12-18-2007, 10:29 AM
I'm happy to hear people talking about this and taking into consideration all "sides" and possible causes. I think what Rob said about the increase in population is definitely a huge factor. The population increase in Puna in the last 5-10 years must be significant, although I don't know the stats.
I know several native Hawaiians who have moved to other islands such as Tahiti. The changes in Puna were too much for them, so they've gone to places that are like Puna used to be. Essentially, what that means is that all of the people from the mainland seeking a better life in what they frequently refer to as "paradise" have in essence and I'm sure unintentionally driven the natives from their home. It isn't that the natives didn't get along with many of the haoles and others from the mainland, many of their friends are haoles/mainlanders. However, they want to live as they did for years and how their families lived for generations. Living off the land, fishing and growing their food. Surfing without a crowd of people. There are so many people in the water now that it can be really dangerous.
Someone mentioned poverty as one of the causes. It bothers me that many newcomers assume that most natives are impoverished. Many of the natives who are unhappy with the changes are quite well off. Just because they live simply don't assume that they don't have a pile of cash in the bank. We have many friends who are multi-millionaires and who look like they don't have two nickels to rub together. You just never know. The assumption that you are better off than the natives reminds me of some negative mainland attitudes one of which is that if you are white, or fit a certain stereotype, you are superior. Not saying that people on this forum believe this necessarily, but there are many mainlanders who do.
The attacks on women that were mentioned are despicable. Angela, what happened to you is disgusting and there is no excuse whatsoever for a group of men to terrorize someone as they did you. I'm very sorry that happened to you. I don't know if these men were natives, or Hawaiian, but in general Hawaiian men treat women with respect and are protective of women.
Many mainlanders who have moved here will move away and many more will come. It's futile to think that things will go back to how they were. As in many places, things have changed for the worse and there is nothing to be done for it. It's a sad reality that we can accept and make the best of, or not. We are all here now, like it, or not. Many newcomers have great attitudes and have much respect for the aina and those who were here before them. They will do well here. They were probably liked where they came from and will be liked wherever they go.
Shane, my understanding is that the guys who live in the bushes at Pohoiki are all trip-wire vets (Vietnam era). These guys are all haoles. The natives have taken care of them for many years. They share their food and help the vets how they can. These vets are in bad shape emotionally/mentally. So, I doubt very much if it has anything to do with you being a haole.
Damon, as for what can be done about the haole versus local thing... I think that having a respectful attitude and not coming here wanting to change things helps. Don't impose your will on others. Try to understand and be sensitive to natives' issues. Just keep smiling and being friendly. My mother used to say when she came across someone with a sour attitude that she would "kill them with kindness". Sure enough, she just aboout always managed to turn them around and make a new friend. So, my best advice is just that. "kill them with kindness". : )
I know several native Hawaiians who have moved to other islands such as Tahiti. The changes in Puna were too much for them, so they've gone to places that are like Puna used to be. Essentially, what that means is that all of the people from the mainland seeking a better life in what they frequently refer to as "paradise" have in essence and I'm sure unintentionally driven the natives from their home. It isn't that the natives didn't get along with many of the haoles and others from the mainland, many of their friends are haoles/mainlanders. However, they want to live as they did for years and how their families lived for generations. Living off the land, fishing and growing their food. Surfing without a crowd of people. There are so many people in the water now that it can be really dangerous.
Someone mentioned poverty as one of the causes. It bothers me that many newcomers assume that most natives are impoverished. Many of the natives who are unhappy with the changes are quite well off. Just because they live simply don't assume that they don't have a pile of cash in the bank. We have many friends who are multi-millionaires and who look like they don't have two nickels to rub together. You just never know. The assumption that you are better off than the natives reminds me of some negative mainland attitudes one of which is that if you are white, or fit a certain stereotype, you are superior. Not saying that people on this forum believe this necessarily, but there are many mainlanders who do.
The attacks on women that were mentioned are despicable. Angela, what happened to you is disgusting and there is no excuse whatsoever for a group of men to terrorize someone as they did you. I'm very sorry that happened to you. I don't know if these men were natives, or Hawaiian, but in general Hawaiian men treat women with respect and are protective of women.
Many mainlanders who have moved here will move away and many more will come. It's futile to think that things will go back to how they were. As in many places, things have changed for the worse and there is nothing to be done for it. It's a sad reality that we can accept and make the best of, or not. We are all here now, like it, or not. Many newcomers have great attitudes and have much respect for the aina and those who were here before them. They will do well here. They were probably liked where they came from and will be liked wherever they go.
Shane, my understanding is that the guys who live in the bushes at Pohoiki are all trip-wire vets (Vietnam era). These guys are all haoles. The natives have taken care of them for many years. They share their food and help the vets how they can. These vets are in bad shape emotionally/mentally. So, I doubt very much if it has anything to do with you being a haole.
Damon, as for what can be done about the haole versus local thing... I think that having a respectful attitude and not coming here wanting to change things helps. Don't impose your will on others. Try to understand and be sensitive to natives' issues. Just keep smiling and being friendly. My mother used to say when she came across someone with a sour attitude that she would "kill them with kindness". Sure enough, she just aboout always managed to turn them around and make a new friend. So, my best advice is just that. "kill them with kindness". : )