LIHU‘E — More than a hundred people gathered Wednesday afternoon at the Department of Motor Vehicles in the Lihu‘e Civic Center to advocate for Black Lives Matter.
“I don’t know why they chose the DMV,” said Michael Drake, monitoring traffic at the open-by-appointment-only office in the interest of health and safety for everyone. “We just got word this morning that something was going to happen.”
The Black Lives Matter were joined by advocates calling for justice in the death of George Floyd in Minneapolis when a police officer was caught on video pressing his knee to Floyd’s neck, last week.
Associated Press said Wednesday, Derek Chauvin must now defend himself against an accusation of second-degree murder. The three other officers at the scene were charged for the first time with aiding and abetting second-degree murder and second-degree manslaughter.
Chauvin was initially charged with third-degree murder and second-degree manslaughter. Those charges still stand.
All four were fired last week following the incident. If convicted, they could be sentenced to up to four decades in prison.
Wednesday’s peaceful demonstration included a walk to Rice Street where the group was met by auto horns from motorists heading home from work.
The group turned off Umi Street, and following a walk back to the Lihu‘e Civic Center, stopped for a photo with the Kaua‘i Police Department officers who were on duty at the lawn of the historic County Building.
“This touches me,” said KPD Captain Rod Green from behind the sea of sign-wavers along Kuhio Highway attracting more horns. “I look at them, and it touches me, personally.”
Tiffany Sagucio, the reigning Miss Kaua‘i Filipina 2019, will be joined by some of her friends when she hosts a Black Lives Matter peaceful gathering, Saturday in front of the historic County Building, starting at 11 a.m.
“This is my first time having such a passion and spark for a social issue,” Sagucio said. “This is super important to me a there have been so many inhumane cases on the mainland involving the police and people of color. Although there are not many black people here in Hawai‘i, I would just like to share that we are still a melting pot of cultures that continue to listen, and care for one another.”
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Dennis Fujimoto, staff writer and photographer, can be reached at 245-0453 or dfujimoto@thegardenisland.com.
All lives matter.
Stop the identity politics.
Protest unequal treatment under the law.
Still missing the point!
Agree Stephen! 100% missing.
“Protest unequal treatment under the law.”
That’s exactly what blm is doing. Show me where they’ve advocated for preferential treatment under the law?
so much progressive white guilt it gave me car insurance
that sounds like you’re benefiting from socialism
I just want to take a moment to sincerely apologize for being caucasian. I now know the incredible pain I have caused and I wish I could take it back.
Major Lee,
Like your nickname.
Give me a break!
Looks like everyone is really practicing social distancing.
So I guess Black Lives Matter supporters are immune to the Coronavirus?
Sometimes you have to take risks to stand against tyranny and to stand up for the rights of all people to live.
To all the people who are saying, ” All Lives Matter”, yes of course all lives matter.
But if someone is drowning in the ocean, will you try to save the people swimming around the person who needs to be saved first because, “all lives matter” or will you try help the one who is actually drowning? Please continue to educate yourself, don’t just get stuck in your own narrative.
Nine unarmed blacks were killed by cops last year. Nineteen unarmed whites were killed by cops last year. 48 cops were shot dead while on duty last year. Also, if black lives matter more than other lives, why were there no demonstrations for the four black police officers who were killed last week?
*Citation needed
…which is something you never demand from liberal commenters.
Obviously with brilliant medical thinking it IS better to save every swimmer and surfer on the island, than it is to waste time on the few who do not know how to swim or are too elderly, and are suffering Multiple end of life diseases while taking multiple end of life toxic prescription drugs for those diseases.
Makes perfect medical sense. After all saving All lives matterS So that later the automatic food caused end of life diseases can be treated and sold end of life toxic lethal prescription drugs. It makes $4 Trillion dollars a year perfect financial sense. And looks like it will put an end to silly social distancing and this maskFull faceless society. You Will OBEY!
Mahalo to “Kaua’i Resident”
I say the next protest should be in Rob’s parking lot… “DRUNK Lives Matter”!!