• More to sign than what it says • We appreciate your story on our book-signing More to sign than what it says In response to Michael Diamant’s letter about racial bias on Kauai, I have seen the sign on
• More to sign than what it says • We appreciate your story on our book-signing
More to sign than what it says
In response to Michael Diamant’s letter about racial bias on Kauai, I have seen the sign on the back of the trailer on Kuhio Highway, and I too took offense at the reference to haoles. After detailed conversations with the owner of the sign, I have come to understand the sign’s intent, and although I would never personally express myself as the author did, I understand a little more and want to share what I’ve learned.
The sign’s creator believes that haoles are “people who are not originally of the land,” and the term does not refer to any particular race of people. The references to haoles lying, killing and stealing refer to the people who came to Hawaii and lied to the kanakas (original residents), killed them and stole their land. These occurrences are historically accurate and are documented in both Hawaiian and American history.
The events are also tragic, opportunistic, disrespectful and even deserving of President Clinton’s apology in 1993.
The author of the sign does not believe that all haoles lie, kill and steal, and feels that his sign is a reminder to Kauai that a lot has been taken from Hawaiian people, in much the same way that Native Americans suffered losses and ultimately lost trust, land and lives.
The sign is meant to be an attention-getter, and in that sense, it is successful. I’m hoping I added something to everyone’s understanding of its breadth and intent.
Susan Storm, Kapaa
We appreciate your story on our book-signing
My husband, Karl, and I did not know what to expect. With that said, “The Filipinos of Koloa” on the front page of today’s issue of TGI (June 2 written by Alden Alayvilla) was a pleasant surprise.
Thank you very much.
The first email on the story came from a classmate who now lives on Hawaii Island. He visits kauaiworld.com every morning to keep connected with the island he loves and wishes is still “home.”
The second response to the article came soon after; proof that TGI is read here and yon.
Again, thank you very much for the generous coverage in today’s TGI.
Mahalo and aloha,
Karl and Catherine Lo, Koloa
