FREE HAWAI`I NEWS SHORT
WANT TO KNOW HOW TO PROTECT HAWAI`IʻS `AINA?
FIND OUT BY CLICKING HERE -
Want More? Watch The Full Episode Here - FreeHawaiiNews.com
Friday, February 21, 2025
Wednesday, February 19, 2025
FREE HAWAI`I TV
THE FREE HAWAI`I BROADCASTING NETWORK
"DOES “AMERICA FIRST” WORK IN HAWAI`I?
Were You Raised To Say, “Me First, Me First?”
Not If You Live In Hawai`i, Yet Thatʻs What The US Is Doing.
So How Good A Fit Is Hawai`i With “America First?”
Watch This To See Where Hawai`i Really Belongs Instead.
Tuesday, February 18, 2025
Monday, February 17, 2025
Sunday, February 16, 2025
A WELL KEPT SECRET ON “VOICES OF TRUTH - ONE-ON-ONE WITH HAWAI`IʻS FUTURE"
"Mauiʻs American Colony - A Visit With Kawelau Wright"
It was a single sentence in a book, but what Kawelau Wright found astonished her. That sentence mentioned a colony on Maui in the late 1800ʻs set up for Americans only. Having just returned to school to write her Masterʻs thesis, she immediately realized this long forgotten and very strange part of Hawai`iʻs history was an ideal topic for research. Join us in our fascinating visit with Kawelau as she shares an amazing part of Mauiʻs history that few have ever known - Watch It Here
Now you can become a fan of Voices Of Truth on Facebook by clicking Here and see behind the scenes photos of our shows and a whole lot more.
Voices Of Truth interviews those creating a better future for Hawai`i to discover what made them go from armchair observers to active participants. We hope you'll be inspired to do the same.
Voices Of Truth airs throughout Hawai`i on all islands and reaches over 24 million households across the US and throughout the world. Check your local cable TV listings.
For news and issues that affect you, watch Free Hawai`i TV.
And for news from a kanaka point of view, watch Free Hawaii News.
All a part of the Free Hawai`i Broadcasting Network.
Please share our Free Hawai`i Broadcasting Network videos with friends and colleagues. That's how we grow. Mahalo.
Saturday, February 15, 2025
FREE HAWAI`I NEWS SHORT
WHY IS THIS THE MOST EXCITING PLACE IN HAWAI`I?
Want More? Watch The Full Episode Here - FreeHawaiiNews.com
Thursday, February 13, 2025
AS SEEN ON FREE HAWAI`I TV - HAWAI`IʻS CHEAPEST WATER FOR LUXURY HOMES ON MAUI
HawaiiNewsNow - February 4, 2025 - Some of Hawaii’s richest property owners are paying much less for water than the rest of us by taking advantage of privately owned water systems built during the plantation era.
The disparities, as well as the need to deal with chronic water shortages and fights over access, has led the county to a major decision to take over private water systems, which deliver most of the water in the county.
HNN Investigates looked into the source of the inequity on West Maui, which has its roots in the plantation eras and the overthrow of the Hawaiian Kingdom and now leads to both waste and drought.
Just south of Lahaina, the sprawling agricultural estates of Launiupoko, framed by lush green landscaping and azure pools and standing out from the dull brown dryness of the former sugar lands they occupy.
The homeowners paid a lot for their ocean-view properties. What they don’t pay much for is water. Their cost for water about 65 percent lower than their neighbors in Lahaina.
Lahaina resident, taro farmer and water activist Kekai Keahi says it’s been an issue for years in the community, where most local residents rely on the county water department, paying more for water than investors and resorts.
“So they have the ability to get as much water as they want, charge what they want. We are on a county system, so we stuck paying. Whatever the county says, we gotta pay,” Kekai said.
Many of the old plantation systems that deliver water to customers are considered water utilities and rates are determined by the Public Utilities Commission, based on what it costs to deliver the water, plus enough profit to keep them sustainable.
