that I really encourage folks to read is President Cleveland's address to Congress in December 1893 concerning the situation in Hawaii, based on "an accurate, full, and impartial investigation to [....] of the facts attending the subversion of the constitutional Government of Hawaii" commissioned by the president and conducted by Hon. James H. Blount. It is a profound and eloquent statement not just on Hawaii's situation, but on the principles and obligations of the conduct of the U.S. in the world family of nations, which could easily be applied to some current and recent events elsewhere in the world.

Also worth reading is the 1993 U.S. Apology Resolution. While it contains some factual errors (e.g. referring only to Native Hawaiian population when the citizenry of Hawaii was multi-racial with many naturalized and native-born citizens who were not Native Hawaiian), it is the official admission against interest of the United States, admitting that the intervention of 1893 was "illegal" and that the so-called annexation of 1898 was done "without the consent of or compensation to" the national population or lawful sovereign government of Hawaii. In the senate debate over this resolution, Senator Slade Gorton (R-WA) stated that "...the logical consequences of this resolution would be independence."

Another noteworthy document is a 1988 Office of Legal Counsel opinion put out by the Reagan Department of Justice regarding "Congress’ Power to Assert Sovereignty over the Territorial Sea." After reviewing Hawaii's situation, the opinion states that, "It is therefore unclear which constitutional power Congress exercised when it acquired Hawaii by joint resolution." When the DoJ seeks to determine which constitutional power was exercised to acquire Hawaii, and concludes that it is "unclear," the clear implication of that is that there was actually no constitutional power exercised. The acquisition of Hawaii was not only not legal and valid under international law, it was not constitutional either, and the DoJ is essentially admitting as much.

For those who may be interested in digging deeper in the details of Hawaii's history and legal status from a scholarly perspective, I recommend checking out the various articles at the Hawaii Journal of Law and Politics put out by the Hawaiian Society of Law and Politics (HSLP) at Univ. of Hawaii, and reading Dr. Sai's doctoral dissertation, "The American Occupation of the Hawaiian Kingdom: Beginning the Transition from Occupied to Restored State," which provides a thorough review of Hawaii's political and legal history and a strategy to restore the administration of Hawaiian Kingdom law.

Finally, for some observations on the social/political difference between Hawaii's independence and the secessionist movements in Alaska and the United States in general, check out a blog post I made last year during the U.S. elections when Republican VP candidate Sarah Palin's husband was associated with the Alaskan Independence Party.

Update: Here's Friedman's post which quotes and refers back to this post.

Posted at 11:22 AM     Permalink      

Sun - June 28, 2009

Coffman's "Nation Within" republished and retitled


Tom Coffman has republished Nation Within, first published in 1998, but he changed the subtitle from "The Story of America's Annexation of the Nation of Hawaii" to "The History of the American Occupation of Hawai`i." In his note on the second edition, he says:
Where annexation connotes legality by mutual agreement, the act was not mutual and therefore not legal. Since by definition of international law there was no annexation, we are left with the word occupation.

In making this change, I have embraced the logical conclusion of my research into the events of 1893 and 1898 in Honolulu and Washington, D.C. I am prompted to take this step by a growing body of historical work by a new generation of Native Hawaiian scholars.
Nation Within(xvi).pdf






You can purchase from Native Books Hawaii.

Posted at 10:44 PM     Permalink      

Thu - June 25, 2009

"Hawaii A Voice for Sovereignty" wins Audience award for Best Hawai'i film at 2009 Maui Film Festival


Press release: Catherine Bauknights' documentary "Hawaii A Voice for Sovereignty"  won the Audience award for Best Hawai'i film at the 2009 Maui Film Festival.
“Hawaii A Voice for Sovereignty” premiered on Sunday, June 21st at the Maui Film festival at the beautiful Wailea Beach under the stars and had a supportive local Hawaiian audience of approximately 400 people attend. The film was preceded by the short film "Power" which comes from Al Gores organization "The Climate Project" which complimented the themes of renewable energy in Hawaii. The audience was touched by many emotions and treated to a sense of revelation about how the Hawaiians lived and were able to understand the history of Hawaiians since the takeover and what their struggles are today to avoid extinction. The film garnered a favorable review in the Maui Weekly and writer Paul Janes Brown said “I think “Hawaii A Voice for Sovereignty” Hawaiian should be required viewing for every school child in Hawaii and every tourist should see it on the plane” Currently “Hawaii A Voice for Sovereignty” is in talks for a theatrical release in Los Angeles, New York and Hawaii and is touring the film circuit.

