Professional Documents
Culture Documents
Subject: Righting a substantial wrong Just over a century ago, there was an isolated kingdom
called Hawai`i--an independent nation, with a parliament, its own flag, a national anthem, and a
beloved Queen, Lili'uokalani 1838 1917. Lydia Paki Kamakaeha Liliuokalani took the throne of the
Hawaiian Islands in 1893, after her brother died. Under pressure from foreign planters, he had written
a constitution limiting his authority. The Queen issued a new constitution restoring the lost authority.
But planters like Sanford Dole wanted the islands annexed by the United States, to ensure their access
to American sugar markets. The Marines landed in 1893, took over government buildings and placed
Queen Liliuokalani under house arrest. In 1893, she was forced to abdicate her throne.
Aloha Kakou,
Laulima embodies the essence of what it means to live aloha. Importantly, it represents a pillar
principle within our Hawaiian culture of many hands working together in unison and respect.
As a young boy, I recall a story in old Hawai`i, where Hawaiians would take a long cord or rope and tie
ti leaves to it. Then the entire group (many hands) would hold it and form a line in the ocean, holding
this rope with the leaves in the water would herd the fish towards the shore. The group would slowly
form a circle, to trap the fish. If one person was out of sync, the fish could escape through that slack in
the line. Success or failure caused by one person would mean success or failure for the entire group. It
was important for people to help each other be successful.
The Kingdom has waited more than twenty one years for the United States to follow that resolution
with actions to restore the Kingdom. The Kingdom has waited for more than 120 years since the
illegal overthrow for the United States to DE occupy the islands. The wait has been in vain.
The star on the United States flag supposedly representing our stolen nation is a matter that calls
out for correction. That star is an affront to the truth and the rule of law. The action by the student
group is an effort to call attention to the need for correction.
In-closing:
What makes us who we are -- is our allegiance to an idea that articulated our history of listening to
the spiritual voice within with aloha. Today we continue a never-ending journey to bridge these living
and moving philosophical truths with the realities of our time. For history tells us that while these
inalienable rights may be self-evident and absolute, theyve never been self-executing; that while
freedom is a gift from Heavenly Father, it must be safeguarded by His people here on Earth. We, as the
human family, must come together to right the substantial wrongs not just here in Hawaii but all over
the world. Let us begin here and let our example resonate around the planet bringing the healing that
is so desperately needed.
Me ke aloha pumehana,