For my family and friends ™

Free Language Courses

2007-09-10T20:45:46Z

I've posted this before but just in case I'm re-posting it.

There are free FSI language material online for the following languages:

Amharic
Arabic
Bulgarian
Cambodian
Cantonese
Chinese
Chinyanja
Finnish
French
German
Greek
Hindi
Hebrew
Hungarian
Korean
Lao
Portuguese
Romanian
Russian
Spanish
Swahili
Swedish
Thai
Turkish
Twi
Vietnamese
Yoruba

at http://fsi-language-courses.com

I'm presently studying Hawaiian and Spanish with Japanese and French next and Portuguese, Cantonese, and Greek following soon after.

While I have alot of material which I've purchased in the past... the material above is free.

For FREE Hawaiian language lessons here is the link again courtesy of the Kamehameha Schools and is free to all interested in learning the Hawaiian language:

http://ksdl.ksbe.edu/kulaiwi/

There are 30 of them. Each about one hour long.

ANYWAY like I told Kalani,

"Gee I wish someone would nag me like how I nag you sometimes haha"

Wow... just WOW: Kainani Kahaunaele

2007-09-02T18:56:48Z

Earlier today I watched Spanish television and listened to Spanish videos. (That's in addition to the other languages I've learned and/or continue to learn.)

While cleaning my huge ass house... I am listening to Kainani Kahaunaele's CD "Na'u 'Oe". It's one of my favorites.
I also listen to the Brothers Cazimero, Kealii Reichel, etc.

I left my copy of Weldon Kekauoha's "Ke Lehua 'Ula" in my SUV that I keep at my place near Washington DC. I love listening to it in my car so much! I forgot to take it out of my car there. Oh well. To make a long story short... my mother knew him as a little boy. I'm so happy for him that he is sharing his music with others. I love this particular CD but then I like GOOD Hawaiian music :P

Speaking of which... my latest find is Steven Espaniola's CD "Ho'omaka":

I am really loving his music too! So talented! So much so that if I am surfing the Net... I listen to his music on his Myspace page:

http://www.myspace.com/stevenespaniola

I can't help it. I love his music too.

This month I am changing my playlist on my Creative Zen but I don't delete Hawaiian music that I've uploaded. I have the Brothers Cazimero, Dennis Pavao, Gabby Pahinui, etc mixed in with English and with Spanish songs. Life is good LOL....

I'm also listening to Hawaiian music that is streamlined through Hawaiian Kine Radio though they play English songs too.

I've gotten so much work done today plus pau gathering my donations for Goodwill and changing the A/C filter. This month I would like to re-add yoga. Declutter more. Stay on top of the paper tiger.

Anyway I'll be working out later tonight. While listening to Hawaiian music. In the mean time I am cleaning my house as well as cleaning my Friends List. This is not an inclusive list of what I have to do. I have so much work to do. Like plan for the twins. Like Hale Oiwi Attorneys on "my" property on the Eastside of Seattle.

Taro GMO Moratorium Bill SB958

2007-03-28T07:06:21Z

Preface: I have one problem with this announcement which should not take away from the content but I don't like how they use the word "mainland." My mainland is Hawai'i. It is NOT the continental U.S. Anyway here is an important announcement nonetheless:

Reposted from Kealaula:

FYI

Aloha all.

Update - Representative Clift Tsuji has said he will not hear the bill in the House Ag. Committee. Call his office and the office of the House Speaker, Calvin Say and insist SB958 be heard!

Rep. Clift Tsuji 586-8480; fax 586-8484; reptsuji@Capitol.hawaii.gov

Rep. Calvin Say 586-6100; fax 586-6101; repsay@Capitol.hawaii.gov

The attached briefing document was sent to the Ag Committee and Calvin Say today - Mahalo to the many who contributed. Feel free to use this to help others understand the issue.

Also, please kokua and forward this email to all the poi eaters you know - including those on the mainland.

If you can not be at the Capitol on Friday - lend your voice to call or email the Honolulu Poi Company (Taro Brand products) and other poi companies. The Tottori family, who owns the Honolulu Poi Company, supports GMO research and is lobbying Representatives and Senators to kill the GMO Taro Moratorium bill (SB958). HPC is the biggest poi miller in the state and controls the market and the farm-gate price of taro. But, HPC is supplied by many taro farmers, especially from Kauai who do not support GMO taro research. Farmers get $45 per 80-100lb bag (about $0.50/lb) - you pay almost $7/lb at the store! For some farmers, this is their only outlet because there are so few mills. Famers can't afford to boycott the mill - but you can!

HPC Foods, Ltd. Corporate Office: Customer Service:
288 Libby Street Phone: (808) 848-2431 Phone: (808) 841-8705
Honolulu, Hawaii 96819 Fax: (808) 845-5155 Toll Free: (877) 370-0919

Toll Free: (877) 370-0919 Fax: (808) 842-1084
Email: email@hpcfoods.com

Also:

Haleiwa Poi (north shore, Aahu)
Alton Endow 99-1093 Iwaena Suite D, Aiea 96701; Mail: P O BOX 2157, Aiea, Hawaii 96701 Tel: (808) 486-5757

Aloha Poi (Maui)
Lester Nakama 800 Lower Main St, Wailuku 96793 (808) 244-3536/Fax 244-1914

Hanalei Poi (Kauai)
Michael "Bino" Fitzgerald P.O. Box 824, Hanalei 967 ; Tel: (808) 826-4764 Email: poiboys@hawaiian.net

Call or email and let them them know you will not purchase their products if they support or engage in research, field trials or the use and production of GMO taro. Tell them, put it writing (testimony) that they do not support GMO taro research or production and that they support the Taro GMO Moratorium Bill SB958 and want it to be heard to Representative Tsuji, chair of the House Agriculture Committee and Calvin Say, Speaker of the House; and publish it in the newspaper for all of us to see!

Mahalo nui loa to everyone for your kokua on this important bill!

