Posts
 |
| Renowned author Michael Herr is back guest-blogging on this awesome Aloha Friday talking about the definition of what it is to be Hawai'iaan? Make sure and check out Michael's website at; http://www.michaelherr.com/ |
ALOHA FRIDAY-"No Work 'Til Monday"
Who is Hawaiian ?
Aloha folks.
Who can call themselves Hawaiian? A much-discussed, much-debated question.
According to the Federal Government, and the Office of Hawaiian Affairs, a Native Hawaiian (Kanaka Maoli) is anyone with at least one-half blood quantum . . . fifty percent Hawaiian blood. But native Hawaiian (note the small 'n') is anyone with any amount of Hawaiian blood. However, it's getting harder and harder to find Native Hawaiians (look up And Then There Were None on Amazon.com and get either/both the great book and the wonderful DVD). Now, how did the Feds and OHA arrive at that specific blood quantum? By fiat, imposed by the Federal Government over the objections of Prince Jonah Kuhio Kalaniana'ole when he could not get the Federal Government to agree to a lower percentage (one thirty-second was what he originally wanted). The higher percentage was passed because it was hoped/thought by those in Congress at the time that in this way the Hawaiian race would fade from view.
The dispute over blood quantum goes on to this day. Many opponents hold that there should be no blood quantum at all. That insistence on the use of blood quantum to define Native Hawaiians reduces Hawaiians to a racial minority. For further background, look into the "one-drop rule" for blacks and also check out the various blood quantum numbers for different Native American tribes.
I prefer Israel Kamakawiwo'ole's definition (given as a preface to a song he sang one night). I paraphrase - - - "A Hawaiian is anyone who holds Hawaii within their heart". According to Iz, I am Hawaiian. And I must say that I generally feel Hawaiian. Does this mean that tourists are Hawaiians? Not necessarily, but it does mean that they could be Hawaiians. It also means that when someone moves from Hawaii to some state (such as Nevada) they don't have to forsake their Hawaiian identity.
Forget the question of who can call themselves Hawaiian. Let's return to the topic question, Who is Hawaiian? My answer, like Iz's, is that besides those born in Hawaii, besides those who move to Hawaii to live and work and play, besides those whose parents were Hawaiian but who moved far away . . . in addition to all those I believe that a Hawaiian is anyone who loves the islands, who longs for the islands, and who carries within them at all times the spirit of Aloha. The spirit of love, charity, caring, sympathy, compassion, grace and mercy. If these are within you, if you show these and act on these, and if you love the islands, then you are Hawaiian.
So, are you Hawaiian?
Okay folks, see you next week.
Hana Hou, (Encore) Shared from Facebook...
check out Michael's website at http://www.michaelherr.com/
The opinions, beliefs and viewpoints expressed by the various authors and forum participants on this blog site do not necessarily reflect the opinions, beliefs and viewpoints of the Publisher of Dakinetalk the blog, but they could? ;D)