Most people and businesses in West Maui are on the county system. Its rates per thousand gallons vary from about $2 to $8. A family using 17,000 gallons a month would pay about $65.
In Kaanapali, they pay a little more than $3 per thousand gallons, for a bill $10 lower than county water customers.
The real bargains are south of Lahaina at Launiupoko and Olowalu, where drinking water costs less than $1.50 per thousand gallons, a monthly bill nearly two-thirds cheaper than county water.
Attorney Lance Collins has represented local streamside farmers in litigation over water distribution and at the PUC, and says the lower prices are one symptom of a historically unjust system.
“It doesn’t feel so great, but it’s just another iteration about how, you know, the common people are always getting the short end of the stick,” he said.
The reason the water is delivered so cheaply is a remnant of a hurtful past.
It flows through irrigation systems built over 100 years ago, during the same era that saw the Hawaiian kingdom overthrown by American business and plantation owners, who used contract labor to build dams, dikes, ditches, flumes, aqueducts and reservoirs to divert mountain streams, sometimes until they were dry, to irrigate sugar fields miles and miles away.
The antique water systems are now remarkably cheap to operate, because they were built long ago, mostly by contract laborers, Collins said.
“They had labor that they exploited,” he said.
After the plantations closed — Lahaina’s Pioneer Mill in 1999 was among the last — the water systems lived on, some acquired by investors, others kept by descendants of the sugar companies that built them.
“The companies (are) still there. They just morphed into resort and development, land companies, but the control of water never left their hands,” Keahi said.
Kekai Keahi, who is also a construction manager, spends much of his time helping others rebuild in Lahaina, which burned largely because the area is surrounded by dried-up cane fields where the fire sparked and spread.
The water that used to irrigate those fields now fills swimming pools and irrigates landscaping and golf courses, with little or no cultivation in the former sugar fields south and mauka of Lahaina.
Residents on the county system and local streams need more water for traditional farming and housing, Keahi said.
“So now, rather than send this resource to thirsty crops, they’re sending it to thirsty resorts and high-end development, and at the expense of the community,” he said.
The unfairness of the rates is an emotional issue in Launiupoko, where Charlie Palakiko and his family have restored traditional stream-based taro loi on Kauaula Stream. The farm is downstream from a reservoir owned by Launiopoko Irrigation Company, which is controlled by the developer of luxury subdivisions, Peter Martin.
For years, the Palakikos have had to fight in court and the state water commission for adequate water for their crops.
“I know that they’ve been hoarding water throughout the years. You know, for future development or whatever they’re doing,” he said.
The Palakikos have fought in state agencies and the courts to get enough water to keep their crops healthy, while he says cheap water is wasted by his wealthy neighbors.
“It hurts, you know, like before, they used to overwater the roadways. And we’re coming home, our streams low. And then imagine you coming home, and then you see all this roadway being overwatered, and there’s like, streams running down the road, you know what I’m saying?” he said. “Like, hey, we’re fighting for water. We need water. Then you look at the roadway, it’s all green, and there’s like streams running down this thing.”
During Hawaii News Now’s visit, the Launiupoko Irrigation Company reservoir above their property was full, and Palakiko said there was just enough water being released into the stream to sustain his taro.
Glenn Tremble, a spokesman for West Maui Land Company, another Martin-controlled company that controls the Launiupoko and Olowalu systems, said in an email to Hawaii News Now that the systems “have lost money for several years, and it has been difficult to keep them operating at the old rates with the increased cost of operations over the years. Owners and members of the companies have loaned a lot of money to the companies just to keep them going.”
He said the companies have been seeking rate increases from the PUC, but the farmers have challenged them as part of the overall water dispute, and that has delayed the process.
The situation is not isolated to West Maui. It’s estimated that over 70 percent of water on Maui is controlled by private systems, which have made setting policies for water impossible, and led to shortages and delayed development.