Penny

Cross-posted to oiwi

Pictures of Hawaiian food: Ono Kine Grindz

2007-03-28T06:29:27Z

First here is a picture of poi (again:)

Scraped opelu with a little water and salt:

From top right, clockwise: Raw crab, poke, and opihi:

All of them together:

Update

2007-03-19T15:31:16Z

I sent this short message to the editor:

Subject: The Honolulu Advertiser and Thurston Twigg-Smith are at it again

"Once again the Honolulu Advertiser allows Thurston Twigg-Smith to single out and target Hawaiians based on our national origin.

Since Twigg-Smith has a tendency to lie about us Hawaiians, 'Iolani Palace does not "belong" to the people of the State of Hawai'i. Instead it "belongs" to the people of the Nation of Hawai'i.

Sadly, the Honolulu Advertiser allows him to lie about Hawaiians and prints his racism against Hawaiians for all to read. If he singled out and targeted Jewish people based on their national origin like he singles out and targets Hawaiians based on our national origin, this would NOT be tolerated!

Unfortunately the Honolulu Advertiser still allows him to post his racism against us. This should NOT be tolerated. In the future I hope this ceases and that the Honolulu Advertiser does not allow him and others like him to single out and target us based on our national origin.

Thanks in advance."

I know that selfish people do not understand me. They never will because they are so focused on themselves... but I worry about the effect these words have on Hawaiian children. They are the legal heirs to the Nation of Hawai'i.

I think one of our olelo noeau succinctly explains it:

Aia ke ola i ka waha, aia ka make i ka waha.

"Life is in the mouth, death is in the mouth."

Or words are very powerful. They can either create... or destroy and I do not tolerate destroying Hawaiian children which is exactly what they are doing.

Again... selfish people do not understand me. They never will. Only self-less, compassionate people do so I fully expect those who are focused on themselves to only think... about themselves.

Anyway I'm off to WMOA then workout later tonight.

Thurston Twigg-Smith is at it again

2007-03-19T15:17:31Z

Hawaiians continue to be disrespected by former owner of the Honolulu Advertiser. In his latest piece the editor allows him to single out and target Hawaiians based on our race. If he targeted Jewish people the way he does this would NOT be tolerated. Anyway here it is:

ISLANDS' HISTORY

'IOLANI PALACE BELONGS TO ALL OF US IN HAWAI'I

'Iolani Palace belongs to all of us, Dave Shapiro to the contrary (Volcanic Ash, March 14).

It is a key part of the history of Hawai'i. That's why I strongly support taxpayers' money being used to keep it in good shape for the world to admire.

I don't support the Akaka bill, but I do make annual contributions to the palace as do people of many racial backgrounds. As a vital historic site it is a symbol of every step in our governmental history.

Racial division should have no part in how it's used. It played a central role in the days of the monarchy, then the overthrow, the republic, annexation and statehood. It's the only structure that ties our multi-racial history together. No part of the community was excluded from the palace in any of those time periods.

'Iolani Palace, Hawai'i's museum — a perfect place for marking Hawai'i's history.

Thurston Twigg-Smith
Honolulu

From http://www.honoluluadvertiser.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070319/OPINION02/703190313/1104

The truth is that the palace "belongs" to the people of the "Nation of Hawai'i" which is not the same as the "State of Hawai'i."

See... it doesn't take more than two sentences to mention the truth yet what does he do?

He lies about Hawaiians who are Hawaiian by ethnicity and/or by nationality as citizens of the Nation of Hawaii

which is a sign of racism.

Anyway this should not be tolerated. Sadly the Honolulu Advertiser allows him and a few others to single out and target Hawaiians based on our national origin. Again... this would NOT be tolerated if they wrote about Jewish people based on their national origin like how they write about us. In fact his ass would be GRASS! I tell that to the editors too yet what do they do? Censor me! Sadly since we are Hawaiian they allow him and a few others to write their racism against Hawaiians for all to read and do not do a damn thing about it!

More (reposted)

2007-03-14T01:52:33Z

More on John Papa 'I'i's book "Fragments of Hawaiian History"... reposted from elsewhere:

"I purchased that book from someone from Ebay. You can get it used via Amazon.com for what... $45?

http://www.amazon.com/Fragments-Hawaiian-history-John-Papa/dp/B0006AVU3U/ref=sr_1_7/104-3781010-4103968?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1173822352&sr=8-7

Or for $19.95 plus S/H from Native Books Hawai'i:

http://www.nativebookshawaii.com/shop/product_info.php?products_id=848

IMO Native Books Hawai'i has a good selection:

http://www.nativebookshawaii.com

Here are more from Bishop Museum Press:

http://www.bishopmuseum.org/cgi-bin/webc.cgi/store/st_main.html?catid=37&sid=A-3EV01e

And from Aha Punana Leo:

http://www.ahapunanaleo.org/assets/puke_oka_hou_05.pdf"

Hawaiian history and Hawaiian culture

2007-03-13T20:23:33Z

I am reposting this since some people are interested in this kinda stuff but while I am no expert in Hawaiian history I am an expert in raising awareness of the plight of Hawaiians and our culture... and am an expert in raising the level of people's compassion for Hawaiians.

Anyway someone asked this:

"What books would be a good start in reading about Hawaiian culture. I have heard that John Papa I'i would be a good start."

Here is my response. Keep in mind I am no expert in Hawaiian history. However I AM an expert in raising people's compassion for Hawaiians:

"I think that a variety of books should be read for a better picture of the big picture. Does that make sense? LOL

I would read about Hawaiian history, Hawaiian language, Hawaiian culture, etc.

For Hawaiian history:

A really good one for Hawaiian history is "Shoal of Time" by Gavan Daws:

http://www.amazon.com/Shoal-Time-History-Hawaiian-Islands/dp/0824803248

While it's from the perspective of a Western person with Western thoughts... I think it helps those who are Western people with Western thoughts get a small glimpse of Hawaiian culture.

