HISTORY OF HAWAI'I AND HAWAIIANS
Copyright 2007 Thomas K. Kaulukukui, Jr. (KS, '63)
Speech Delivered at Reception
National Museum of American Indian
Washington, D.C.
April 12, 2007

I heard about the American boy trying to get into Kamehameha High from one of my friends trying to get in herself. I think that Kamehameha should stay all Hawaiian because the Americans way back when already took all of Hawaii from them so they should atleast have a school all to themselves. It said in the application that you had to have Hawaiian ties. If he cant read, Why would he get in anyways? Seriously. He just needs to find a different high school to go to. I’m not even Hawaiian and I think that he should go to a different school because it is a Hawaiian school not for Americans.

Any pure-hearted & well-informed human being (Hawaiian and non-Hawaiian alike) would embrace constitutional measures taken to remedy a once dispossessed race--and, in this uniquely undisputed case--the Hawaiian people.

Even Congress had the heart (with the political push of an official apology bill 103-150 on behalf of President Clinton) to say--in effect--"OK. Our beloved people of Hawai'i: we're REALLY sorry for what our silly forefathers did. Now, hopefully this letter will pacify you restless natives for a few centuries. Regards, America."

But, words--when compared to actions--mean very little in the name of 'reconciliation' or in the quest for "ho'oponopono"--literally meaning, "to MAKE right." In other words, an apology bill equates neither to reconciliation nor to ho'oponopono. But it does look nice on paper, yeah? And, I'm sure the grammar was much, much better than my pagan prose.

You know what also looked good on paper? Those tens of thousands of anti-annexation petitions signed by our kupuna that "somehow" got lost in the archives--thereby killing the voices of our kupuna in determining the future of Hawai'i. 'Auwe! The words of our ancestors are literally coming forth as "voices from the dust." Perhaps this a prophetic kahea (call) from our kupuna for today's struggles--or, maybe this is yet another example of keeping America's 'dirty laundry' hidden from the public eye. You choose.

All political pleasantries (and dirty laundry) side, while Congress talks (and talks and talks), Kamehameha Schools "walks the talk" serving thousands upon thousands of native Hawaiians AND NON-HAWAIIANS alike. I know. I went to school there, and I even worked at a few of their summer programs. Excuse the pidgin English, but for the lack of a better phrase, "Kamehameha is not all mouth."

No other PRIVATE institution or organization does more to remedy the generational aftershocks and political heavy-handedness Hawai'i--and, particularly,--our beloved Lili'uokalani endured as she was literally held a prisoner in her own palace--like Kamehameha does. And, may I also submit that Kamehameha expects nothing in return from the government OR from non-Hawaiians for cleaning up America's dirty laundry, just mutual respect and reverence for the Will of ke Ali'i Pauahi. Hmm. Sounds like an 'ono serving of "humble pie" to those who cry "discrimination" to the preference policy. But, of course, as expected, some people must not only "have their cake" but also "eat it, too."

Therefore (if my private-school education serves me right), a disgruntled non-Hawaiian whose "space" at Kamehameha was filled by a qualified Hawaiian student is huhu (offended) and, therefore, feels he or she has the "right" to "discriminate" his or her views on a completely legitimate (and remedial) preference policy? Is it me, or is someone using the law to (excuse the bluntness) "discriminate" against Pauahi's last Will and Testament?" Give me a break. Common-sense prevails in this case. And, almost ringing incessantly in typical Kamehameha four-part harmony, my na'au cries with the rest of Hawai'i Nei, "'NUFF ALREADY."

If we want to talk "law" and "discrimination" here, Mr. John Doe and friends, may I anxiously direct each and everyone of you to a perfect situation around which you can politically prance. I would love to see your eloquent arguments concerning the injustices (and, coincidentally, the discrimination) imposed upon our Hawaiian people in 1893. Sound familiar? 'Ae. It's the overthrow. Please, feel free--heck, be our guests--to state your case in support of AMERICA'S discrimination of Hawai'i in 1893, and, please, appeal that to the powers that be. Like you, we also believe in "liberty and justice for all."

Yet for us everyday locals out there, perhaps the lyrics to a popular island song drive things right home: "You can talk the talk, but do you walk the walk, and do you bring much comfort?"

I know Kamehameha does. And that's why they will prevail. 'O ia wale no.

E ku i ka pono kakou!

Kale Kau'i,

Class of 2003
Kamehameha Schools - Kapalama

I wish I had something nice and great to say like all the others that have sent emails of support in the fight to keep this school as it should be. But what these people are trying to undo sickens me to where I just don't know what to say other than just keep fighting them. This is a school for HAWAIIANS and it should stay that way. Fight until the last dying breath in all your bodies and pass down the fight to future generations. Don't let this beautiful thing be taken from the Hawaiian people. I am a not of Hawaiian blood, but I feel it is VERY wrong for non-Hawaiians to be in a school that is meant FOR Hawaiians. The injustice will be taking this precious gift away from the current and future generations of Hawaiian children. Just keep fighting and NEVER give up!!

April Lease-Grogan
Atlantic Beach, FL

Editor's note: In asking Ms. Lease-Grogan for permission to post her email to our Community Support, she replied with the following response:

Yes, please do so. In these hard times it's about all I can do to show my support. You may even include my name as I am not ashamed for anyone to see how I view this disturbing situation. And thank you for continuing to fight this injustice!!

