The Hawaiian Renaissance

1320 Words3 Pages

In the 1960s-1970s the Hawaiian Renaissance and growth of the Hawaiian Sovereignty Movement began. During this time there were small, yet important events that sparked a completely new understanding for the Kanaka Maoli. In the past, being a Hawaiian was not something to be proud of; many did not even have much knowledge on what being a Hawaiian really was. As Hawai‘i became more colonialized and heavily influenced by various cultures, the quality of being a Hawaiian slowly but terrifyingly disintegrated. It seems that right after statehood there was a sense that a new era would come. This era known as the Hawaiian Renaissance encouraged many individuals to become more motivated and educated on the history of Hawai‘i. Especially for Kanaka Maoli, the Hawaiian Renaissance ignited a fire of revival and perpetuation for a culture that was nearly extinct. In many ways the Hawaiian Renaissance has been the defining moment because during this time sovereignty, protest, and revival were the key players in further strengthening Hawai‘i and hopefully moving it towards independence. Many Kanaka Maoli were learning of ways to resist further colonialism and became more powerful with the knowledge that they were gaining from the history of Hawai‘i. Most believe that the very beginning of the Hawaiian Renaissance that inspired and encouraged Kanaka Maoli to continue their push towards more power was an event that took place in Kalama Valley, O‘ahu. Many farmers who had lived there were being evicted from their homes in order to make way for the construction of upper income housing on lands owned and leased by the Bishop Estate. The resistance and protest on that day spread around Hawai‘i and concern for the well being of Hawaiians increased... ... middle of paper ... ...t sovereignty has been. Regardless of the programs from Kau Inoa, Kana‘iolowalu, OHA, Akaka Bill, and many others there is the understanding that there are many Kanaka Maoli who support independence, sovereignty, and are educated on the issues and problems faced in Hawai‘i today. These programs although different in many ways show the efforts that Kanaka Maoli are making towards the goal of becoming independent. Through continuous education and awareness of all Kanaka Maoli, the hopes of becoming independent may be in the future. The Hawaiian Renaissance has taught many that through such acts of protest, revitalization, and unification the strength of the Kanaka Maoli has grown and will continue to grow as long as there is support and encouragement of many educated Kanaka Maoli and others who will fight to be acknowledged and recognized as independent and sovereign.

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