And this one too:

"Dismembering Lahui" by Jon Osorio PhD

http://www.amazon.com/Dismembering-Lahui-History-Hawaiian-Nation/dp/0824825497/ref=sr_1_2/104-3781010-4103968?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1173808776&sr=1-2

Which is written with the perspective of a Hawaiian (Osorio)

Then maybe a book about the culture like:

"Na Kua'aina: Living Hawaiian Culture" by Davianna Pomaika'i Mcgregor

http://www.amazon.com/Na-Kuaaina-Living-Hawaiian-Culture/dp/0824829468/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1/104-3781010-4103968?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1173808892&sr=1-1

Perhaps add Hawaiian language too:

"Learn Hawaiian at Home" by Kahikahealani Wight

http://www.amazon.com/Learn-Hawaiian-Home-Kahikahealani-Wight/dp/1573062456/ref=pd_bbs_3/104-3781010-4103968?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1173808957&sr=1-3

or these Hawaiian language lessons courtesy of the Kamehameha Schools and is free to everyone:

http://ksdl.ksbe.edu/kulaiwi/

Keeping in mind that our history is an orally based one. Much of our history, traditions, etc are not written about.

For example, our food. I have not read one book that describes our food like ake, aku palu, poi etc so I would keep that in mind. That our culture is an orally based one which has adapted the written way courtesy of missionaries and that what has been written about us should not be considered inclusive of everything about our culture, history, language, traditions, etc. because not everything about us is written. If I had to quantify it I would say that about 70% about us has not been written. An example is a book about Hawaiian food. (There is no book that details ake, aku palu, poi, etc.)"

More pictures: Hilo

2007-03-13T19:50:58Z

Preface: My apologies for not LJ-cutting this but some people have told me they missed my pictures and asked me not to LJ-cut it so that they don't miss my pictures. Sorry to those who are annoyed.

Hilo will always have a special place in my heart since I spent my summers in Hilo and in Keaukaha courtesy of my Hilo Grandma. If it wasn't for her and for Keaukaha I know that I would be Haole and not eat Hawaiian food. It's also where I skinned my knee on the asphalt on her property in Hilo so I have a scar on my right knee that always reminds me of Hilo *LOL* Of course whenever I go "Home" I go to Hilo too... even if it's for one day. When I went home late last month I only spent the night.

First here is a map of Hawai'i the island so that people who don't know can have an idea about the island:

Here are more pics of Hilo:

This is a picture of the Hilo airport which really upsets me because in 1978 they harassed Hawaiians and even arrested some while they were fighting for their rights as property owners so whenever I go to Hilo a part of me is pissed off too because the airport sits on DHHL. Then they illegally built the airport without the consent of the Hawaiians who hold title to the land but I don't want to get into it here in my blog:

Since some people don't know about it here is a picture:

An excerpt:

"On Sept. 4, 1978, 60 people, including 51 native Hawaiians and nine news reporters and cameramen, were arrested during a protest which briefly shut down Hilo Airport."

Seen at http://starbulletin.com/2000/03/02/news/story1.html

To be fair they were fricken fighting for their rights... yet were their rights respected? Sadly... nope so when I go to Hilo I have mixed feelings because if they disrespect those Hawaiians they disrespect me too since all Hawaiians are related to each other through Wakea and Papa.

This is the view right before we landed in Hilo:

This is a view of another plane before we deplaned:

Of course Hawaiian Airlines is my favorite interisland carrier because they employ alot of Hawaiians which matters to me.

This is Ken's Pancake House. It's been in business since I was a little girl. (I was born in 1967 which was a very good year *LOL*):

This is Coconut Grill near Ice Pond... right outside of Keaukaha and where I met my cousin Paul for brunch. I looked for him in the back entrance then I walked to the front entrance which is very typical of me. Would be me to go to the back first and not to the front first haha Well it was a very nice restaurant and my cousin was very well-dressed with a classy red aloha shirt and slacks. I was what... wearing jeans *LOL* It was nice though to speak to my cousin since I am an adult now. I took this picture while I was driving:

More pictures later. If I have time since I've been busy and I am so tired *LOL* Seriously... I am so exhausted since I worked on Sunday, Monday, and today. Fortunately I'll be taking part of next week off since my older brother will be flying near where I live and he's gonna bring me Hawaiian food. I can't wait to stuff my face with Hawaiian food. In the mean time last night I was so tired. I fell asleep with the lights on again!

More pictures

2007-03-10T03:34:43Z

Here are more pictures from when I was at Home:

1. I took these pictures after lifeguards were jogging on the beach. Well here is it is... me stalking the lifeguards at Ala Moana Beach. I am only joking about the stalking. I went walking at Ala Moana Beach Park after I wrote about how I was going to Gold's Gym. I changed my mind and walked at Ala Moana Beach Park instead then I went swimming at Ala Moana Beach. After I was pau swimming... I was watching them doing their morning swim so I took three pics of them. This pic is one of them:

2. A fisherman. He looked very peaceful:

3. Diamond Head in the back:

4. View from Ala Moana Beach Park:

I don't like the buildings at all. They ruin the natural beauty but I can still see some beauty in the aina even though I have to squint to see it ;)

Hawaiian Language Video

2007-03-08T06:57:15Z

I've been hunting for more Hawaiian language video. I wish there were more that were produced for us or perhaps more people who are experts would take the initiative and produce more because I'd like the twin babies to be fluent in Hawaiian, Spanish, and English. Spanish videos and/or DVDs are very easy to find unlike Hawaiian language videos and/or DVDs. Well I found this one:

By teachers and students at 'Ehunuikaimalino, a Hawaiian language immersion school in Kona.

Partly why this is happening

2007-03-08T03:08:13Z

This will be somewhat brief. Some people are analyzing the latest brutal violence allegedly committed by a Hawaiian guy and his son against a Haole couple:

"Last month's road-rage incident began when an SUV driven by Army Staff Sgt. Andrew Dussell, 26, who has served two tours in Iraq, struck the parked car of Gerald Paakaula, 44, at a shopping center, according to a police affidavit filed in court. Paakaula and his 16-year-old son allegedly assaulted Dussell and his wife, Dawn, 23.

The teenager allegedly shouted an obscenity along with the Hawaiian term for a white person, haole (pronounced "howl-ee"), while attacking the soldier.