But now, Maui County has decided to begin taking over the legacy systems, according to Maui County Water Department Director John Stufflebean.
“We are looking at kind of a new policy, which is to really get more of the water under the control of the county,” he said. “We think that’s the good public policy decision.”
Stufflebean said the county could buy the systems and then charge the resorts and large users much higher rates than they pay now.
“So a lot of that money would just have to be put back into upgrading the systems to meet the current county standards,” Stufflebean said
“Then the other big issue is that we could implement policies that we feel are important such as water conservation policies and encourage people to be more efficient with their water use,” he said.
Wednesday, February 12, 2025
FREE HAWAI`I TV
THE FREE HAWAI`I BROADCASTING NETWORK
"WHY ARE THE RICH PAYING LESS FOR WATER ON MAUI?"
Someoneʻs Paying A Lot Less For Water Than You Are.
Because Theyʻre Getting It From Somewhere Else.
Is There A Direct Line From The Illegal Overthrow To Their Water Source?
Watch This For The Answer & Whoʻs Being Left High & Dry.
Tuesday, February 11, 2025
Sunday, February 09, 2025
LIKE NO OTHER PLACE ON EARTH ON “VOICES OF TRUTH - ONE-ON-ONE WITH HAWAI`IʻS FUTURE"
"Habilitat Hawai`i - A Visit With Jeff Nash"
Interviewing a convicted felon was a first for us, but apprehension soon gave way to appreciation when we met Jeff Nash. Once involved in drugs, illegal activities and incarceration, today Jeff is a role model for change as the CEO of Habilitat Hawai`i. A long term addiction treatment center which provides people a safe haven where they can transform their lives, Habilitat Hawai`i is like no other place on earth. Join us in our amazing visit with Jeff and discover how Habilitat Hawai`i turns those who have lost all hope into responsible, caring human beings once again - Watch It Here
Now you can become a fan of Voices Of Truth on Facebook by clicking Here and see behind the scenes photos of our shows and a whole lot more.
Voices Of Truth interviews those creating a better future for Hawai`i to discover what made them go from armchair observers to active participants. We hope you'll be inspired to do the same.
Voices Of Truth airs throughout Hawai`i on all islands and reaches over 24 million households across the US and throughout the world. Check your local cable TV listings.
For news and issues that affect you, watch Free Hawai`i TV.
And for news from a kanaka point of view, watch Free Hawaii News.
All a part of the Free Hawai`i Broadcasting Network.
Please share our Free Hawai`i Broadcasting Network videos with friends and colleagues. That's how we grow. Mahalo.
Saturday, February 08, 2025
KE AUPUNI UPDATE - FEBRUARY 2025
Annexing Canada?
Recent announcements by US President Trump that America should acquire (conquer? annex? buy?) Canada, Greenland and the Panama Canal shocked everyone. As if it was unheard of that America would do such a thing… take lands that don’t belong to them. Or at least not say it out loud for the world to hear!
Yet, taking lands from the previous “inhabitants” (people) is the modus operandi of the European illegal immigrant/refugees ever since they landed on the shores of “the New World.” Their attitude was: That’s a great place. I want it. If the people won’t give it to me, I’ll just take it. And they did, just as they had been doing for the previous century to Africa and Asia.
Part of the shock was that Canada and Panama are independent states and Greenland is in peaceful negotiations with Denmark for independence. How can the American government and the world allow the brazen threat of taking over Canada, Panama and Greenland?
We in Hawaii are not so surprised. President Trump’s statement was being honest about America’s bad habit of taking what it wants, legal or not. In fact, Hawaii is the genesis of America’s foreign policy of gunboat diplomacy. It all began here in Hawaii when America flexed its military might to topple the peaceful, friendly government of the Hawaiian Kingdom so the US could build a world-class naval base at Pearl Harbor.
