LIHU‘E — The Kapa‘a demonstration Oct. 15 in support of the global “Occupy” movement has inspired a second National Day event to be held at 11 a.m. Nov. 5 on the grounds of the Historic County Building in Lihu‘e. The
LIHU‘E — The Kapa‘a demonstration Oct. 15 in support of the global “Occupy” movement has inspired a second National Day event to be held at 11 a.m. Nov. 5 on the grounds of the Historic County Building in Lihu‘e.
The group is planning a rally and march as an opportunity for folks to exercise their free speech rights under the U.S. Constitution. The group is planning a sidewalk march before winding up back at the county building.
The Occupy Wall Street movement arose out of grievances about economic inequalities, corporate CEO pay levels and other class disparities. Kaua‘i participants have said they hope to spark an island wide conversation on local solutions to similar issues.
The group has dropped the “Occupy Kaua‘i” name after Native Hawaiians expressed concern about the history of the Hawaiian sovereignty. The group also met with the mayor’s office and the county attorney to smooth over the details.
Event planners said they have talked to homeless people and others who want to voice Native Hawaiian and environmental issues, socio-political and economic concerns.
Some of the chief concerns locally are with genetically modified organisms in food and the Kaua‘i Island Utilities Cooperative.
“We want to give everybody the opportunity to speak about whatever they want,” said Toni Liljengren. “That is the democratic way.”
For more information call Liljengren at 821-0135 or 647-0575.