The court document says the father, a truck driver, picked up the woman and slammed her to the asphalt. The teenager allegedly kicked the husband's face as he convulsed on the ground from a punch to the throat. The couple suffered broken noses, facial fractures and concussions.

From http://www.usatoday.com/news/nation/2007-03-06-hawaii-cover_N.htm

First of all there is NOTHING wrong with being Haole. I am Haole too and married to a Haole.

Secondly in NO way do I condone Paakaula's behavior. It is conduct unbecoming of a Hawaiian!

However Hawaiians are treated like SHIT. Okay... we are treated worse than shit. How do I know?

Here is a perfect example:

Housing for the military has always taken precedence over housing for Hawaiians. Case in point: Military personnel wait about a year or so for their housing in Hawai'i. Hawaiians have to wait 30 years or... sometimes they die while on the waiting list (read about the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands):

Army housing contract on hold over tax breaks

By Jim Dooley

Final award of a massive U.S. Army contract to privatize all Army housing on O'ahu has been put on hold until the state and county decide whether to grant more than $200 million in tax exemptions requested by the private contractor, Actus Lend Lease LLC., an Army official said last week.

Even if the company does win those tax exemptions and is awarded the privatization contract — worth nearly $7 billion over 50 years — U.S. Rep. Neil Abercrombie said he would "do everything I can to prevent" final congressional approval of the contract.

Actus chief executive officer Peter Koziol said Thursday the company was working with Abercrombie and state and city officials to resolve concerns about the tax-exemptions request, and to reach an agreement regarding use of union and non-union labor on the Army contract.

Pending resolution of the privatization contract issue, the Army has awarded Actus a sole-source, four-month contract worth $13.5 million to take over management and maintenance of more than 6,000 housing units on O'ahu. The contract takes effect June 1 and may have to be extended if the privatization issue is not resolved by Oct. 1, when the short-term contract expires, said Gordon Takeshita, head of the Army's Residential Community Initiative office here.

The sole-source contract to Actus replaces two existing Army housing maintenance and repair contracts each worth $10 million per year. One is held by a Mississippi company, Madison Services Inc., and expires at the end of this month; the Army will not exercise a six-month option to renew the contract, Takeshita said.

The other contract, held jointly by California-based Agbayani Construction Co. and local firm Shinco Inc., expires June 30, but the Army is terminating it a month early, Takeshita said, and paying the contractors a termination fee that is being negotiated.

Agbayani-Shinco officials did not return repeated telephone calls seeking comment on the contract termination.

But John Lange, head of Madison Services, called the Army's decision to award a sole-source, four-month contract to Actus "unconscionable."

"Never have I seen the government do anything like this," Lange said. "Don't get me wrong — it's 100 percent within their prerogative. We've had a very good working relationship with the Army, and I don't want to upset that. But I'm just surprised they'd make a change like this now without even talking to us."

Takeshita said the short-term contract was planned well before problems cropped up in awarding the privatization contract to Actus. It is a "transitional" contract, designed to help Actus and the Army adjust to fundamental changes that will take place under privatization, he said.

Both the Army and Actus said the transitional contract was the Army's idea.

"The Army approached us," said Koziol, adding that the company had received similar treatment on another huge privatization contract on the Mainland.

But Abercrombie said he did not like the sole-source contract any more than he likes proposed tax-exemption requests Actus is seeking in the privatization agreement.

"The plain fact is, it's an awful lot of money for a very short period of time," Abercrombie said of the sole-source agreement. "Something doesn't smell right to me." Existing maintenance contracts "should have been extended until the whole issue is resolved," he said.

Madison Services and Agbayani-Shinco are paid a total of $1.67 million per month for their housing maintenance work. The new Actus sole-source contract is worth $3.38 million per month.

Army contracting official Gary George said the new contract is worth more because Actus will perform in-house maintenance work now handled by the Army, as well as take over housing management duties — assignment of units, inspection of facilities and other functions — performed by Army personnel.

It is unclear how long the city and state will take to resolve Actus' tax-exemption requests.

Linda Smith, special adviser to Gov. Linda Lingle, said Actus needs to submit exemption requests for housing units it believes qualify for low- and moderate-income tax breaks to the Housing and Community Development Corp. of Hawaii.

"As far as I know, they haven't done so yet," Smith said. Stephanie Aveiro, executive director of HCDCH, could not be reached for comment last week.

The Honolulu City Council last week passed on second reading a bill that could impose real property taxes on military housing once it is privatized and controlled by Actus.

Actus officials claim the housing projects will not be using city services such as police and fire protection, and should not be subjected to property taxes.

Last week, City Council Budget Committee chairwoman Ann Kobayashi said: "We're trying to be fair about this. If military families are not using services, then they shouldn't have to pay for them. But we don't want them to stay behind the gates and not use our beaches, our parks, our cultural events."

The bill is scheduled for another hearing Wednesday.

"We may amend it," Kobayashi said. "I don't know what we'll do."

Abercrombie objects to the tax-exemption requests because the Army had told competitors for the $6.9 billion privatization contract they would have to pay any taxes levied by the state and local governments.

After Actus was selected for the contract, it said completion of work on an as many as 2,097 housing units would be delayed if it had to pay the taxes.

The company said it would not earn more money if the exemptions are granted, but would be able to add more amenities such as swimming pools and community centers to housing projects.

The office of Sen. Dan Inouye said last week it supported the tax exemptions sought by Actus.

http://the.honoluluadvertiser.com/article/2004/May/17/ln/ln03a.html

Versus this: Hawaiians have been DYING while on the waiting list for a house that is part of a legally binding agreement

The 2,721 outstanding claims range from people who argue they were given deficient land to those who believe they've been on the waiting list for an unreasonable amount of time, said plaintiffs' attorney Carl Varady. It's unclear when the claims will be presented in court, but lawyers say the state should cooperate, noting that some beneficiaries have been waiting up to 40 years for an answer.

See http://starbulletin.com/2006/07/01/news/story01.html

Then people wonder why some Hawaiians are angry. In fact anyone who passes the military housing near the Honolulu International Airport will understand that it will get worse as long as the U.S. government continues to treat Hawaiians like shit but I do ask that other Hawaiians NOT resort to physical violence.

