HAWAI`I & THE WAR OF CONSCIOUSNESS
By Z Aki - Honolulu Civil Beat - June 3, 2014
Kānaka Maoli roots run deep.
Here, we have found our home within the motherly embrace of ‘Āina. Our identity was nurtured here; our consciousness grown, synthesized, and intertwined. Our very existence flows through the streams of time from this source – the islands of Hawai‘i.
Our roots run very deep.
There has been a significant amount of news coverage surrounding the Office of Hawaiian Affairs’ recent attempts to establish Kānaka Maoli (aboriginal Hawaiians) as an indigenous population under the United States government.
OHA’s controversial and heavily contested strategy to “facilitate [Kānaka Maoli] self-governance” has manifested itself in a number of questionable endeavors; most recently, Kana‘iolowalu (the Native Hawaiian Roll Commission established through Act 195 of the ‘State of Hawai‘i’) and a “re-establishment of a government-to-government relationship” under the Obama administration and without congressional approval.
While OHA’s strategies to subject Kānaka Maoli to the United States government have failed, time and again, there is a powerful narrative that has rarely been told by the news media – that narrative is amplified by ka lehulehu a manomano (the great many and numerous) voices of Hawaiian independence.
OHA, at times, may appear to be lost and even self-contradictory – but that can be attributed to the ongoing struggle within OHA; heavily contested by an unwaveringly proud group of people on a super-charged political battlefield in a war of consciousness that has been waging for well over a century.
To understand what is really going on here, I provide an analysis through a traditional cultural value: nānā i ke kumu (look to the source).
Kānaka Maoli have been here since time immemorial, but the Hawaiian Nation State, as the Hawaiian Kingdom, arose by way of constitution in the year 1840.
In 1843, the Hawaiian Kingdom was internationally recognized by Great Britain and France.
In 1844, the United States also recognized Hawaiian independence.
In the many decades that followed, more than a dozen countries would treaty with the Hawaiian Kingdom.
The Hawaiian Kingdom was internationally recognized as an independent State.
In 1893, enemies of the Hawaiian Nation State, in conspiracy with an official of the U.S. government, executed their plan to overthrow the Hawaiian Kingdom government.
By now, most of us have a general idea of how the story goes, but allow me to share the truth, which has been hidden beneath the mainstream myth of Hawai‘i’s legal transition to a territory of the U.S.
The truth is that there is nothing legal about that so-called transition.
You see, the Hawaiian Kingdom government may have been overthrown 121 years ago, but the sovereignty maintained by the people of the country was never extinguished. If the U.S. government was overthrown, the United States of America would still exist – depending on the circumstances, the American people might simply hold elections and restore their government.
The “provisional government” established by enemies of the Hawaiian Nation State following the overthrow was never legal.
Because it was an illegal regime, its subsequent form as the “Republic of Hawai‘i” was also illegal – and because the republic was illegal, that illegal regime could never legally transfer sovereignty to the United States and become the “Territory of Hawai‘i” (and subsequently the “State of Hawai‘i”).
The illegal overthrow of the Hawaiian Kingdom, kindled, stoked, and conflagrated the Hawaiian independence movement.
The testament to Hawaiian opposition of foreign control was evidenced by the Palapala Kū‘ē (Anti-Annexation Petition) – a petition signed in 1897 by the vast majority of the qualified Hawaiian citizenry (both Kānaka Maoli and non-Kānaka Maoli).
OHA recently issued a statement applauding the Obama administration’s consideration of Kānaka Maoli subjugation, claiming its pursuit of “federal recognition” came off “the shoulders of kupuna [ancestors] who sought justice.”
None would disagree more than the kūpuna who signed the Kū‘ē Petition of 1897 and among them, none more than James Kaulia — one of the leaders of Hui Aloha ‘Āina, the organization which coordinated the signing of the Kū‘ē Petition.
James Kaulia stated, “No laila, mai maka‘u, e kūpa‘a ma ke Aloha i ka ‘Āina, a e lokahi ma ka mana‘o, e kū‘ē loa aku i ka ho‘ohui ‘ia o Hawai‘i me Amerika a hiki i ke aloha ‘āina hope loa! (Therefore, do not be afraid, be steadfast in aloha for your country and be united in thought. Protest forever the annexation of Hawaii until the very last Hawaiian patriot!)
The words of James Kaulia resonate with Hawaiians, which is to say, loyal subjects of the Hawaiian Kingdom (not racially or ethnically bound), but the same cannot be said for those sentiments bearing the burden of foreign dependency, or rather, “federal recognition.”
