"HAWAIIANS UNIFYING FOR INDEPENDENCE"
From SPASIFIK Magazine, September/October 2005 by Gretchen Kelly
Hui Pu recently held a press conference on the steps of the ‘Iolani Palace to publicize their strong stance in opposition.
Hui Pu spokesperson Andre Perez, who explained that the statement represents a unified position among Maoli groups that have differing views on the specifics of achieving independence, said, “The Akaka Bill is being crammed down our throats with power and money. But they forget, there is a gag reflex.”
This one point of unity and solidarity, some Hui Pu members hope, will provide a foundation for further discussions toward creating a provisional government for national unity.
Kanahele is one of the members of Hui Pu; however, his call for a recapture of the palace has not yet been endorsed by the entire coalition.
Whether a re-taking of ‘Iolani Palace for the nation of Hawai`i will have the same kind of profound effect as the Maori seizing of Bastion Point in the 1970s remains to be seen. But it seems clear that Maoli, like their Maori brothers and sisters of that time, are ready to take the case for their rights to a new level.
“It is time,” says Kanahele, “for us to take our seat of government back. Then we can gather there, in the footsteps of our ancestors, to decide on our pathway back to independence.”