9 Responses to “ 808T E.117 - Hawaii Statehood…Illegal? ”

1. KENTARA on Aug 21st, 2007 at 12:47 am

   Thanks for creating this particular episode. It really provided some insight to me, especially the comments regarding the feelings of the statehood of Hawaii. You always do a great job putting these episodes together… I regret not being able to comment on several others. And mahalo for sharing “E Pili Mai” by MAKENA!! Personally, it is one of my favorite songs from them because of my love for beautiful ballads and touching, passionate vocals. And I have loved the slack key and previous song choices in recent episodes too! Keep up the amazing and admirable work V. Brown! Mahalo again!

2. TJ on Aug 23rd, 2007 at 7:22 am

   First of all, I have never been to Hawaii and am in the process of planning my first vacation to Oahu in 2008 (V.Brown - Thanks for the great podcasts! They are a great help in planning and learning more about Hawaii…keep up the great work!!). I also admit that I need to educate myself more on the history of Hawaii’s statehood.

   That said….

   The second gentleman that was interviewed…Wow…Talk about hostility!! Do other Native Hawaiian’s really think that visitors to Hawaii come to purposely disrespect your culture/history? That just does not pass any common sense test. How is that people with money on “one side of the Island” keep others from buying a home? Go to any major city in the world and you will see the same thing…Wealth and Poverty. If Hawaii was a sovereign nation would your children NOT be on drugs and out of jail…GET REAL!! Seems like the US is an easy target to place blame.

   As an outsider looking in and in the midst of planning a “dream” Vacation to Oahu and wanting to very much respect the history and culture of Hawaii, it would be helpful if someone could expound on what tourists should or should not do. After listening to this podcast, I guess I’m now a little nervous about going to the wrong beach or place and running into the guy who was interviewed with the opportunity for him to take his anti-US aggression on me. Being a US tourist, are there places in Oahu to avoid?

   On a side note, since we started planning our trip a month ago, I have really embraced the Hawaiian culture - especially the music. Are there any good books available that really catch the essence of the Hawaiian Culture?

3. Jordon Low on Aug 23rd, 2007 at 10:47 am

   Hey Vernon, good piece.

   As a Canadian who has visited Hawaii twice I see both negatives and positives of Hawaii being a U.S. State.

   The positives are that it is that it’s quite easy to travel there and the infrastructure that will keep Hawaii in a state of upkeep as much as possible… regarding plumbing, roads, disaster recovery, ect.

   I sympathize with the Hawaiian people however that Hawaii really is not a State, when I visit there I don’t feel like i’m in America, I’m in Hawaii I love the Hawaiian people and their culture and do believe they should get the same status as Native Americans and benefits. I would be as frustrated as the man there about the disrespect by celebrating at Iolani Palace… That is their sacred ground.. I know when I visited the palace I had a strong sense of this is where Hawaii came from, and this is a special place to be, even as a Canadian tourist I felt extremely privileged that I was even allowed on the grounds.

   I mean no disrespect to TJ above but before you go off spouting that nonsense, perhaps visit Hawaii and talk to the people and understand them. The Hawaiian people are some of the friendliest people in the world. One of the first places I went was Waianae not for any reason but I realized once I was there that there was a heavy native Hawaiian population there, I was treated to some looks, but once I opened up and talked with people there, showed them respect I got it back like that! I think it was because they get so many Mainland American tourists who have a severe lack of respect that this is THEIR HOME, and it should be treated as such, not as any ordinary U.S. state… It all comes down to respect. You give and you get.

   To be honest, I am really blown away with how many U.S. mainlanders know so little about Hawaii… They don’t know how lucky they are that it is a state to begin with.

   Aloha is for everyone, but Hawaii belongs to the Hawaiians and it should never be forgotten.

   -Jordon

4. Jordon Low on Aug 23rd, 2007 at 10:51 am

   Sorry just to follow up to TJ, I didn’t mean you were “Spouting off” But some things you said were just a lack of understanding is all. Once you visit there you’ll fall in love with Hawaii… as long as you show respect.

   Have no worries about your trip… Just always keep in mind that wherever you are is quite honestly a sacred place to be.

   Thanks and I hope you learn a lot on your trip!

