Ka Wai Ola - Office of Hawaiian Affairs, Volume 2, Number 7, 1 July 1985 — Japanese Immigrants [ARTICLE+ILLUSTRATION]

Japanese Immigrants

By Moanikeala Akaka Trustee, Hawaii

Congratulations to our Japanese in these Hawaiian islands for their success over the last 100 years, despite oppressive conditions, racisin, and prejudice. Their success has indeed been phenomenal, their contribution to Hawai'i's contemporary culture and life-style have enriched our multi-cultural heritage. At this time of eele-

bration for the centennial of Japanese immigration to Hawai ī, we must not forget the plight of the Hawaiian people who are "strangers in our own homeland." ln remembering that Hawai'i and the Hawaiian people have been good to the Japanese people there should be a moraI obligation on the part of Hawai'i-Japanese residents and government officials to support the struggle for Hawaiian justice, whieh is in effect, justice for all people in Hawai'i. We Hawaiians end up being "the forgotten ones" of this land and immigrants get preferential treatment, including refugees. Yet the Hawaiian aloha spirit and beauty of our 'aina and people lure dollars and tourists to these shores while most benefits go elsewhere. The so-called "homeless" have been forced to live on the beach because "they cannot afford the price of paradise." It is a sin that these native Hawaiians are pushed around, beatenup, (Kalani Oheie had his arm broken, Pua's back was hurt), and arrested by city poiiee at Waimanalo and Makapu'u Beach Parks whieh ironically is Hawaiian homestead !ands. Governor George R. Ariyoshi, Lt. Gov. John Waihe'e, Georgiana Padeken and her Department of Hawaiian Home Lands Commissioners, Mayor Frank F. Fasi and D.G. Anderson shōuld be ashamed of themselves for abusing these families in their sad state of homelessness. And there is absolutely no excuse for poliee brutality. We Hawaiians must remember next election to make our votes count and support only those candidates for public office that show care and eoneem for Hawaiian problems, as well as a resolve to actually make things better for our people. Remember, we have to watch these fork-tongued politicians, including the Hawaiian ones, unfortunately. You and your ohana must make your votes count for justice for ourselves, our kamali'i, our mo'opuna and our 'aina — this land of our roots. Ua mau ke ea o ka 'aina i ka pono.