Posted at 08:09 AM     Permalink      

Wed - June 24, 2009

Hawai‘i, A Voice for Sovereignty review


Maui Weekly has a good review of the "Hawai‘i, A Voice for Sovereignty" film that premiered Sunday at the Maui Film Festival.

Posted at 05:34 AM     Permalink      

Sat - June 20, 2009

Hawaii A Voice For Sovereignty premieres at Maui Film Festival


Press release:
Maui Film Festival has announced that it will host the public world premiere of “Hawaii A Voice for Sovereignty”, a documentary by award winning photojournalist Catherine Bauknight. This epic documentary will be showing as a Special Sunday Surprise film at 8:00pm on Father's Day Sunday, June 21st at the Solar powered SandDance Theater on Wailea Beach (below the Four Seasons Resort Maui at Wailea).

Hawai'i A Voice For Sovereignty

Posted at 10:46 AM     Permalink      

Thu - June 18, 2009

Archival clippings leading up to 1959 "Statehood" vote


killstatehood.com has started putting up some archival 1959 newspaper clippings leading up to the June 27 statehood vote in Hawai`i. "According to the massive amount of material about the coming statehood plebiscite published (in particular) by The Honolulu Advertiser, the "Territory" of Hawaii was already a state. This mislead the electorate and grossly influencing the outcome."

Posted at 09:44 PM     Permalink      

Fri - June 12, 2009

The Pinky Show: Hawaii vs. U.S. Imperialism


Watch this video!

The Pinky Show: Hawaii vs. U.S. Imperialism


Transcript

Posted at 07:58 AM     Permalink      

Tue - June 2, 2009

Book: "Hawaii - The Fake State: a nation in captivity"


This book was brought to my attention, hadn't heard of it before and don't know anything else about it, but passing it on FYI... (Paperback, Kindle edition, PDF version)

Hawaii - The Fake State: a nation in captivity
by Aran Alton Ardaiz
An expose of U.S. corruption and occupation of a foreign nation in violation of International Law with legal documents proving there is no Hawaii Statehood in the Union of States.



About the Book
The book comes from an evaluation of findings after more than twenty eight years of political review and lawful study; investigation and determining facts of law; and, of actual events and of unlawful actions by the Federal United States Government; its deceptive and fraudulent claim over a foreign, sovereign and "neutral" nation; actual evidence of misleading legal documents of false claim for a Statehood in the American Union of States that does not lawfully exist and that can never exist. It is a revelation of past historical events with supporting documentation revealing to a new generation of Americans and Hawaiian Citizens on how they have lost their birth names and birthrights, as well as their Citizenship as "Private Citizens" within their respective nations. How they have been deviously removed from their birth State's Constitutions and "State's common-law" and their National Constitutions (of the American Republic of States and of the Hawaiian Kingdom) to a lesser Washington D. C. "Federal Emancipated Slave citizenship" (14th Amendment) under Article 1 Section 8 of that very same Constitution of the American Republic and its Union of States.

Posted at 05:59 AM     Permalink      

Sat - May 23, 2009

OHA's "Community Consultation Summit" rescheduled for August 8


From an email sent out by OHA: "The Community Consultation Summit planned for May 30, 2009 at the Hawaii Imin International Conference Center has been rescheduled. The new date will be August 8, 2009 at the Sheraton Waikiki. Official letters have been sent to those groups on our mailing list."

Posted at 10:10 AM     Permalink      

Osorio responds to ceded lands settlement, continuation of case


Advertiser article:
University of Hawai'i-Manoa Hawaiian Studies Professor Jonathan K. Osorio will continue the legal fight to block the state from selling ceded lands, even as the Lingle administration, the Office of Hawaiian Affairs and three other plaintiffs in the case appear to be close to a settlement.

And his full response a blog entry on an Advertiser blog, which is well worth reading in it's entirety, but here is the concluding graf:
When the US Supreme Court’s opinion remanded the case back to Hawaiʻi, I concluded that we needed to fight this case again, arguing even more strenuously than ever that the Crown and Government lands are the property of the Hawaiian Nation and that the US permanent control over it is unlawful. OHA and the other plaintiffs chose to dismiss the suit in exchange for state legislation which, in my opinion, simply emphasizes the State’s possession of these lands and maintains the fiction that our national claim is limited or unobtainable. It is my belief that we should attempt to secure this injunction once more in the Hawaiʻi courts and require the United States to call forth or create the law that dispossesses us. That, at least, would clarify our relationship with America and bring forth the patriots who will lead us home.