The internal struggle here arises out of well-over a century of foreign control. The United States has been occupying Hawai‘i since 1898 and since that time, the U.S. government has “inculcated,” indoctrinated, and subjected Hawaiians to Americanization.
For the consciousness of an entire group of people, 116 years is certainly a long time to endure mental abuse — an internal disagreement here and there seems quite reasonable.
Kānaka Maoli roots run deep, but we also shoulder the weight of our kuleana (responsibility) to our country. Interesting things are happening both here in Hawai‘i and abroad with regard to the Hawaiian Nation State’s status under U.S. occupation.
It is no new news when someone tells a Hawaiian that “the United States will never leave Hawai‘i.” But that neither diminishes our desire for freedom, nor does it extinguish our legal right and our willingness to vigorously fight for what is right.
And to Kānaka Maoli, we should never fear the unknown.
If our kūpuna let fear discourage them, they would never have braved this great ocean to plant the seeds that eventually grew to who we are today. E kūpa‘a ma ke Aloha i ka ‘Āina.
Showing posts with label Z Aki. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Z Aki. Show all posts
Thursday, October 11, 2012
WHY HAWAIIAN ANCESTRAL BONES MATTER
Honolulu Civil Beat - October 9, 2012
By Z `Aki
We can’t begin to tell you exactly why our kūpuna (ancestors) believed a person’s mana was held in their iwi (bones), but we can certainly share with you some of the values we were raised with - those same values that were passed down to us, through our culture, by our ancestors.
Far from speculation, we trust (we have faith) in the wisdom of those who came before us. Nānā i ke kumu (look to the source). We accept that they knew many things that we simply don’t. It’s just common sense that the generations before, always have something to teach the generations after. As technologically advanced as we are today, we just can’t dispute the fact that our ancestors had a much better understanding of the world. After all, just look at the difference. The natural world, under their care, flourished. And yet, we struggle, today, to keep human devastation of the natural world from destroying ourselves.
Perhaps that’s one of the many reasons why our kūpuna believed a person’s mana lived on within their bones – because they fully understood our connection to `Āina, the natural world. They understood that we are a part of `Āina; that we are not an invasive species capitalizing on everything around us, but rather, we are just another organism, with a specific purpose, in this greater eco-system.
When a person ua hala (passed), their bones remained. Those bones were often returned to the soil, and in time, they would become a part of the earth, providing nutrients to the plants and animals that would sustain the living. And they, like us, would live on in this way.
The most obvious reason we have, for the importance of iwi, is the aloha, the immeasurable love we have for our family and friends. Their iwi is a part of them. It is them. They are the reason we are here. And though we may have never met them or seen them, we will always love them. We will never forget our ancestors. And in our own time, we can hope that our descendants will know that, like our ancestors before us, our thoughts and aloha are forever for them.
Our kūpuna are our foundation. They keep us rooted to these lands and their iwi serve as physical evidence to that claim. To our forgetful minds, the iwi remind us of the lives of our ancestors with no less importance than a cherished picture, a treasured keepsake, or a family heirloom that serves to affirm, to all future generations, where it was, that they came from.
For these reasons and more, our kūpuna taught us, mai kaula`i wale i ka iwi o nā kūpuna. To never dry out, in the sun, the bones of your ancestors. That wisdom is understood both literally and figuratively; for openly sharing your mo‘okū`auhau (genealogy) is just as awful as digging up the bones of your kūpuna.
To remove our connection, the bones of our ancestors, from these lands is tantamount to murder – genocide. People of Hawai`i, please keep in mind, Kānaka Maoli are warriors – we fiercely protect `Āina and `ohana. When our loved ones are threatened, we fight back. I’m sure most, if not all, can relate to that.
With Kawaiaha`o Church digging up 600+ kūpuna for their new multi-million dollar building, there is an obvious dispute with regard to burial beliefs. So let’s keep things simple. Before the church, there was a heiau, where many Kānaka Maoli rested. These Kānaka Maoli are being dug up. So no matter what your current burial beliefs are, the people who are being dug up, believed that their mana is in their bones. Respect their beliefs.
Hawai`i is changing. The verdant land our kūpuna once knew is being buried under concrete and asphalt. Many, including Neil Abercrombie, have made the assumption that Kānaka Maoli are opposed to “progress,” labeling us as the “usual suspects.” But too often is the word, “progress” used to identify unsustainable development, rampant urbanization, environmental destruction, finite resource depletion, and the desecration of our ancestors.
