NATIVE HAWAIIANS MARCH ON BOSTON FOR INDEPENDENCE
"Free Hawai’i” The Cry As Aloha March Comes To Seat Of American Revolution
With the sounds of “Imua!” Native Hawaiians and their supporters staged an Aloha March in the heart of Boston today.
Building on the momentum of the 1998 and 2000 Aloha Marches in Washington, DC as well as the Hawaiian Ti Party in Boston harbor on July 4th, 2000, the Koani Foundation continues their series of mini-Aloha Marches across the continental United Sates.
“We started the morning with a blessing of showers from the heavens,” stated Koani Foundation Director Kai’opua Fyfe. “Our Aloha March in the afternoon was lively, vibrant and very well attended.”
The march started at 1 PM at Boston’s South Station with a pule (prayer), “Hawai’i Pono’i” sung and a dedication of the march to John “Butch” Kekahu III, Koani’s founder.
With the sounds of the pu (conch shells) resounding, the marchers proceeded through downtown Boston with the Hawaiian flag, Aloha March banner and several posters of Founder Kekahu proudly displayed.
Flyers proclaiming, “Free Hawai’i, US occupation must end!” were handed out to passersby.
The march ended at the steps of the Massachusetts State House where welcoming statements from indigenous leaders were delivered and several oli (chants) including “I Ku Mau Mau” and “E Ho Mai” were chanted. The event was concluded with “Hawai’i Aloha” sung by all.
“This was definitely a chicken skin event,” proclaimed co-sponsor Wahi Ku Moku (Boston Hawaiian Club) founder and president Al Ku’ahi Wong.
Photos of the Boston Aloha March will appear on FreeHawaii.Info in the very near future.
