ANNEXATION OF HAWAI'I NOT DONE LEGALLY
Honolulu Advertiser - Sunday, March 13, 2005
Amy Stringer, in her March 3 letter, asks why we haven't let the "annexation" of Hawai'i go and states that the "issue of our annexation should not be debated."
Ms. Stringer, we would have no problem if the annexation had been done legally. The annexation of Hawai'i was done by a joint resolution of Congress, not by treaties, as was required.
A joint resolution has no legal standing in a foreign country, which is what Hawai'i remained, even under the provisional government. This means that the status of the Hawaiian people as a distinct and sovereign nation is beyond debate.
If America were the champion of justice as it portrays itself to be, then it would have no problem addressing the injustices it committed with more than an "I'm sorry."
If you're sincerely sorry for taking part in a theft, restitution by means of a complete return of items stolen is in order.
America may be beneficial to Hawai'i, but the fact remains that it is still the master in someone else's home.
Dominic Acain
Kekaha, Kaua'i
