The Hawaiian People & Niihau

[HereOnThePrimalEdge]

There's an interesting story over on HuffingtonPost Hawaii about Niihau.
It might offer a glimpse into one possibility for Hawaiian self governance (although Niihau is privately owned). I would be curious if any of the protestors on Mauna Kea would see this as a way forward for themselves and their families.

There's a lot of info about the lifestyle of residents in the article, but here a few things I found intriguing:

1) Everyone who lives on Niihau has been to the mainland.
2) They have iPads. And watch movies on them.
3) Residents are required to attend church on Sunday
4) Men cannot wear their hair long

"Niihau is yours,” Kamehameha IV said when he signed the contract, according to the New York Times. “But the day may come when Hawaiians are not as strong in Hawaii as they are now. When that day comes, please do what you can to help them.''

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/entry/inside-hawaiis-forbidden-island_559f57ece4b096729155e13a?utm_hp_ref=hawaii&ir=Hawaii&utm_hp_ref=hawaii

[kimo wires]

These Hawaiians on Niihau are living under strict rules.
It's not the self governance that modern Hawaiians would have.
I think it's a bit too strict. They should allow a little more freedom of will for the residents. Within reason of course.
It's one sided with total control by the owners.
If they don't like it they're free to leave.Not very democratic.
Still... they seem to be happy with the situation.

[eigoya]

Robinson is King. Plenty of examples of fiefdoms, many with happy, or obedient, serfs

[punaticbychoice]

Maybe that's what OHA wants too eigoya?

[beejee]

Good article, thanks for posting. I had never heard of Niihau.

[kimo wires]

Look at Cherokee.
Imagine if one land owner bought up all the land in North Carolina and told the Indians that they couldn't be exempt anymore. Had to cut their hair and not wear their Headdresses.
Had to live in shacks with generators. Had to work the land and be servants. But free rent.
Yeah right.