Post #363179 by Tangaroa-Ru on Sun, Feb 24, 2008 11:19 AM

Okay, okay, okay everyone. Please calm down. No one here is a "facist". (Especially not me.) But if you are truly into Hawaiiana, then you really need to be aware of the history of its people. I am NOT a Hawaiian, but I have enjoyed vacationing on those beautiful islands for many years. It's a well-documented fact that Hawaii was literally "stolen" by the U.S. government for military purposes... and this came after decades of them welcoming us to their islands. They welcomed the missionaries, (who forced the Hawaiians to stop dancing their hula and give up their native religion and brought some lovely new diseases and rodents to them, too) and gave them land and status, expecting the same graciousness in return. Yes, the non-natives brought education and written language and, yes, the Hawaiians were smart enough to have booted them off had they truly hated them. But the U.S. government DID take Hawaii away from the Hawaiians and now there is a big native movement going on over there to get some of their land rights back. One of the reasons Hawaiians are moving to Las Vegas because they CAN'T AFFORD to live in the own homeland anymore. Wealthy mainlanders have bought up the land, built expensive homes and jacked up everyone's property taxes so now the locals can't afford to keep their homes and the younger Hawaiians can't afford homes at all. Yes, this is just the way of the world, I guess, but one would think there might be some tax break given to people who can claim native Hawaiian ancestry, so they aren't forced to leave. I don't think that's facism, I think that's being human and giving a damn. I grew up in a small California beach town and experienced the same thing. But I'm no hypocrite: I sure do love some of the swanky restaurants and fine hotels in Hawaii, and I've even rented some of those fancy homes for my vacations! But there has to be some kind of consideration given so that the Hawaiians don't lose what little they have left. In case you didn't know, the song "Aloha Oe" was written by the last queen of Hawaii. Everyone thinks it's just a sweet little "goodbye" song, but she wrote it because her heart was breaking since she was being forced to leave her throne and her people by the U.S. Government. So... all I'm saying here is, if you're going to enjoy Hawaii, please be considerate of the locals and their feelings. They haven't been our 50th state for all that long, and how they "became" our 50th state is not a happy story for most. Am I glad they're part of the U.S.? ABSOLUTELY! I doubt we could have won WWII without them! Do I love going there on vacation and enjoying all the beauty and even the touristy rinky-dink? You bet! Do I proudly write for a magazine that features Tiki imagery and Hawaiiana in both traditional and (definitely) non-traditional ways? Happily! All I'm saying is that woman at that condo was way out of line with her negative response to a lovely gift with great local symbolism. She has every right to live there and all that... but she really should read up on her Hawaiian history if she's going to call that place her "home". And anyone who is into Tiki and Hawaiiana might want to read a bit about it, too. It will make you appreciate the next Tiki you buy even more -- whether it's an authentic vintage piece or a fun collectible mug. And it will make your visit to the Hawaiian islands even more meaningful. I hope everyone has a chance to visit (or live in) Hawaii! To revel in the gorgeous scenery, have wild fun, and enjoy tropical drinks at some fabulous hotel at sunset...it's a wonderful experience. Just make sure you raise your glass once in appreciation to why you're there.