Ka Wai Ola - Office of Hawaiian Affairs, Volume 17, Number 9, 1 September 2000 — View of history [ARTICLE]

View of history

I have looked upon the recent myth of Rice vj. Cayetano with great interest. While I am not a kanaka maoli, I am a Hawaiian Kingdom citizen. Rice threatens the destruction of an indigenous nation organized as a culture while their conquerors were still drawing pictures in caves stolen from animals. " Ceded Lands" an article in the Hawai'i Bar Journal by Melody K. McKenzie, shines the light on the real issue. It has always been the inherent native tenant rights based upon the Māhele. The article points out the success of other indigenous nations in the international arena. The kanaka maoli only receive poliheal resolutions and promises. Most successful native peoples have various nations or tribes under the one banner but the kanaka maoli, who were united by the great Kamehameha, are split with many banners. The conquest was the second overthrow, for eaeh island had its own sovereign until Kamehameha I, with the able assistance of Western strategy, decided to go commercial. The de facto governments have divided the Hawaiian nation to a point where the kanaka maoli do not know what they are. What you are is your personal declaration of allegiance to your de jure flag if that nation exists and accepts you. Pilipo Souza Lāhui Pono Kaka'ako