Posted at 09:52 AM     Permalink      

Tue - May 12, 2009

The Statehood Plebiscite


StatehoodHawaii.org blog has a good essay on The Statehood Plebiscite just published today, using numbers and charts to debunk the assertion that 94% of Hawaii’s citizens voted for statehood.

Also check out the write up on last week's Ho’opunipuni: Myth of Statehood panel in LA.

Posted at 10:22 PM     Permalink      

"Colonial Citizens: Discussion on the Legacy of Hawai'i Statehood" panel video


"The Place of Hawai'i in American Studies" series, panel on "Colonial Citizens: Discussion on the Legacy of Hawai'i Statehood" with Karen Kosasa, Dean Saranillio and Keala Kelly. UH Manoa, May 8, 2009.

(h/t to Pono for posting the videos.)

Posted at 08:10 AM     Permalink      

Wed - May 6, 2009

The Place of Hawai'i in American Studies


Friday, May 8, "The Place of Hawai'i in American Studies" series is putting on an event at the Center For Hawaiian Studies at UH-Manoa. David Stannard will be giving a keynote address for this event, and there is a panel called "Colonial Citizens: Discussion on the Legacy of Hawai'i Statehood." Karen Kosasa, Dean Saranillio and Keala Kelly are on the panel. The event begins at 3:00 p.m.

[Personal note: I majored in American Studies (and English) at Tufts and perhaps somewhat ironically, when I returned to Hawaii after graduation it really helped me understand Hawaiian history from a Hawaiian viewpoint, and gave me some good perspectives and tools to do the work I have done supporting the independence movement as well as other cultural/environmental work on the community/ahupua'a level.]

Posted at 08:39 AM     Permalink      

Capitol Hill screening of "Hawaii: A Voice For Sovereignty"


Press Release from PRLog:
Hawaii A Voice for Sovereignty, the first of its kind documentary about the native Hawaiians plight to preserve their culture and its connection to the land and their spirituality will have its world premiere on June 4th, 2009 on Capitol Hill in the stunning new Capitol Visitor Center ( CVC) .This epic documentary contains rare interviews, 2005-2009 with Native Hawaiians such as Professor Haunani-Kay Trask, one of Hawaii’s Native leaders and scholars, Senator J. Kalani English, Willie K, Grammy nominee and award-winning musician Na Hoku Hanohan, and grass roots voices of the people throughout the islands.

To learn more about Hawaii A Voice for Sovereignty visit www.catherinebauknight.com

Posted at 06:44 AM     Permalink      

Sun - April 19, 2009

Dr. Sai "The Myth of Ceded Lands: A Legal Analysis" video


Check out the video of the "The Myth of Ceded Lands: A Legal Analysis" lecture by Dr. Keanu Sai in Kona as part of the Puana Ka 'Ike Lecture Series on March 19.

Posted at 11:17 AM     Permalink      

Fri - April 17, 2009

Texas Gov talks secession


The governor of Texas is alluding to secession.
In a state that once was its own nation, a Republican governor who talked about secession without completely dismissing the idea has Democratic lawmakers in an uproar. Gov. Rick Perry, in comments following an anti-tax "tea party" Wednesday, never did advocate Texas breaking away from the United States but suggested that Texans might at some point get so fed up they would want to leave the union.

These are the same people who come here to Hawaii and talk about conquest and how Hawaiians should all be glad to be Americans. Now they're out of power 3 months and they're ready to talk secession lol.

But I find it interesting, in watching the coverage of this, how vastly different the Hawaiian independence restoration movement is in character from the secessionist movements in America. On the surface, to an uninformed observer, they may seem similar, wanting what most think of as a state to no longer be a state. Historically and legally there are parallels, but there are important differences (including the fact that in Hawaii it is not "secession" because there was never a legal cession in the first place).

But from a sort of political/idealogical perspective, the basic difference is this: In America, it is a product of the right; in Hawaii, it is much more a product of the left. Earlier I went off on this observation in more depth.

Posted at 12:09 PM     Permalink      


















































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Published On: Oct 09, 2009 07:18 AM
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