Neil, I am a Kanaka Maoli, and my definition of progress is different than yours. Progress, to me, is the capacity to endure and the perpetuity of life. Progress, to me, is the government spending money on people, not corporations. Growing food not a low estimate $5.3 billion rail. Progress to me is covering every home in Hawai`i with solar panels and micro wind turbines so we can eliminate that electric bill, without having you build over forests with geothermal power plants or covering over islands like Molokai and Lāna‘i with wind turbines to power O`ahu via undersea cables. Progress, to me, is passing laws to protect the environment, instead of laws enabling exemptions in sweetheart deals (Act 55, PLDC). Progress, to me, is caring for Hawai`i’s houseless and listening to people who know a lot about being progressive. This is the knowledge of kūpuna Hawai`i, and these are just a few reasons why, kūpuna mean everything to us. Nānā i ke kumu. Ola nā iwi.
Honolulu Civil Beat - October 9, 2012
By Z `Aki
We can’t begin to tell you exactly why our kūpuna (ancestors) believed a person’s mana was held in their iwi (bones), but we can certainly share with you some of the values we were raised with - those same values that were passed down to us, through our culture, by our ancestors.
Far from speculation, we trust (we have faith) in the wisdom of those who came before us. Nānā i ke kumu (look to the source). We accept that they knew many things that we simply don’t. It’s just common sense that the generations before, always have something to teach the generations after. As technologically advanced as we are today, we just can’t dispute the fact that our ancestors had a much better understanding of the world. After all, just look at the difference. The natural world, under their care, flourished. And yet, we struggle, today, to keep human devastation of the natural world from destroying ourselves.
Perhaps that’s one of the many reasons why our kūpuna believed a person’s mana lived on within their bones – because they fully understood our connection to `Āina, the natural world. They understood that we are a part of `Āina; that we are not an invasive species capitalizing on everything around us, but rather, we are just another organism, with a specific purpose, in this greater eco-system.
When a person ua hala (passed), their bones remained. Those bones were often returned to the soil, and in time, they would become a part of the earth, providing nutrients to the plants and animals that would sustain the living. And they, like us, would live on in this way.
The most obvious reason we have, for the importance of iwi, is the aloha, the immeasurable love we have for our family and friends. Their iwi is a part of them. It is them. They are the reason we are here. And though we may have never met them or seen them, we will always love them. We will never forget our ancestors. And in our own time, we can hope that our descendants will know that, like our ancestors before us, our thoughts and aloha are forever for them.
Our kūpuna are our foundation. They keep us rooted to these lands and their iwi serve as physical evidence to that claim. To our forgetful minds, the iwi remind us of the lives of our ancestors with no less importance than a cherished picture, a treasured keepsake, or a family heirloom that serves to affirm, to all future generations, where it was, that they came from.
For these reasons and more, our kūpuna taught us, mai kaula`i wale i ka iwi o nā kūpuna. To never dry out, in the sun, the bones of your ancestors. That wisdom is understood both literally and figuratively; for openly sharing your mo‘okū`auhau (genealogy) is just as awful as digging up the bones of your kūpuna.
To remove our connection, the bones of our ancestors, from these lands is tantamount to murder – genocide. People of Hawai`i, please keep in mind, Kānaka Maoli are warriors – we fiercely protect `Āina and `ohana. When our loved ones are threatened, we fight back. I’m sure most, if not all, can relate to that.
With Kawaiaha`o Church digging up 600+ kūpuna for their new multi-million dollar building, there is an obvious dispute with regard to burial beliefs. So let’s keep things simple. Before the church, there was a heiau, where many Kānaka Maoli rested. These Kānaka Maoli are being dug up. So no matter what your current burial beliefs are, the people who are being dug up, believed that their mana is in their bones. Respect their beliefs.
Hawai`i is changing. The verdant land our kūpuna once knew is being buried under concrete and asphalt. Many, including Neil Abercrombie, have made the assumption that Kānaka Maoli are opposed to “progress,” labeling us as the “usual suspects.” But too often is the word, “progress” used to identify unsustainable development, rampant urbanization, environmental destruction, finite resource depletion, and the desecration of our ancestors.
