Dr. Keanu Sai to Teach Hawaiian Studies at Windward Community College this Fall

Dr. Keanu Sai, a political scientist specializing in Hawai`i’s legal and political history, will offer a Hawaiian Studies class this fall at Windward Community College. HWST 107, Hawai’i: Center of the Pacific, will start on August 23 and will be held on Mondays and Wednesdays from 6:30-7:45 p.m. in Palana 227.

Students will learn from an expert in the field. Dr. Sai’s research centers on the legal and political history of Hawai`i from Kamehameha I to the Present. He will present a very different historical narrative than what is conventionally taught and is part of a growing number of High School and College instructors now teaching this view of Hawaiian history that is grounded in recognized legal and political theories. On the subject of the legal status of Hawai`i, Dr. Sai has argued a case at the Permanent Court of Arbitration, The Hague, Netherlands, continues to serve as a legal consultant in civil and criminal cases, and is currently the Plaintiff in a lawsuit that was filed on June 1, 2010 in the U.S. District Court in Washington, D.C., against Secretary of State Clinton, Secretary of Defense Gates, Admiral Willard, and Governor Lingle.

Dr. Sai’s HWST 107 class (Hawai`i: Center of the Pacific) will appeal to Hawaiian Studies, Political Science and History majors, and students who want a solid foundation in the study of Hawaiian history, as well as others in the community who are interested in attaining more knowledge about past and current issues affecting Hawai`i’s people.

“Hawaiian Studies at WCC is excited to have someone of such international stature teaching about Hawaiian history, culture and politics at our college,” said Hawaiian Studies Instructor Kalawai`a Moore.

For more information, contact WCC Hawaiian Studies Instructor Kalawai`a Moore at 236-7388.

To apply, call 235-7432 or go online at windward.hawaii.edu. Students can also visit the WCC “One-Stop” at Windward Mall (2nd floor near Sears) Wednesdays and Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. for personal assistance with college applications.