Native Hawaiian Community Coverage
Hawaiians, the host culture for our state, remain a major focus of our news coverage. Their socio-economic status reflects both the persistent struggles of a native people decades following the overthrow of their legitimate government and their growing success in politics, business and education. As a native Hawaiian and a fluent speaker of the Hawaiian language, Hawai‘i Public Radio general assignment reporter Ku’uwehi Hiraishi provides listeners with deep insights into a complex community. Her coverage in 2019 reflects both the community’s challenges and advancement, and the revival of long-simmering grievances sparked by the planned building of a telescope on the state’s highest peak, Mauna Kea. Here are her stories:
Jan. 21, 2019
Who Speaks For Native Hawaiians?
Last week’s arrest of members of a Hawaiian sovereignty group brought up an often asked question in the Hawaiian community: “Who exactly speaks for native Hawaiians?” The answer may be more complex than imagined. (2:52)
Mar. 20, 2019
KanakaCon: A Hawaiian Comic Book Convention That Seeks To Preserve Culture
You’ve probably heard of Comic-Cons where fans of fantasy, sci-fi, and comic books gather. Some dress up like superheroes and others line up to meet their favorite comic book creators. But KanakaCon is different. (2:35)
Aug. 5, 2019
Exploring The Native Hawaiian Belief In The Sacredness of Mauna Kea
Many native Hawaiians who oppose the construction of the planned Thirty-Meter Telescope on Mauna Kea say the mountain is sacred. But what does sacred mean and what is the foundation for that belief? Could we see similar challenges to activities on Haleakal?, Mauna Loa or K?lauea? (2:41)
Aug. 14, 2019
Psychologists Say Historical Trauma, Hawaiian Resilience Play Out On Mauna Kea
Images from Mauna Kea of police arresting kupuna or elders and those of protesters chained to a cattle grate can elicit strong emotions from many who see them. But for some native Hawaiians, these sights can serve as reminders of past injustices, triggering what the American Psychological Association calls “historical trauma.” (2:42)
Sept. 5, 2019
Music & Politics: The Role of Song in Hawaiian Activism
There’s no denying the power of music to inspire passion and spark social change – such has been the case throughout Hawai?i’s history. From the overthrow of the Hawaiian Kingdom to the current conflict on Mauna Kea, songs have inspired activism and activism has inspired songs. (2:47)
Sept. 5, 2019
Helicopter Company Fined for Unpermitted Structures Near Hanap?p? Salt Ponds
A Kaua?i helicopter company is facing fines of up to $10,000 a day for structures that lack permits on its property in Port Allen. The tour company’s initial request for the Kaua?i County permits was met with strong opposition from traditional salt makers who practice in nearby Hanap?p?. (1:54)
Sept. 3, 2019
Lili?uokalani's Peaceful Approach To Foreign Aggression Set Stage for Kapu Aloha
The words kapu aloha have emerged in the ongoing conflict over Mauna Kea. The term refers to a non-violent approach in Hawaiian activism. This code of conduct has its roots in the peaceful steps taken by Hawai?i’s last monarch, Queen Lili?uokalani. (2:44)
Oct. 28, 2019
As Mauna Kea Recalls Dark History, Stories of 1895 Political Prisoners Revived
Much of the discussion surrounding the protests on Mauna Kea has focused on historical injustices experienced by native Hawaiians. Some events are well-known, like the overthrow of the Hawaiian Kingdom. But others have only recently been rediscovered. (2:37)
Oct. 30, 2019
One Path To Better Health For Native Hawaiians May Be In Their Backyards
For centuries, native Hawaiians fed themselves by developing sophisticated systems of fishponds and irrigated taro patches. But societal changes disrupted their connection to traditional food sources, leading to high health risks for diabetes, obesity, and other diseases. Now a community intervention is underway in Waim?nalo using backyard aquaponics. (2:30)
Nov. 11, 2019
Indigenous Authority Over Museum Objects Could Be the Future
Museums and archives are often celebrated as rich repositories of culture and history. But for the communities whose culture and history are on display, having a say over what should become of these items is an ongoing battle – one that some native Hawaiian advocates and scholars are tackling head on. (2:51)
Nov. 18, 2019
Why Hawaiian Flags, Parking Tickets, Arrests Are Raising Free Speech Questions
There’s been a noticeable spike in Hawaiian flags seen on roads and highways. Many of the drivers are showing support for the protest on Mauna Kea and other land disputes. But authorities' crackdown on the flags on vehicles, along with parking tickets on the mountain and arrests in Kahuku are raising the question: where is the line between the law and free speech? (2:23)
Dec. 16, 2019
Hawaiian Immersion May Get More State Support After Years of Community Activism
The Hawai?i Supreme Court recently ruled in a landmark case that the state is constitutionally required to provide reasonable access to Hawaiian immersion education. The ruling may be a game changer for advocates of ??lelo Hawai?i, the Hawaiian language. (2:34)
