Ka Wai Ola - Office of Hawaiian Affairs, Volume 10, Number 4, 1 April 1993 — Book review: "Light Upon the Mist" [ARTICLE+ILLUSTRATION]

Book review: "Light Upon the Mist"

"Light Upon the Mist: A Reflection of Wisdom for the Future Generations of Native Hawaiians" by The Rev. Akaiko Akana (Mana Productions, 1992) This book is a reprint of the writings of the Rev. Akaiko Akana, the first Hawaiian kahu (minister) of Kawaiaha'o Church (1884-1933). It is being published as a manifesto for native Hawaiians with a certain message, particularly in light of the 100th anniversary of the overthrow of the Hawaiian kingdom this year. The introduction reveals this intent, stating, "1993 marks the 100th anniversary of

the end of Hawaiian sovereignty. Many feel it is time to take back what was taken from them ... The aloha spirit is strained and some are leaning toward an aggressive 'us or them' attitude." The writings of Akana are seen as a plan "to put the Hawaiian people back where they belong. In charge of their lives and fortune in a loving, sharing, truly Hawaiian manner."

I had first leamed of the Rev. Akana through his testimony given at the U.S. Senate hearings to consider the Hawaiian Homestead Act of 1920. This testimony is included in the book. He appeared as a member of the 'Ahahui Pu'uhonua o na Hawai'i" (The Hawaiian Protective Association) whose aims were to promote education, training of Hawaiians into various professions, and Hawaiians' acquisition of lands by purchase, lease or homesteading as a means for a livelihood by farming or ranching. Later, while re-trans-

lating a Territorial Board of Health booklet on Native Hawaiian medicines I discovered that Akana had edited that publication. Unfortunately, as a minister, he edited out many references to other aspects of Hawaiian religion and culture whieh he felt had no relation to healing practices. It is evident that, as pointed out in "Light Upon the Mist," Akana was an influential man of his day and involved in many aspects of the Hawaiian community. His writings, such as "The Sinews for Racial Development," whieh is divided into several sections such as "Race-consciousness" ("pride for, and faith in the race"), "Broadmindedness" ("Cultivate the ability to observe, to absorb, and to assimilate the good in

other races"), "Education, " "The Home Life," and "Godliness," were probably widely read at the time. His writings strongly resemble other manifestos for a people's social progress and survival of that period, such as Dr. Sun Yat-Sen's "Three Principles." Besides the U.S. Senate testimony, other writings of Akana reproduced in "Light Upon the Mist" are taken from newspaper articles and speeches. After reading this book and having witnessed January's eommoration, the question to be asked is whether or not Akana's writings are indeed a manifesto for native Hawaiians today. Or are they a historical reminder of

previous attempts at sovereignty and a reflection of that time? The answer to these questions and one's reaction to this book will probably be determined by the reader's own opinions about the current issue of sovereignty today. For example, Akana's writings could be interpreted as defending the policies of homesteading and assimilation into American life, whieh may not be seen as being reflective of today's views on sovereignty. I found this book to be more of

an interesting reminder that the type of fervor surrounding the events of this year had happened before. There were Hawaiian organizations and leaders who called for a new day to save the Hawaiian people. At the time they called it homesteading. The Rev. Akana's writings are full of the rationale and enthusiasm to rally Hawaiians to the cause just as modern organizations and leaders are rallying Hawaiians to their cause of sovereignty. The parallels and the messages are astonishing. Perhaps this might be the real wisdom of having the Rev. Akana's writings reprinted for Hawaiians today. by Maleolm Chun, author, speaker and Hawaiian culture specialist

The Rev. Akaiko Akana