5. TJ on Aug 23rd, 2007 at 12:55 pm

   Thanks Jordon – You provide a good perspective. I have been learning more about this topic and realize that it is definitely very complex and sensitive. I also maintain the utmost respect to the people and places that I visit; I understand that I am a guest in someone else’s home and my acceptance to that place will be based on the respect I show.

   My comments were basically a reaction to the interview of the 2nd person. I did feel his frustration and also made a connection similar to that of Native Americans. I also agree that this type of “celebration” should not be held on sacred ground such as the Ioloni Palace.

   Self admittedly in my initial post I need to further educate myself on the issue of Hawaii’s Statehood. However, what irritated me and initiated me to write my post is when the guy made the jump outside the celebration controversy at the Palace. He made great sense up until the point he linked everything wrong with housing, drugs, and youth imprisonment to those non-Hawaiian’s on the Island that are hoping that the Hawaiian race dies out. That to me is spouting nonsense…. granted this guy is extremely upset and passionate.

   I did not mean for my comments to appear as flippant, but I truly believe that people in general are good and would not intentionally impose poverty or push drug use onto a segment of society just to get rid of them.

   BTW…I really liked your last sentence: “Aloha is for everyone, but Hawaii belongs to the Hawaiians and it should never be forgotten.” Very true and insightful…I’ll remember that statement.

   Aloha!

6. V.Brown on Aug 23rd, 2007 at 1:15 pm

   @TJ - Don’t be discouraged about visiting Hawaii and think that all people have a bad feeling towards visitors and tourist. I think it is always best to respect the local culture wherever you are and try to learn about the people and ways instead of just coming in and thinking you can act as you normally would in your home town. If you follow that rule, then you will most definitely be okay. Also, another tip is to try and not get yourself into a confrontation with the local residents especially when it comes to topics of Hawaiian Sovereignty, land, and becoming a U.S. State. Instead try and listen to the points they are making and educate yourself on some of the facts. Some points may be valid and others may not, but through educating yourself you can learn the true facts. You must look at both sides to understand completely and that is where most make their mistake, because they only look at one side and that usually confuses the true.

   As for beaches, you can usually go to just about any beach with no problem. That’s not to say that you don’t need to be on guard at any beach when it comes to protecting your belongings and showing respect to the other beach goers. If you come with an attitude of openness and the mindset of being willing to absorb the cultural aspects of Hawaii, then you will do fine. Overall, if you give respect you will get respect here in the islands and experience the true Aloha of Hawaii. The people here are some of the friendliest you will ever meet!

   As for books, you can check out our Amazon.com recommended Hawaii books here: http://www.808talk.com/?page_id=21 and another episode which has some great information about Customs & Etiquette In Hawaii, as well as links in the show notes can be found in Episode 50 here: http://www.808talk.com/?p=73

   Hope this helps and if you have any additional questions or concerns, feel free to send us an email (808Talk[at]gmail.com). As Jordan said “Once you visit there you’ll fall in love with Hawaii… as long as you show respect.” and “Have no worries about your trip… Just always keep in mind that wherever you are is quite honestly a sacred place to be.”

   @Jordan - Great to hear from you again my friend. So when is your next visit to Hawaii? Planning a trip to visit another island yet? You have to get out and see the great adventures that await you away from Oahu! The other islands need love too…LOL.

7. Jackie on Aug 23rd, 2007 at 4:42 pm

   Very enlightening. I had no idea that there was any controversy about Hawaii becoming a state legally. I read the article you posted and was just wondering if there was any additional info or books published about this topic? Thanks again V for a great podcast.

8. Jordon Low on Aug 23rd, 2007 at 8:27 pm

   HAHA, yeah… some things have come up in life that prevented a trip this summer and fall but I definitely plan to make another trip. Maui will be the next Island and my Father knows a lady who owns a Coffee plantation on the Big Island at Captain Cook so we’ll go check that out.

   I agree, I love Oahu but I think i’m spent there for now. Still love it though but I need to see something different.

   It’s pretty amazing how passionate I am about a place so far away from me… I have no doubt that one say, somehow I will end up as a resident… that’s my goal and dream.

   p.s. I love the old Contemporary Hawaiian Music, if possible try and get a song on when you can, if you can.

   Aloha and Keep up the fantastic work!

9. Mike Paanaha on Jan 25th, 2008 at 1:06 pm

   Notice that the filipinos beginning to take over lately

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