However it is important to understand WHY and also to try to do something about it. A good start would be if the U.S. government built houses as fast as they build houses for Hawaiians like how they do for the military which is predominantly Haole people.

That would be a good start but this latest incident is only a symptom of the mistreatment of Hawaiians. Will we as people do anything about it?

Sadly for the last 50 years or so NO ONE from the U.S. government has been listening to Hawaiians. Instead they treat us like shit so while I do not condone violence against military personel... it doesn't surprise me because they build houses very fast for the military while Hawaiians wait 40 sometimes 50 years. Some even DIE waiting.

Obviously... something has to be done to rectify this situation. Sadly chances are they won't because if they wanted to do something they would have already done so.

That is why... while some people are worried about the Haole couple involved (and rightfully so)... NO ONE has been asking

WHAT ABOUT HAWAIIANS?

The sad reality is that the focus has always been about the Haole person over the Hawaiian. This also epitomizes the marginalization of the pain, attacks, etc that Hawaiians have experienced since about 1893 til now.

That is why I ask: What about HAWAIIANS?

Just food... for thought.

More pictures of Hawai'i

2007-03-07T06:23:04Z

Sorry for clogging up people's pages with pictures but here are more pictures from Hawai'i. A side of Hawai'i that some people usually do not see and is mainly for those people who have never been to Hawai'i or for those who miss Hawai'i:

A picture downtown Kaimuki where I know very well since I grew up in the area:

An Internet Cafe in downtown Kaimuki:

Gau love. I couldn't find any on the East Coast but in Hawai'i I found it in Kaimuki for good luck this year:

Another picture of the gau. This is what I was talking about:

My parents took me to Rainbow Drive Inn. I ordered Beef Cutlet, one of my favorites because I had a Free Week when I went back Home for five days. I ate this plate in two separate servings and damn... my tummy hurt both times LOL Oink oink! But I normally do not eat like this. White rice is out. So is macaroni salad but when I went Home I ate anything I wanted to eat in five days. Well here is Beef Cutlet from Rainbow's in Kapahulu:

A closer look of food that can exacerbate diabetes but ate only because I was Home in Hawai'i for five days total plus transit time:

Sorry for clogging your list. More pictures later.

Love this picture

2007-03-05T15:56:46Z

I absolutely love this picture:

More pictures of Hilo

2007-03-04T17:55:33Z

I spent only one night in Hilo. I actually slept in Keaukaha at my aunty's house.

We flew out on an early morning flight then left the next afternoon so I didn't stay in Hilo for very long but when I was a little girl I used to spend my summers with my Hilo Grandma in Hilo so Hilo has a special place in my heart. It's where I skinned my right knee. I have a scar on my right knee because I fell down on my Hilo Grandma and Grandpa's asphalt driveway. It's also where I learned lauhala from Mrs. Ahuna in Keaukaha.

Anyway here are four pics taken while I was in Hilo:

1. Goodwill right outside of Keaukaha:

2. At the tip of Keaukaha where the tidal wave hit then the state condemned the land in order to sell the land that Hawaiians already have title to yet did not give actual or constructive notice to Hawaiians and instead illegally stripped Hawaiians of their property rights:

3. Shave ice or "ice shave" as they say in Hilo with ice cream on the bottom... yummy!:

4. The Hawaiian church in Keaukaha which is a Protestant one. Unfortunately I don't know the name of it but it's for Protestants:

I wasn't baptized against my will there though. Instead I was baptized against my will when I was a baby in a church in Ka'u which no longer exists.

More pictures later.

One of my favorite pictures of all time

2007-02-21T13:42:28Z

I am reposting this picture since it is one of my favorite pictures of all time that can no longer be found online. Gee... I WONDER WHY. Fortunately I SAVED IT ;) One of my fave pics of all time which I post regularly because I like it so much and because I totally agree with her:

AP Photo: Lucy Pemoni

I despise it when people lie about us Hawaiians in order to try toperpetuate their racism against us

2007-02-20T14:22:23Z

I despise it when people lie about us Hawaiians in order to try to perpetuate their racism against us. Reposted for the world to see how pilau some Americans are. I said SOME:

First I don't believe a word that anyone who belongs to the so-called blue collar "Grass Roots" Institute says. These people have a vested interest in title so of course they are going to try to substantiate their anti-Akaka Bill stance... though for a hewa reason. They want to try to show that somehow they know what is best for us because they want to try to control us:

http://www.grassrootinstitute.org/board_staff2.shtml

Secondly this is the source, Tom Mcdonald's article:

http://www.hawaiireporter.com/story.aspx?e8abb36d-dd78-4d5a-a9a4-12960c0656b6

However it is key to remember that we are still granted civil rights in the U.S. irrelevant of the Akaka Bill. Unfortunately some of the members of the "Grass Roots" Institute are twisting information to try to suit their agenda. In this case the implication is that the Akaka Bill will enable us to be seen as Indians with Indian rites and rights. No... that's not the case. We don't even have the treaties that the Seminoles do with the U.S. This is only a scare tactic that somehow the Akaka Bill is bad for us.

Who is he to decide for us if it's right or wrong for us?

The point being that it's not for him or anyone else to say. If he had read the different versions of the Akaka Bill then it would be clear that we still have civil rights yet what does he do... try to spread a scare tactic. Though I am anti-Akaka Bill because the U.S. tries to condition us to do things on their terms.. we are NOT Indians so he weakly tries to compare and contrast Hawaiians with Hawaiians using a scare tactic. Worse the Anti-Hawaii-an Reporter seems to have ALLOWED him to do that as in speak ill of Hawaiians because to some comparing us to Indians and their sovereignty is implying that somehow we are LESS THAN INDIANS.

But getting back to his pseudo article:

Some of the statements he makes like

"It will be of interest to those trying to establish a sovereign native Hawaiian entity similar to those that govern native American mainland tribes." shows ignorance too.

Hawaiians have ALWAYS had sovereignty though somehow some people mistakenly think that we have to somehow work to get it. We have had it all along. We still do though some people think that we want to be like Indians. We don't. We are Hawaiian.

