Native Hawaiian Self-Governance: Dexter Kaiama holds his own on a PBS program about Hawaiian Sovereignty

Dexter Kaiama was the only pro – independence guest on a panel of 4, but it was a good show, in that the contradictions and hypocrisy in the pro-occupation/ pro-federal and state recognition position were well articulated.  In a way it was fascinating to watch because to hear these pro-fed-rec and pro-state-rec people talk about securing federal or state funding for Hawaiian programs was like witnessing how a lie can echo and echo for generations until it becomes as normalized as the dependency it stems from.  Their position is intended to pander to the fears of Hawaiians, weaken them as individuals and as a people, not inspire them to stand up for themselves.

The most interesting, though, was former Governor John Waihee, who acknowledged the illegal occupation of Hawaii several times, which begs the question: if one is aware of the wrong, illegal, ongoing occupation, why continue to agree to it? Why promote the ongoing cover up? Why wish someone like Kaiama well, but do nothing to help him even though his cause is pono?  That’s like saying “Hey Hawaiians, yes, we know what the right thing is to do, but we, the privileged, elite, educated Hawaiian leaders and legal experts don’t believe you/we as a people are worth fighting for.”

I found it sadly ironic that Waihee and the other pro-state and federal Hawaiians, all of whom have made their careers working for the state and federal governments, want Hawaiians to vote on the creation of a Native Hawaiian governing entity.  But just like when the government they represent perpetrated the fraudulent statehood vote, the option for independence is not included in what Hawaiians will be invited to vote for.

Anywayz… it’s worth watching to see how well Dexter holds his position and how clear that position is.  He does it with the skill of a really good dentist.

Of course, now that I say that, in a way the whole show felt like going to the dentist: the horrible history and lost generations of Hawaiians who have been cheated out of their rights to land, liberty and sovereignty are discussed in such unemotional, ho-hum tones that it was like someone gave me a shot of novocaine.

I look forward to the day when Hawaiians stop talking about asserting rights to self-determination and de-occupation as if doing so is no big deal and politics is no big deal and you gotta do is read this book and see that film and whamo! Your liberation is at hand. Becaues IT IS A BIG DEAL to discuss and plan and hope for the day when the illegal occupation is no more.  Perhaps we can give ourselves permission to treat it as such. It takes courage to stand up for the right thing.  The correct emotional energy to go with that courage can only serve to ENcourage the Lahui.   Check it out: Dexter Kaiama on PBS