Understanding Kau Inoa

[Mitzi M]

Wow, rasman, that was a really great response.
I am only beginning to get an understanding of these issues here in Hawai'i, but I do have some experience with native rights and culture on the mainland. Clearly they are different in many ways.

What strikes me first is the fact that things changed drastically for most "mainland" tribes longer ago. Here in Hawai'i it has been entirely within the last 200 years. As has happened with so many other peoples, it seemed that the Hawaiian's language and culture might fade away forever until the cultural renaissance in the 1970's. Personally, I feel empowered and happy that this culture is surviving. I also feel honored that Hawaiians share their customs, language and art with people from elsewhere, like myself.