Honolulu August 25, 2008
It might not be a good idea to pursue activists
Gov. Linda Lingle announced that the Hawaiian activists arrested at Iolani Palace on Statehood Day should be "prosecuted to the full extent of the law." Interestingly enough, Ah Quon McElrath earlier in the week called for "sensitivity" about statehood in view of Hawaiians who didn't fare as well as others because of statehood. McElrath serves on the Governor's 50th Anniversary of Statehood Commission.
While the state contemplates coming down on the 23 Hawaiian activists, it might be wise to step back. In the absence of reconciliation many Hawaiians are busy building governmental restoration of their stolen nation. Some are like that of the group arrested, others like Kau Inoa (state supported through OHA). It is not inconceivable that soon the Hawaiian government will reclaim Iolani Palace -- yet thankfully, not the way it was taken with U.S. guns and troops in 1893 when international and U.S. domestic law clearly forbade it.
U.S. Apology Law 103-150 is an admission of international crimes against Hawaii where investigation and reparations have yet to be made. Statehood celebrations have been tried at Iolani Palace in the past two years and failed because of Hawaiians' just indignation.
Michael Daly
Moiliili
Anti Statehood Hui