Impact of Apology Resolution on Native Hawaiians

1523 Words4 Pages

Introduction
Personal identity, sovereignty, and cultural heritage are issues that the Native Hawaiian community has struggled with for many years. Native Hawaiians are among the poorest, sickest, most incarcerated, and least educated groups in their own homeland.

Apology Resolution
In 1993, the U.S. Congress enacted the Apology Resolution, an apology to Native Hawaiians for the United States’ involvement in the illegal overthrow of Queen Liliuokalani and the Kingdom of Hawaii in 1893. The Apology Resolution was signed by President Bill Clinton. The resolution calls for "reconciliation between the United States and the Native Hawaiian people." It was an acknowledgment that citizens and agents of the United States violated Native Hawaiians’ …show more content…

This is certainly not true for all Hawaiians, but the fact that most are incarcerated, uneducated, and poor, the fault lies with them. “I not late, I stay on Hawaiian time,” and “cruising,” when one should be on regular time and working hard contribute to the uneducated factor, while dominoes to the incarceration, particularly since marijuana is not uncommonly used in Hawaii’s more laidback culture. People like David Akaka show that Native Hawaiians can be just as successful as anyone else, if they work hard. My great-grandfather was very poor and was from a heavily oppressed group when he moved to Hawaii from Okinawa, and his decedents all worked hard to earn their living here in Hawaii. If people cannot do that, perhaps they do not belong here, even if their blood indicated otherwise. Everything I have learned from this class shows what hard workers Hawaiians were, and I am sure they can rise at of …show more content…

I do think the Hawaiian people need a hand-up (not a hand-out). I think they need some benefits as compensation for what was done to them, but I also think they need to work hard themselves. Give the Hawaiian people back Kamehameha school (exclusively), financial aid, and anything else they need to get back on their feet. But do not expect to cruise through life because of events from a century ago.
The Hawaiian people can survive, even if that means temporarily leaving Hawaii and returning when they have more money. Hawaii, particularly Oahu, is not a cheap place to live. Uprooting from home never feels great, but there is a whole wide world out there, Hawaii is such a tiny place. Leaving for a while is not the end of the world, and Hawaii will still be here.
In conclusion, until it is decided what is best for everyone, and exactly what changes will come about, big changes should not be

Open Document