Here's What One Observer Says About What He Saw -
As an observer at Friday's statehood debacle held at Iolani Palace
There would have been no uproar if the contentious circus was held at an appropriate place, like the state Capitol, just next door.
Holding a celebration for the country that overthrew a sovereign nation on its governmental grounds showed as much common sense as a kamikaze reunion at Pearl Harbor.
If the event was sincerely about statehood, they would have had at least one state flag.
Instead, only U.S. flags flew complete with Statue of Liberty clown in an act of nationalist warfare.
The worst part was the irresponsible using of the Kalani High band for state Sen. Sam Slom's politicking.
Only five celebrators greeted the band, not dozens as indicated by the media.
To say the students were "threatened" is slander; on the contrary, palace defenders addressed the students elucidating the overthrow history, and no disrespect was directed to them.
Patience was lost when [statehood] celebrants spewed claims of entitlement, labeling [Independence supporters] dissenters "Muslims."
The organizers owe apologies to Kalani and the people of Hawai`i for such arrogance and disrespect.
Pete Doktor
Honolulu
