How true the saying is: History repeats itself. Have you noticed how many recent political and media events duplicate the 1893 overthrow of the Hawaiian monarchy and government? How a handful of people seize control of the reins of government,
How true the saying is: History repeats itself. Have you noticed how many
recent political and media events duplicate the 1893 overthrow of the Hawaiian
monarchy and government? How a handful of people seize control of the reins of
government, put in their own people and pretend to be heroes? How certain
newspaper editors and politicians indulge in character assassination of true
Kanaka maoli leaders and cause them to suffer? How honest, dedicated Kanaka
maoli have no place in politics? How, behind the scenes, big money interests
dictate and control the takeover of Kanaka maoli lands and usurps political
power?
Twenty years ago, I used to believe our state government was sincere
in its efforts to bring about justice for Kanaka maoli. Through participation,
reading and years of careful observance, I learned how naive and wrong I was.
I know now that politicians will look you in the eye and lie through their
teeth year after year. They will string you along until you give up, move away
or die. They will sell your lands and prostitute your culture while showcasing
Hawai’i for foreign investment. And, while more and more Kanaka maoli are
driven into lives of desperation, they will send huge numbers of Hawai’i
inmates to prisons thousands of miles away from home and families.
I know
what drives Haunani-Kay and Mililani Trask: Truth, justice, love, honor, and
righteous anger. If you value any of these qualities you will vote for Trask
for any leadership role. With all your heart and soul, stand for truth, honor
your ancestors, dump the false Hawaiians, ignore propaganda and
vote.
MARISA M. PLEMER
Hale’iwa, Hawai’i
