Report of Ku’e Action Protesting Abercrombie’s Inauguration at ‘Iolani Palace

From Leon Siu…

December 6, 2010

Report of Ku’e Action Protesting Abercrombie’s Inauguration at ‘Iolani Palace

The Ku’e Action was fantastic!  At about 9:30 AM our gang processed mauka on Mililani Street sounding the pu and flying hae Hawaii and banners. The procession crossed over King Street and we situated ourselves right at the main gate of the palace. The small side gate was the only point of entrance for the guests and public. About six HPD officers who were standing in the driveway moved aside and eventually disappeared, leaving the front gate for us to occupy.

Positioning ourselves at the front gate meant the general public, political cronies, rank and file soldiers of the Democrat party, and practically every lesser dignitary, had to walk past us. That included the cabinet members (like Bill Aila), OHA trustees, state department heads, etc. It also included the media.

Needless to say, without even trying, we got a lot of attention and made a considerable impact with our striking banners and signs. Everyone at the inauguration had at least an inkling that Hawaiians were not pleased with the proceedings.

The media was very responsive. As spokesperson, I handed out press statements and gave comments to all four TV news channels, Hawaii Public Radio, KHVH, Civil Beat, etc. For example, at least half of the story tonight (at the bottom of each hour) on KHVH about the inauguration, mentions our protest and that Hawaiians activists consider it a “slap in the face,” especially since Linda Lingle had her inauguration at the state capitol in 2002.”

Once the ceremonies were underway at the coronation stand, the ones with the taller banners and the flags walked Ewa on King then turned mauka on Richards Street and walked up and down Richards a few times. This way the entire audience of about 5,000 had an irresistible and unavoidable view of Hawaii Independence banners and hae Hawaii moving in the background as Shatz and Abercrombie took their oaths of office. It was priceless theater!

As the crowd filed out after the ceremonies, again through the one gate, many of them greeted us with encouragement. The OHA trustees, however, were apparently not amused and kept their gaze strictly forward as they walked past us toward their Kapiolani Blvd. offices. You could feel their utter disdain for us from 20 feet away.

The demonstration was a total success. Even though we lacked numbers, the two dozen who came, the visual aids and the simple honesty of our message was enough to carry loud and strong. Once again, this rag-tag bunch of activists managed to majorly co-opt another Fake State event!

Mahalo nui to all!
KU’E
Leon Siu