WWW.FREEHAWAII.INFO SALUTES SCOTT CRAWFORD OF MAUI - ANOTHER HAWAIIAN INDEPENDENCE PATRIOT!
Cybersovereignty
Honolulu Weekly - June 30, 2004
"I support anyone working for independence," said Scott Crawford, founder of
www.HawaiianKingdom.info, the "Hawaiian Independence Weblog." Crawford, a self-described news junkie who is also the executive director of the Maui nonprofit Kipahulu 'Ohana, launched the blog last summer after eight years of circulating an e-mail news list dealing with sovereignty issues.
While the blog includes letters to the editor from publications like the Maui News, it
also tracks the major media coverage of Hawaiian issues, whether it's the Akaka Bill or local protest against the inaugural trip of Norwegian Cruise Lines' Pride of Aloha. Crawford also includes links to historical documents such as the 1864 Constitution and the 1897 Anti-Annexation Petition.
Crawford says as more people learn and become aware of the independence movement, they will need to have a place to research the issue.
"I saw this as a tool to make information available so they could find out about the
history and the legal aspects of issues and then make up their own mind about those issues." Crawford adds that he does not work directly or exclusively with one particular group.
While blog traffic increases each month, in January, the anniversary of the overthrow of
Queen Lili'uokalani, "there was a spike, then it went back down," Crawford said. "Most of the discussion forums tend to be pro-sovereignty and the discussion is more about strategy or about federal recognition versus independence."
Crawford also continues to circulate his e-mail list of sovereign-issue updates to 2,000 people around the world. "The e-mail lists tend to be overwhelmingly pro-independence."
But Crawford isn't just a media hound. Kipahulu 'Ohana works with Haleakala National Park to provide culturally based economic development for local residents. Local groups such as Maui Youth and Family Services, Hana Youth Center and Lanai Youth Center visit with his organization to restore ancient taro patches in the park. The group also works to preserve and restore native Hawaiian plants. Kipahulu 'Ohana's board members and founders include people who were born and raised in Kipahulu. Crawford says that helps to create a positive work atmosphere with their national affiliates and also enables them to provide visitors with an authentic part of Hawai'i.
-Roz Makaula