Neil, I am a Kanaka Maoli, and my definition of progress is different than yours. Progress, to me, is the capacity to endure and the perpetuity of life. Progress, to me, is the government spending money on people, not corporations. Growing food not a low estimate $5.3 billion rail. Progress to me is covering every home in Hawai`i with solar panels and micro wind turbines so we can eliminate that electric bill, without having you build over forests with geothermal power plants or covering over islands like Molokai and Lāna‘i with wind turbines to power O`ahu via undersea cables. Progress, to me, is passing laws to protect the environment, instead of laws enabling exemptions in sweetheart deals (Act 55, PLDC). Progress, to me, is caring for Hawai`i’s houseless and listening to people who know a lot about being progressive. This is the knowledge of kūpuna Hawai`i, and these are just a few reasons why, kūpuna mean everything to us. Nānā i ke kumu. Ola nā iwi.
Sunday, July 08, 2012
PROTECTING WHAT NEEDS RESPECTING ON “VOICES OF TRUTH - ONE-ON-ONE WITH HAWAI`IʻS FUTURE”
"Makawalu - A Visit With Z `Aki"
Makawalu means the “eight eyes” as well as the “many ways.” It also refers to an ancient Hawaiian battle formation. All of these describe todayʻs hot Hawaiian political action group of the same name which specializes in protecting the Hawaiian culture. Donʻt miss our fascinating visit with Z as he gives us the inside story on how they plan their protest actions and why theyʻre grabbing everyoneʻs attention - Watch It Here
MONDAY, July 9th At 5:30 PM – O`ahu - `Olelo, Channel 53
MONDAY, July 9th At 6:30 PM – Maui – Akaku, Channel 53
MONDAY, July 9th At 7:00 PM & FRIDAY, July 13th At 5:30 PM – Hawai`i Island – Na Leo, Channel 53
TUESDAY, July 10th At 7:30 PM, THURSDAY, July 12th At 7:30 PM & SATURDAY, July 14th At 8:00 PM - Kaua`i - Ho`ike, Channel 52
Now you can become a fan of Voices Of Truth on Facebook by clicking Here and see behind the scenes photos of our shows and a whole lot more.
Voices Of Truth interviews those creating a better future for Hawai`i to discover what made them go from armchair observers to active participants. We hope you'll be inspired to do the same.
Voices Of Truth now airs on local access stations in over 70 cities across the US and throughout the world. Check your local listings.
If you support our issues on the Free Hawai`i Broadcasting Network, please email this to a friend to help us continue. A donation today helps further our work. Every single penny counts.
Donating is easy on our Voices Of Truth website via PayPal where you can watch Voices Of Truth anytime.
For news and issues that affect you, watch Free Hawai`i TV, a part of the Free Hawai`i Broadcasting Network.
Please share our Free Hawai`i Broadcasting Network videos with friends and colleagues. That's how we grow. Mahalo.
"Makawalu - A Visit With Z `Aki"
Makawalu means the “eight eyes” as well as the “many ways.” It also refers to an ancient Hawaiian battle formation. All of these describe todayʻs hot Hawaiian political action group of the same name which specializes in protecting the Hawaiian culture. Donʻt miss our fascinating visit with Z as he gives us the inside story on how they plan their protest actions and why theyʻre grabbing everyoneʻs attention - Watch It Here
MONDAY, July 9th At 5:30 PM – O`ahu - `Olelo, Channel 53
MONDAY, July 9th At 6:30 PM – Maui – Akaku, Channel 53
MONDAY, July 9th At 7:00 PM & FRIDAY, July 13th At 5:30 PM – Hawai`i Island – Na Leo, Channel 53
TUESDAY, July 10th At 7:30 PM, THURSDAY, July 12th At 7:30 PM & SATURDAY, July 14th At 8:00 PM - Kaua`i - Ho`ike, Channel 52
Now you can become a fan of Voices Of Truth on Facebook by clicking Here and see behind the scenes photos of our shows and a whole lot more.
Voices Of Truth interviews those creating a better future for Hawai`i to discover what made them go from armchair observers to active participants. We hope you'll be inspired to do the same.
Voices Of Truth now airs on local access stations in over 70 cities across the US and throughout the world. Check your local listings.
If you support our issues on the Free Hawai`i Broadcasting Network, please email this to a friend to help us continue. A donation today helps further our work. Every single penny counts.
Donating is easy on our Voices Of Truth website via PayPal where you can watch Voices Of Truth anytime.
For news and issues that affect you, watch Free Hawai`i TV, a part of the Free Hawai`i Broadcasting Network.
