Ka Wai Ola - Office of Hawaiian Affairs, Volume 20, Number 7, 1 July 2003 — Hawaiian soul [ARTICLE+ILLUSTRATION]

Hawaiian soul

Kanaka Hawai'i maoli, 'aha mana maoli, lōkahi, laulima, he lei poina 'ole ka lei 'ohana. What do these words mean to me as a Native Hawaiian today? They mean a great deal; they are a part of my identity as an indigenous, true child of this land. Six-and-one-half years ago I faced two life terms in prison, and in spite of my obstacles, I held on with both hands, my love for my people. I couldn't speak 'ōlelo Hawai'i nor did I know the true politics of what really happened 110 years ago and the genocidal attacks on us whieh have continued for 11 decades since. Here in the prison system I have met a few special kanaka maoli prisoners who, just like me when released, will not ever eome back in here for nothing and no one. Though we eome across opposition from even our own kind, we stand firm in our beliefs. Language and sovereignty is our responsibility. For me, I am probably the most blessed prisoner in prison history. I've met and learned from the best in and outside of prison. It doesn't matter if I never go free again because I am at peaee with myself and I have an identity today. I hope my experience ean help stimulate more prisoners to give up drugs and gang activity. They may be in prison, but they are still kanaka maoli. No Hawai'i mai au. Boogie Kealohapau'ole Kekahuna

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Ka I fo Kaiāiii i)