Another statement:

"This is because the tribal entities are considered under U.S. law to be sovereign nations with the right under the 1934 Indian Reorganization Act to conduct their own legal proceedings in their own courts, with their own laws, prosecutors, judges, and jails. And although the federal government provides over $400 million a year to support these tribal justice systems, less than $1 million is used by the tribes to provide for Public Defenders. So poor tribal members most often end up representing themselves in court, without the help of a lawyer."

Again... we are NOT Indian. We are Hawaiian.

Another statement:

"And without the benefit of legal counsel, they often plead guilty in the tribal courts without realizing that by doing so they are subjecting themselves to an uphill battle if charges for the same offense are then brought in state or federal court."

To date Hawaiians do not have a tribal court nor are we a tribe. We are Hawaiian.

Another misleading statement:

"Here again, as with the lack of a right to legal counsel, tribal members lack the protection against double jeopardy provided to other U.S. Citizens by the Constitution. The U.S. Supreme Court ruled in 2004 that since tribal nations are separate sovereign governments, if A person commits a crime that violates the laws of two sovereigns--the tribe and the federal government--both sovereigns can prosecute the offender."

An implication is that we do not deserve to be respected and also that we are less than Indians. Again... we are not Indian. The Akaka Bill explicitly states our unique history, culture, and peoples.

His last misleading paragraph:

"As the Native Hawaiian Reorganization Act--the Akaka Bill--works its way through Congress, those supporting it could solve the lack of counsel problem by amending the Bill to ensure that a right to counsel is included. On the double jeopardy issue, however, the only solution would seem to be complete secession from the United States and the State of Hawaii."

Not quite. This is only a fear tactic based on his fear that somehow we will have power over him while using a lie stating that we will lack counsel. With or without the Akaka Bill most Hawaiians live below the poverty line:

>>> Native Hawaiians had lower incomes than Hawaii's overall population, on a median and a per capita basis.

>>> Nearly 15 percent of all native Hawaiian families lived in poverty, compared with the overall state rate of 7.7 percent. About 20.3 percent of native Hawaiian families with related children under age 18 were poor, compared with 10.5 percent for that category in the state overall.

From http://www.census.gov/prod/2006pubs/acs-02.pdf

In addition according to the "Homeless Point-in-Time Count Report 2003" prepared for the State of Hawaii, the homeless population breakdown based on ethnicity:

Hawaiian 38.7%
Caucasian 34%
Other 7.3%
Filipino 5.1%
Chinese 2%
Japanese 1.1%

See page 24 at

http://www.hcdch.state.hi.us/03homelessstudy.pdf

Also for General Assistance in Hawai'i:

Caucasians 40%
Hawaiians 29%
Filipino 10%
Japanese 6%
Other Pacific Islanders 6%

See page 27 here:

http://www.hawaii.gov/dhs/main/reports/AnnualReports/DHS%20Annual%20Report%20FY%202005%20Final.pdf

In 2005 after Caucasians Hawaiians are the second group to need General Assistance from the State of Hawai'i which shows that there is some poverty within our people.

So the inability to have sufficient legal representation may be due to our socio- economic status... NOT to the perceived effect of the Akaka Bill.

Lastly he is described as follows:

"Tom MacDonald, retired president of a major trust and investment company, serves on the Board of Scholars at the Grassroot Institute of Hawaii and has written for the Community Newspaper Syndicate."

This shows that he probably has some vested interest in real estate and thus in title. This is a BAD SIGN. It shows how he most probably fears title of land. As in his which is NO EXCUSE to spread misinformation like how he is trying to do. Unfortunately some people ALLOW him to do so.

This is racism based on our national origin. That is... the Kingdom of Hawai'i.

How many people know about our history? How many people know about us?

Thus all symptoms of racism against us based on fear and ignorance about us and our history. That's why I say... some people are so pilau!!!

Ten more days

2007-02-12T16:37:43Z

Aku palu

ake

poke and crab

Akule too

Which are a few of my favorites along with poi

We need more people like this: Trisha Kehaulani Watson

2007-01-10T20:41:54Z

Kalani sent this link to me:

http://the.honoluluadvertiser.com/article/2007/Jan/06/ln/FP701060326.html

An excerpt:

ITEMS CHERISHED

The items are among the most cherished Hawaiian cultural items known to exist and include a famous wooden female figure and several renowned stick 'aumakua, or family deities.

Trisha Kehaulani Watson, executive director of the group Kako'o 'Oiwi, said she had declined the opportunity to see the artifacts yesterday.

"I refused to view them," she said. "I think it's inappropriate to view these items, and I think we show respect for them by not viewing them."

She said her greatest fear is that the artifacts would be sold to collectors and become personal possessions.

"They are essentially priceless and would be worth a great deal on the open market," she said.

Brown said the museum is not precluded from displaying the items in the meantime, but that there are no current plans to do so.

"I personally think they are of great educational value," he said. "They are rare, and it is a good thing for people to be able to see them and learn about them."

He said he was greatly relieved that the items had been fully accounted for. If they had not been removed from the caves, they could have been damaged by the earthquakes that jolted the Big Island in October, and would certainly have been damaged by insects eventually, he said. Some objects had been covered with silverfish when they were recovered, he said.

The museum did not allow news organizations to photograph or film the artifacts yesterday.

IMHO we need more people like this. Like her.

You know... no need to mention your degrees. Just speak the truth! Because sometimes when you mention your degrees it doesn't hurt anyone but other Hawaiians.

Kudos to her for using her voice. I hope that others do too.

And yes I agree with her 100%. Do not view them as they were not meant to be viewed. That is why our kupuna hid them.

So kudos to her for speaking the TRUTH. Thanks!!! To her and to others who do so.

Personally I think she can do a lot and noticed she or they didn't mention her degrees which I'm glad. I mean... they speak for themselves while she speaks the Truth so why bother telling people about her degrees when they already know about them? And Hawaiians DO talk. In fact within a week or so other Hawaiians will be reading this and talking about what I wrote. We DO talk. That is the Hawaiian Way but Hawaiians already know about her qualifications.