Please share our Free Hawai`i Broadcasting Network videos with friends and colleagues. That's how we grow. Mahalo.
Monday, July 02, 2012
BECOME A FAN OF VOICES OF TRUTH - ONE-ON-ONE WITH HAWAI`I'S FUTURE ON FACEBOOK
See Behind The Scenes Shots Of Our Shows
Click HERE To Become A Fan
See Behind The Scenes Shots Of Our Shows
Click HERE To Become A Fan
Sunday, July 01, 2012
THEIR ACTIONS GAIN ATTRACTION ON “VOICES OF TRUTH - ONE-ON-ONE WITH HAWAI`IʻS FUTURE”
"Makawalu - A Visit With Z `Aki"
Makawalu means the “eight eyes” as well as the “many ways.” It also refers to an ancient Hawaiian battle formation. All of these describe todayʻs hot Hawaiian political action group of the same name which specializes in protecting the Hawaiian culture. Donʻt miss our fascinating visit with Z as he gives us the inside story on how they plan their protest actions and why theyʻre grabbing everyoneʻs attention - Watch It Here
MONDAY, July 2nd At 5:30 PM – O`ahu - `Olelo, Channel 53
MONDAY, July 2nd At 6:30 PM – Maui – Akaku, Channel 53
MONDAY, July 2nd At 7:00 PM & FRIDAY, July 6th At 5:30 PM – Hawai`i Island – Na Leo, Channel 53
TUESDAY, July 3rd At 7:30 PM, THURSDAY, July 5th At 7:30 PM & SATURDAY, July 7th At 8:00 PM - Kaua`i - Ho`ike, Channel 52
SATURDAY, July 7th At 8:00 PM – O`ahu - `Olelo, Channel 53
Now you can become a fan of Voices Of Truth on Facebook by clicking Here and see behind the scenes photos of our shows and a whole lot more.
Voices Of Truth interviews those creating a better future for Hawai`i to discover what made them go from armchair observers to active participants. We hope you'll be inspired to do the same.
Voices Of Truth now airs on local access stations in over 70 cities across the US and throughout the world. Check your local listings.
If you support our issues on the Free Hawai`i Broadcasting Network, please email this to a friend to help us continue. A donation today helps further our work. Every single penny counts.
Donating is easy on our Voices Of Truth website via PayPal where you can watch Voices Of Truth anytime.
For news and issues that affect you, watch Free Hawai`i TV, a part of the Free Hawai`i Broadcasting Network.
Please share our Free Hawai`i Broadcasting Network videos with friends and colleagues. That's how we grow. Mahalo.
"Makawalu - A Visit With Z `Aki"
Makawalu means the “eight eyes” as well as the “many ways.” It also refers to an ancient Hawaiian battle formation. All of these describe todayʻs hot Hawaiian political action group of the same name which specializes in protecting the Hawaiian culture. Donʻt miss our fascinating visit with Z as he gives us the inside story on how they plan their protest actions and why theyʻre grabbing everyoneʻs attention - Watch It Here
MONDAY, July 2nd At 5:30 PM – O`ahu - `Olelo, Channel 53
MONDAY, July 2nd At 6:30 PM – Maui – Akaku, Channel 53
MONDAY, July 2nd At 7:00 PM & FRIDAY, July 6th At 5:30 PM – Hawai`i Island – Na Leo, Channel 53
TUESDAY, July 3rd At 7:30 PM, THURSDAY, July 5th At 7:30 PM & SATURDAY, July 7th At 8:00 PM - Kaua`i - Ho`ike, Channel 52
SATURDAY, July 7th At 8:00 PM – O`ahu - `Olelo, Channel 53
Now you can become a fan of Voices Of Truth on Facebook by clicking Here and see behind the scenes photos of our shows and a whole lot more.
Voices Of Truth interviews those creating a better future for Hawai`i to discover what made them go from armchair observers to active participants. We hope you'll be inspired to do the same.
Voices Of Truth now airs on local access stations in over 70 cities across the US and throughout the world. Check your local listings.
If you support our issues on the Free Hawai`i Broadcasting Network, please email this to a friend to help us continue. A donation today helps further our work. Every single penny counts.
Donating is easy on our Voices Of Truth website via PayPal where you can watch Voices Of Truth anytime.
For news and issues that affect you, watch Free Hawai`i TV, a part of the Free Hawai`i Broadcasting Network.
Please share our Free Hawai`i Broadcasting Network videos with friends and colleagues. That's how we grow. Mahalo.
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