07-03-2015, 07:13 PM
quote:Mahalo, Chunkster, for the reasoned response (as always). (BBM) Truer words were never spoken. OHA and DHHL need to be dissolved, and/or put into receivership. Both are miserable failures since their inception. Many of us have fought for changes in both organizations for decades. It's beyond sickening.
Originally posted by Chunkster
Opihikao, I understand how you have to walk a tightrope with family on both sides and respect that you seek balance. What I don't understand is why the protesters are picking the TMT as their focus when we all know that there are much worse entities out there materially harming Hawaiians. Those entities are OHA and DHHL. When people die of old age on the waiting list for land allotments and insider contractors get work at two to three times the going rate even for unionized Hawaii, it really becomes absurd to try to block a project that will inject money, skills, and knowledge into the Hawaiian and Island communities. Until OHA and DHHL are reformed or replaced, things will not get better for Hawaiians. For the sake of argument, let's suppose (God forbid) that the protesters get their way, and the TMT goes elsewhere. The result would be the drying up of what little outside investment this island could ever expect to get. Nobody wants to invest in a place where a tiny group of radicals can undo a seven year process of permits, hearings, and court challenges by breaking the law with impunity.
As for the goal of sovereignty, this whole fiasco has set that cause back immeasurably. Due to the failure of responsible, level-headed Hawaiian leaders to oppose the protesters, these radicals are now perceived as the leaders of the Hawaiian national movement. I know it is a cultural thing for Hawaiians NOT to be confrontational with one another in front of an audience. I totally get that. This is an instance, however, where that deeply held value is extremely counterproductive. The arena in which sovereignty will be decided is the arena of a Western republic where open debate will heavily influence the outcome. This might be the time to engage in some open criticism and damage control over the elements who seem to have no respect for that repulic or its laws. Sadly, if you allow yourselves to be defined by your most radical and inflexible faction, the support of the non-Hawaiian majority of this state for some form of Hawaiian nation will eventually be lost. I don't see it happening or succeeding without such support.
And finally, I don't think it is racist or biased to raise these issues. I ask my friends tough questions on a regular basis to try to help them out. I sincerely hope you see this in that light.
As to the TMT, not since the Kaho'olawe issue, has there been a platform for the Hawaiian people to rise and speak for the wrong that has been done. It may not be "right", however, so many promises have been made (not all kept to date) with regard to Mauna Kea (Ige stated the same), it lends for more substance to the argument. This is on "conservation land" (western term), which are considered "Crown Lands" (Kingdom/Nation term). Therein lies the rub.
Yes, TMT has made bigger promises that the other leases, and the UH/DLNR has worked for seven (7) years on this. The voice of the opposition was not taken into consideration at that time, up until today. The protestors are not just up there on a whim; well, most of them. This has been an argument since the first meeting seven years ago, which resulted in "cultural consultants" being dismissed quickly, as to opinion.
TMT was warned about the potential backlash/protest. The entity did everything they could to provide "more" than the $1.00 (yes, one (1) measly US dollar) per year lease rent. Good. However, there are still machinations going on with both sides. No question in my mind.
I sincerely believe this is a process of finding compromise. The onus is upon those who choose to make a difference in teaching our keiki, or learning from them, instead of chastising each other. We are not heathens; none of us. We are all human beings. Aloha kekahi I kehaki, as best we can, through this difficult time.
(Second BBM) As to the sovereignty argument, the "Western republic" will never, ever, ever, rule in favor of the Hawaiian movement. Never. "They" are the "occupier", "they" are the ones who overthrew our Kingdom, and Clinton's apology means squat. We (Hawaiians) need to just deal with it, and move forward. Reparation is due, absolutely.
TMT cannot provide "reparation", nor should they (not their fight), and has permits to proceed. If the Supreme Court rules otherwise (which is quite possible; reference US Federal law. "106" will be presented as case history with regard to funding of TMT; oral arguments set for August) it could be a problem for all of us. TMT will appeal, sue the State, etc., etc., etc. Hot freaking mess.
Finally, mahalo again, Chunkster, I do take your post in that light, and appreciate the discussion. It is a breath of fresh air, given the continued snark on this thread (and other threads) here lately. Civil discussion is usually productive, while "snark" is always destructive. Sincere thanks.
Going to catch up on the politics section on PW and see if there's any new Mayoral candidates...Hell, I hope we get a another Governor, too. [xx(]
Have a good evening.
JMO.