I hope that she doesn't mention them because in a way and sometimes degrees make some feel Hawaiians powerless. When degrees are not mentioned... the truth takes the light... not her... which many Hawaiians value. That is, haa haa. They admire humble-ness... not boastfulness and whether she or I like it or not... more Hawaiians will listen instead of tune her out because that is what they do when someone boasts about their degrees. They tune them out. Fast! Instead they want to know what you can do or what you are doing. Not about you, your degrees, or yourself. No. They will tune you out if not already.

So kudos to her because people WILL listen when you are haa haa or "humble."

She will be a major force... if not already... and I think she can do great things as long as she continues to stop mentioning her degrees because we already know because we Hawaiians. We TALK.

Anyway please show her some support by visiting her website at

http://www.nativehawaii.org/

and PLEASE make a donation at her website via PayPal. PLEASE support her! You can donate $1 or $100. Or more but PLEASE support her by donating to her organization.

For those who like be niele I recently donated $100 to try to help out but I do so anonymously. (They can see a company name but not my name.) I hope that some people reading this help donate too. I would have donated more but I have to save for the twin baby boys in case I bring them home in May or so. You can donate $1 or more if you want just help them and donate SOME thing. Please.

Mahalo!!!!!

Cross-posted to oiwi
hawaiians
and to _nativeamerican

Kalani

2007-01-04T20:36:02Z

Lately Kalani has been writing to me to tell me some things. Of course I laugh. He even continues to mention "Molokai pule oo" which is Molokaians praying for their enemies' deaths. Then the people of Kau. Some of whom killed some of their oppressive chiefs. Then some Mauians who pushed some Oahuans off of a cliff. So I laugh about it.

Especially when someone recently told me that I am "un-Hawaiian." Un-Hawaiian? I am very much Hawaiian LOL but that's only if one knows about Hawaiian history so that person's statement only makes me laugh. It only shows his ignorance about Hawaiians. Then again ignorance is a sign of racism. In this case racism against Hawaiians.

Unfortunately some people mistakenly think that Hawaiians were not violent or warriors or fighters. We come from a line of warriors so I am nothing special though I do have roots in Kau, South Kealia, Kona, KOHALA HINT HINT LOL, Maui, and Oahu. I am very much Hawaiian in that I can be quite brutal yet kind too which is being Hawaiian LOL But I know that some people do not see Hawaiians as being human. Thus one of the books I'm still working on about Hawaiians being de-humanized by some people.

Anyway I may update about that later. There is so much I would like to post here but I have so much work to do. I would like to attain my goals and the last thing I will do is allow them to distract me LOL So I may post amusing things later.

Well here is one that I am copying and pasting. First of all everyone who knows me knows that I will never renounce my American citizenship and that I love being American. Sorry to other Hawaiians who disagree with me but that is my manao. So of course since I have American and Hawaiian citizenships and since I am proud to be American and Hawaiian... I find some things amusing. In this case someone named "Ted" posted something and I responded which makes me laugh. I hope that it made other Hawaiians laugh too because I find it quite amusing LOL

Ted the Racist Anti-Hawaiian: "IF Kaonohi and others who only threaten and condem and are NOT interested in sharing ideas and communicating

Ted
President
Sanford Dole Society

Me: I am fluent in more than one language so I will translate. This means

"You don't agree with me. Therefore you are not sharing ideas and are not communicating with me.

In addition since I am aMErican where there is "ME" in America... it's all about ME and about ME-Y opinions. Therefore you are not entitled to your opinion and are not free to exercise your opinion w/o government intervention yet I will hypocritically turn around and exercise my rights and I will bitch and moan if and when Hawaiians exercise theirs."

Please... do not laugh too hard but I found it quite amusing. And to clarify... I like to make other people laugh especially other Hawaiians because stress kills. I try to defuse the stress of them being harassed by some people by trying to make them laugh.

I hope I have made some Hawaiians laugh because to me Hawaiians are some of the most beautiful kind compassionate people ever. Of course there are some oppressive and/or selfish and/or unkind and/or PILAU ones but I value those who are beautiful kind and compassionate. The least I can do since there are some who have been nothing but kind to me... is to try to make them laugh because I know that stress kills and I don't want my Hawaiian cousins to die. I want them to survive... but then who am I to say? LOL Only compassionate people understand me. Pilau people do not ;)

ANYWAY I hope some other Hawaiians laughed when they read that.

Jere Krischel continues to harass us Hawaiians... and thus harass our keiki (AUWE!)

2006-12-13T17:57:49Z

Recently Jere Krischel returned to harass me and other Hawaiians. Would this be tolerated if he were to harass Jewish people or Japanese people or popolo people? Of course not. Sadly there is a double standard when it comes to harassing us Hawaiians based on our national origin.

In any case he returned to harass me because I AM HAWAIIAN. The harassment of Hawaiians should NOT be tolerated as it is not tolerated for Jewish people, Japanese people, popolo people, etc.

Anyway here is Jere harassing us Hawaiians based on our national origin AGAIN:

Jere The Racist Anti-Hawaiian:

"Lana do you ever write anything intelligent? Or do you just ramble with your nonsense."

Me: I guess Jere is upset again since I appeared at another forum where his racist self singles out and targets Hawaiians and only Hawaiians.

There is NO need to be upset that I mentioned that conversion is a felony there as well as here. I don't advocate violating the law.

Its clear that Jere does. However some of us respect the law of the land. Irrelevant of national origin.

Mahalo.

And we can't forget:

http://www.tobysemainband.com/band.html

Jere lies here about being Hawaiian

"JERE KRICHELL IS A HAWAIIAN NATIVE BROUGHT UP AS A CLASSICAL MUSICIAN. HIS NATURAL MUSICALITY AND VOCAL ABILITY EARNED HIM THE SPOT OF KEYBOARDIST AND BACKING VOCALIST. JERE ADDS COLOR TO THE MUSIC WITH HIS HAMMOND ORGAN & RHODES.

Yes, I know it bothers Jere that I point this out as well but good ALWAYS overcomes evil. Evil like Jere.