This set the stage for the eventual takeover of Hawaii by the US five years later. Why have just Pearl Harbor, when they could “annex” the whole archipelago as a US military base and command center to flex US military might (and extend US political/economic interests) over half of the surface of the World? This became the template for American intervention, interference and bullying in foreign countries for the past 132 years. So why are Americans so surprised and shocked at President Trump wanting to take over Canada. Greenland and the Panama Canal… and now the Gaza Strip?
President Trump’s statement exposes the truth about how deep-seated the “America first” mentality really is. America’s own people are shocked because they’ve been living in denial. But this “us first” mentality is definitely not unique to America.
Every country engenders patriotism among their people and places their national interests as first and foremost. In her 1898 open letter of appeal to the people of America, our Queen wrote, “Oh, honest Americans, as Christians hear me for my downtrodden people! Their form of government is as dear to them as yours is as precious to you. Quite warmly as you love your country, so they love theirs…”
So, could it be that President Trump’s outrageous statement about absorbing other countries may awaken the people to understand what we have been trying to tell them? That Hawaii is not part of the US, but a peaceful, sovereign, independent nation, hijacked and swept up by America’s relentless march to world domination?
The question is not, Are there any clever or powerful or brave Americans?
The real question is, Are there any honest Americans?
Aloha ʻĀina —
“Love of country is deep-seated in the breast of every Hawaiian, whatever his station.” — Queen Liliʻuokalani
Ua mau ke ea o ka ʻāina i ka pono.
The sovereignty of the land is perpetuated in righteousness.
------
For the latest news and developments about our progress at the United Nations in both New York and Geneva, tune in to Free Hawaii News at 7 PM, the first Friday of each month on ʻŌlelo Television, Channel 53.
-----
"Remember, for the latest updates and information about the Hawaiian Kingdom, check out the twice-a-month Ke Aupuni Updates published online on Facebook and other social media."
PLEASE KŌKUA…
Your kōkua, large or small, is vital to this effort...
To contribute, go to:
• GoFundMe – CAMPAIGN TO FREE HAWAII
• PayPal – log in to PayPal and pay to the account, info@HawaiianKingdom.net
• Other – To contribute in other ways (airline miles, travel vouchers, volunteer service, etc...) email us at: info@HawaiianKingdom.net
Malama Pono,
Leon Siu
Hawaiian National
Friday, February 07, 2025
FEBRUARY FREE HAWAII NEWS - SEE A HOME RISE FROM THE LAHAINA FIRES
Also, Why Is The Red Hill Poisoning Disaster Worse Than Everyone Feared? Then What Is Non-Violent Direct Action & Whoʻs Teaching It To Hawaiians? Plus Which Diplomacy Secrets Do Pacific Island Nations Use? Why Has The UN Allowed Decolonization To Die & What Is The Hawaiian Kingdom Doing About It? Plus Kumu Hinaʻs Mana`o
The February 2025 “Free Hawaii News” airing tonight Friday, February 7th starts at a new time, 7 PM on `Olelo Television Channel 53 on O`ahu and also airs on FreeHawaiiNews.com
“We go to Lahaina to tour a property newly acquired by the Lahaina Community Land Trust, where a new home is set to be built for a lucky local resident. This home will be sold at an affordable price to a local family which they can then pass down to future generations” remarked Free Hawaii News host Leon Siu.
“We also report on why the United Nations has allowed decolonization to die and what we as Hawaiians can do about it. Weʻll also tell viewers about which diplomacy secrets our sister Pacific nations use so successfully at the UN.”
“What is non-violent direct action is and who is teaching it to Hawaiians and their supporters? We have a full report on that along with my popular Kumu Hinaʻs Mana`o segment that viewers wonʻt want to miss,” stated Free Hawaii News co-host Hinaleimoana Wong.
Free Hawaii News presents Hawaiian or kanaka maoli perspectives on a broad range of issues and topics affecting the Hawaiian Islands, the Pacific and the world.
