Insights on PBS Hawaii: Achieving Hawaiian Sovereignty

Overview

• Host: Daryl Huff from Hawaii News Now
• Panelists:
  • Peter Apo: Trustee with the Office of Hawaiian Affairs (OHA)
  • Lily Kala Kamaelehewa: Director of the Kamakakua Kalani Center for Hawaiian Studies
  • Kalei Kaua Ka'eo: Associate Professor of Hawaiian Studies, sovereignty activist
  • Bumpe Kanahele: Head of state for the Nation of Hawaii
• Focus: Discussion on what it would take to achieve Hawaiian sovereignty and the different interpretations and pathways toward this goal.

Key Definitions

• Sovereignty: Political control over land and resources.
• National Sovereignty: Control over national lands and identity.
• Independence vs. Sovereignty:
  • Sovereignty doesn't necessarily mean independence.
  • Federal recognition could lead to a "nation within a nation" model similar to Native American tribes.
  • Independence involves full control and recognition of a sovereign state.

Historical Context

• Illegal Annexation: Ongoing debate on whether the Hawaiian Kingdom was ever legally annexed by the U.S.
• Historical Sovereignty: The Hawaiian Kingdom was a recognized nation state as of 1843.

Federal Recognition vs. Independence

• Federal Recognition:
  • Seen by some as a pathway to control resources and land more immediately.
  • Provides a chance to practice self-governance before aiming for full independence.
  • Concerns about assimilation and loss of national identity.
• Independence Movement:
  • Focuses on historical national sovereignty and the illegal nature of annexation.
  • Desires full control over lands and resources without U.S. federal oversight.

Ongoing Issues and Debates

• Land and Resources: Immediate needs for housing and land for Native Hawaiians.
• Education and Self-Government: Desire for Hawaiian-run education systems and government.
• Lawsuits and Legal Protections: Concerns over legal challenges without federal recognition.

Community and Legal Processes

• Native Hawaiian Roll: Used to register Hawaiians to vote on sovereignty issues, criticized for low participation.
• Constitutional Convention (ConCon): Proposed as a means to decide on the form of governance.

Public Opinion and Involvement

• Inclusion of Non-Natives:
  • Non-Natives could have honorary citizenship but not voting rights.
  • Concerns about how the sovereignty model will affect non-Hawaiians.
• Community Support: Recognition that non-Hawaiians' support is crucial for any form of sovereignty.

Current Activism

• Protests:
  • Mauna Kea and Haleakala telescope projects as focal points for sovereignty activism.
  • Young Hawaiians engaging in "kapu aloha" protests to protect sacred lands.

Conclusion

• The path to Hawaiian sovereignty involves navigating historical injustices, current legal frameworks, and diverse community opinions.
• Education, land control, and political representation remain central goals.
• Future conversations will continue to explore both federal recognition and full independence as viable pathways.