Honolulu Star-Advertiser - July 6, 2014
HANA, Maui - Testimony often turned confrontational Saturday as East Maui residents voiced strong opposition to the possibility of federal recognition for Native Hawaiians at the first of three US Department of the Interior meetings scheduled on the Valley Isle.
Many of the roughly 100 people who signed up to speak during the hearing at Hana High and Elementary School said they still feel wronged by the illegal overthrow of the Hawaiian kingdom and demanded the United States deoccupy the islands rather than attempt to facilitate re-establishing a government-to-government relationship with Native Hawaiians.
Several people identified themselves as Hawaiian subjects, saying they are not American citizens. Others said they were motivated to speak on behalf of ancestors who had signed the 1897 petition against annexation.
Russell Kahookele, who identified himself as an elected representative of the lawful Hawaiian government, offered federal officials plumeria lei before taking them to task for what he called a host of injustices.
"Now that I got the aloha part out (of the way)," he said, "I object to this hearing. … You guys asking us if we should take the first step after 100 years and then some, now you like take the first step to do what? Recognize us as Indians?
"You guys represent the government that wen' apologize to us for the illegal actions. Now you going come and ask us if we still like your help? For what? More illegal activities? No!" he shouted.
As others spoke, audience members shouted in support:"Ku‘e!" (resist or protest) and "Hewa!" (mistake or crime). A few kupuna chanted forcefully in Hawaiian.
Amid signs that read "Deoccupy Hawai`i" and "Seized not Ceded," people argued that the U.S. has no authority or jurisdiction over Hawai`i.
"United States stole it in 1893 and didn't give it back," said David Kaeo Prais. "Just give it back. Plain and simple: Stop being criminals."
Sol Church added, "What you are doing here today is called potential racketeering. It is a war crime. The people who caused the problem are coming up with a fake solution. For the U.S. to facilitate anything is illegal."