Aloha, Kamehameha Schools Students, Faculty and Administrators,

We are a retired military couple who have lived in Hawai'i three times for a total of 7 1/2 years. One of our most enjoyable memories was watching the Song Fest contest between the 9-12 grades. It is so wonderful to know that this school, founded by Princess Bernice Pauahi Bishop continues to fulfill her desire to provide quality education (including cultural education) to children of Hawaiian descent and heritage.

Just today, on Fox News, we heard of the law suit that is attempting to force acceptance of a non-Hawaiian student. We just wanted to take time to tell you that we fully and completely support the position of the school in admitting only students who can prove Hawaiian heritage - as Princess Pauahi wanted it. Our prayers will be with you as you continue the fight to preserve what she established according to the terms of her last will and testament. If there was a way for us to make a contribution financially to assist with the fight you have been forced into, then we would. Unfortunately, we are not able to.

Keep up the good work - mahalo nui loa for all you are doing for the children of Hawaiian heritage.

Aloha,
Stephanie and David Spindler
Ishpeming, MI

My Son and daughter are of 25% Hawaiian decent. My husband is 50% Hawaiian. I am houli & Native American, of what percentage I'm not sure? Too much of all of our heritages have been lost in history of our lovely government accessing things, land and now a school??? I would like to know that my children might have a chance at learning they're language and have land and history before it's forgotten. As is some of the Native Americans culture is. We must keep it Hawaiian before it's lost and only can you do that by maintaining a blood line. It's for the Children before they are lost. Mahlo-Malia (mary)

John Doe vs Kamehameha Schools.

John Doe should not prevail. This lawsuit has far reaching ramifications. His lawsuit not only jeopardize the Private Trust of Princess Puahi Bishop, it may set precedence for ALL Private Trust Funds to be public funds.

This John Doe case pertuate the continued rape and ravaging of the indigneous people of Hawaii as well as the Quiet Title laws of Hawaii; a legalized theft of Hawaiian Lands of the Hawaiian ancestry.

I read often that the Hawaiian Race did not exist. This denial is equivalent to the denial that the Holocaust did not happen.

I am not a religious person; but, I surely will get down on my knees to pray for this cause.

E Evalani Pang, Denver, Colorado.

Dear Ladies and Gentlemen, Alumni and CEO,

I am here to support the Kamehameha Schools dedication to Princess Pauahi's Dream for her people. I was part of those few who spoke Hawaiian and lived the culture before the English language became the predominate language of my household. I attended Kamehameha Schools from Kindergarten to 9th Grade when I moved to Minnesota. Those first 10 years of my education at KS were the most memorable times of my life. The music, the Hula, the culture, the Hawaiiana, everything taught to me then remains with me now. KS taught me duty, dedication, humility and respect. I took all those wonderful values and joined the Army where I continue to serve my Hawaiian brothers and sisters as well as my country. Without the Kamehameha School's teachings, love and dedication I would not be able to continue teaching the culture and values of the Hawaiian people to countless peoples around the whole. In closing I'd like to remind all of our KS family and our Alumni that we can continue to ask for dedicated education towards the Hawaiian people, but we must remember that our Aloha was meant not only for our people but for all.

Aloha A hui Hou,
Nuala K. Taylor
Killeen, TX
United States Army

As you read the will of our Beloved Bernice Pauahi Bishop, you know that she had the best minds at that time assisting her on how to word her will in a way that one can understand and one can appreciate. Our beloved Princess had no prejudice in her heart nor did she discriminate against anyone. She wrote it in a way that would provide, preserve, and protect the hawaiian children, and why did she do this? Well history tells us that she was saddened at the unjust treatment the hawaiian people received from foreigners (white men) in their own homeland. How the hawaiian people were oppressed in getting an education and vocation. So, this wonderful woman set forth to provide for a future for hawaiian children in order that they may become industrious men and women, for she knew if she didn't her people would suffer greatly. Her will has gone through so many court challenges. I don't believe that any other will has gone through this type of scrutiny as our own Beloved Pauahi's. It makes you wonder why. Why do so many go after us? Well could it be that they think we were so weak cause we didn't fight to retain our hawaiian kingdom, so now we are still an easy target? Possibly, but I think moreso jealousy. It's like the Jones' and the Smiths'. I want what you have and if you don't let me I'll cry "wolf" or in this Doe vs. Kamehameha, I'll cry "discrimination". Why not, the white man knows this word completely. It's their most favorite word in the whole dictionary. So if I want to use the word "discrimination", let me use it by saying, if the will of our beloved Bernice Pauahi Bishop is overturned in any way, then I'm going to yell "DISCRIMINATION". For how can a panel of all "haoles" rule against a document written for a hawaiian?

I believe that only Hawaiian children should be admitted to this school because it was the will of the princess. She wanted not only to educate her people, but to make sure that they could survive in a world that was changing. It is NOT uncostitutional by any means to have only Hawaiian children attend the Kamehameha Schools. It gives these students a sense of pride and family being together in a safe school environment. It is only because of the success and great accomplishments of this school that they are being attacked. Please leave the school and its students alone, they only want to keep the hawaiian culture and wishes of the princess alive.