If he does this to children then imagine what he will do to HAWAIIAN CHILDREN.

Thus my manao. Be careful of Jere and people like him. Chances are if they harass us Hawaiian adults they WILL and DO harass Hawaiian children which is EXACTLY what Jere and people like him are doing which is PILAU.

Reality

2006-11-27T17:42:02Z

My reality is different from other people's reality. I'm still near Washington DC and through no fault of my own... my sister and I may be fighting a Trojan Horse soon LOL Hopefully things will work out and we will be the new "owners" of property near our properties near Seattle. I don't know how we're going to do it but we will have to do it. We don't have a choice. That is the latest. We hope to pick up another piece of property due to a Trojan Horse. If things work out I will have four properties in my name. It's good news only because it's in defense of a Trojan Horse... not because it'll be the fourth property in my name because with property comes taxes. Dreaded property taxes but we must do this or else we won't be in a good position 20 years from now. I'm really doing it for my nieces. Not for me. I couldn't care less if it was for me. For my nieces... bring it on LOL

Also I read this comment by a younger Hawaiian:

"Those who are in the armed forces are no longer a true Hawaiian. They converted themselves and handed themselves to the very ones who stole our nation like 2 dollar whore.

They cannot compose the Hawaiian kingdom and befriend the enemy at one time."

I don't know why some of our Hawaiian youth are judgmental of other Hawaiians. Especially with their choice in surviving. What can I say? I could only say this:

"I urge you to be very careful with your words. Some Hawaiians here have sons and daughters some people's fathers are retired military who are in the armed forces active or retired. You do not want to alienate them or else they will attack you. Like in Kau."

Some of our Hawaiian youth (I said SOME) are acting like some (I said SOME) of our Haole oppressors. Judging those Hawaiians who serve/d the U.S. for whatever reason. It's their choice. If only other people respected it.

In any case I do not work for the U.S. government nor will I because I don't wish to work for the very government who helped to destroy my people but I still like being American. America and Americans are not interchangeable and not all Americans are alike.

Some are cool. Some are uncool but I don't like that attitude that these Hawaiians are not Hawaiian because they choose to survive.

Then again I have money now while most Hawaiians do not. That attitude only serves to alienate and hurt other Hawaiians. It doesn't hurt other Americans.

That's why sometimes I wonder... perhaps I shouldn't help other Hawaiians. Why should I when some of them (I said SOME) are pilau.

Then I think back to my roots. I will not make the innocent pay for what the guilty have done. That is NOT the Hawaiian way.

Anyway I called my mom to tell her we may be "buying" that property. She is happy because she wants us to return to Seattle to live LOL Well I leave the DC area tomorrow. When I get back (i.e. return LOL) to Home Home I'll try to post pics and I took lots of pics. At this rate though... my Hilo summer home will be put off since it will cost me about $400,000. I don't know when I'll be able to do that but the other property in the Seattle area has top priority because if we don't get it now it will create more problems. At least with the Hilo property it's "ours" and we can build anytime. Or at least til I get all the money to do so hahaha The USED Mercedes is out for now :( Which makes my face sad but I don't have much of a choice. If we don't buy the property now we will never have another chance. But f*ck man... I don't know how I'm going to do it! But I will do it. I don't have a choice but overall my life is good. It's better than being on welfare like how we were when I was 6 til 9 years old. I will never go on welfare again. Being hungry is not a good feeling.

A couple of my favorite Hawaiian musicians

2006-11-21T03:31:55Z

Anyone who knows me knows how much I LOVE the Brothers Cazimero's music. I am one of their biggest fans. So much so that if I see them I would faint. I am very impressed and in awe of their talent:

Still am.

Most musicians do not have this effect on me. It's like whenever I listen to their music... wow! I'm listening to their music right now while I prep for my flight tomorrow.

Whenever I go whether it be to the DC area or to Seattle or wherever I listen to their music.

Makes me feel better.

I wish and would give almost anything to watch them play live. I haven't had that opportunity but if I did... I would love it.

I'm just so glad they share their music with others.

What about homeless people? What about Hawaiians?

2006-11-20T16:56:40Z

In today's paper there is an article about new housing for the military in Hawaii:

An excerpt:

"Now, contractors are completing 35 new homes a month on the base as part of a $2.33 billion privatization venture. The plan is eventually to build 5,388 homes and renovate 2,506 others over a 10-year initial development period."

Many Schofield Barracks soldiers returning from Iraq next summer will be moving into brand-new homes, part of a $2.33 billion venture.

From http://www.honoluluadvertiser.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20061120/NEWS08/611200339

Meanwhile hundreds of people in the islands go homeless with no shelter and many Hawaiians have been waiting for a lifetime for a house.

Where is the equality?

The sad truth is that this kind of actions make it worse for Haole people. As soon as Haole people visit the islands they are often seen as being military personnel when in fact they are not so the innocent pay for what the guilty have done.

In addition it pisses me off that a kaona is that military personnel are more important than homeless and Hawaiians in the aina.

Unfortunately... this is reality. I love this country (the U.S.) yet sadly some people are ruining it by creating more divisions and different types of treatment. Some people get preferential treatment and some do not.

Anyway I would think they treat everyone fairly not at the exclusion of others. Way to go, America! This sucks but I wonder if this violates the Fair Housing Act.

I hope someone steps to the plate and considers that angle. The FHA bars discrimination based on race. Hello? Hello? Anyone?

In harms way

2006-11-20T00:59:19Z

Democrat or not I guess this person wants to put more men in harms way in bring back the draft. He happens to be a Democrat but it's irrelevant if he is a Democrat or not.

Incoming chairman of the House Ways and Means Committee New York Democratic Rep. Charles Rangel said Sunday he sees his idea as a way to deter politicians from launching wars:

From http://www.cnn.com/2006/POLITICS/11/19/rangel.draft.ap/index.html

He will put more men's lives in danger by reinstating the draft. Especially men from the working class.

Way to go.

And that's exactly why I am not too happy with the new change of "guards" in the House and Senate. New doesn't necessarily mean better.