Brought to you by the Koani Foundation, Free Hawaii News airs every month on `Ōlelo Television on O`ahu, on all neighbor islands and on stations around the world as well as online on YouTube, Instagram, TikTok, Pinterest, X, BlueSky and over thirty different Facebook pages and other online sites.
Hinaleimoana Wong is a kumu hula, filmmaker, cultural activist, Hawaiian language speaker, preservationist and community leader. She has served as a member of the O`ahu Island Burial Council.
Leon Siu has for many years served as Foreign Minister of the Hawaiian Kingdom. He is active in that role at the United Nations in both New York City and Geneva, Switzerland. Besides being a diplomat, he is also an award-winning musician, composer and political analyst.
Thursday, February 06, 2025
TOMORROW - FREE HAWAII NEWS DEBUTS AT A NEW TIME - 7 PM ON `OLELO TELEVISION -CABLE CHANNEL 53 ON O`AHU
On The February Free Hawaii News -
We Take You On A Tour Of A Home Set To Rise From The Lahaina Fires.
Also, Why Is The Red Hill Poisoning Disaster Worse Than Everyone Feared?
What Is Non-Violent Direct Action & Whoʻs Teaching It To Hawaiians?
And Kumu Hinaʻs Mana`o Plus Much More.
Join Hosts Hinaleimoana Wong & Leon Siu As They Give The Kanaka Perspective On Issues In Hawaii You Wonʻt Get Anywhere Else.
Wednesday, February 05, 2025
FREE HAWAI`I TV
THE FREE HAWAI`I BROADCASTING NETWORK
"WHY IS SHE PONO LEADERSHIP?"
Wait Until You Hear What She Says.
Fearless, Brave Truth Telling.
In The Hawai`i State Senate, No Less.
Watch & See Why This Is What Weʻve Been Waiting For.
Sunday, February 02, 2025
A SECOND CHANCE IN LIFE ON “VOICES OF TRUTH - ONE-ON-ONE WITH HAWAI`IʻS FUTURE"
"Habilitat Hawai`i - A Visit With Jeff Nash"
Interviewing a convicted felon was a first for us, but apprehension soon gave way to appreciation when we met Jeff Nash. Once involved in drugs, illegal activities and incarceration, today Jeff is a role model for change as the CEO of Habilitat Hawai`i. A long term addiction treatment center which provides people a safe haven where they can transform their lives, Habilitat Hawai`i is like no other place on earth. Join us in our amazing visit with Jeff and discover how Habilitat Hawai`i turns those who have lost all hope into responsible, caring human beings once again - Watch It Here
Now you can become a fan of Voices Of Truth on Facebook by clicking Here and see behind the scenes photos of our shows and a whole lot more.
Voices Of Truth interviews those creating a better future for Hawai`i to discover what made them go from armchair observers to active participants. We hope you'll be inspired to do the same.
Voices Of Truth airs throughout Hawai`i on all islands and reaches over 24 million households across the US and throughout the world. Check your local cable TV listings.
For news and issues that affect you, watch Free Hawai`i TV.
And for news from a kanaka point of view, watch Free Hawaii News.
All a part of the Free Hawai`i Broadcasting Network.
Please share our Free Hawai`i Broadcasting Network videos with friends and colleagues. That's how we grow. Mahalo.
Friday, January 31, 2025
FREE HAWAI`I NEWS SHORT
KUMU HINAʻS MANA`O - WATCH IT HERE
Want More? Watch The Full Episode Here - FreeHawaiiNews.com
Wednesday, January 29, 2025
FREE HAWAI`I TV
THE FREE HAWAI`I BROADCASTING NETWORK
"IS THE STATE OF HAWAI`I GETTING RID OF THIS?"
Should The Fake State Of Hawai`i Flag Get A New Look?
Thereʻs A Proposal In The Legislature To Do Exactly That.
For Many, The Current Flag Is A Painful Reminder Of The Illegal Overthrow.
Watch This & Then Tell Us What You Think.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
