Friday marked the 50th year of Statehood for Hawaii.  Like a lot of things in Hawaii, the implications of “Statehood” can’t really be covered with the concision that a blog post requires. The political conversations in Hawaii are (almost) as diverse as the people… so any attempt at providing a broad overview will ultimately be inaccurate (the same goes for the real estate market).
The New York Times editorial today by Paul Theroux was an interesting (and provocative) depiction of life and history in Hawaii. I found the ‘comments‘ section online as interesting as the article itself, another representation of Hawaii’s diversity.
I’ve learned enough humility from my short 15 years here to know that I’m certainly not an authority on life, culture, or politics in Hawaii… I’m still an adolescent in the life cycle of a “local”, if I even get to use that word. I’m particularly moved, though, by my recent statewide travels. Spending more time on the Big Island of Hawaii, Oahu, and Maui this past year has really given me a powerful perspective of the different cultures and communities on each island, their respective personalities, and of course, the people. Gross generalizations that I had previously held about the different islands are fading away (though some are getting stronger). As provocative as they may be, I can relate to some of Theroux’s points… there are innumerable differences and idiosyncrasies on every ‘island’ in Hawaii.
Like Theroux’s op-ed piece… it often comes back to today’s awesome weather. It was a beautiful State Holiday. Summer finally came back to the islands, and this latest round of rain and humidity from tropical storms gave way to warm sunshine and trade winds. Lucky we live Hawaii. Aloha from Paia… Matt
Susanna Kunkel
August 22, 2009
Happy birthday to Hawaii! I was tickled yesterday, as Hawaii celebrates 50 years…and she’s looking good!! You know, 50 is the new 30 🙂 Of course, that’s just Statehood. She’s been around as long as Pele. I’m so grateful that Kauai (and Hawaii) are a place my family can call home. The aloha of the islands has truly changed my life. In celebration – it’s time to go to the beach and pay respects to the really Big Mamma – the ocean.
With warm aloha,
Susie
Susanna Kunkel
August 22, 2009
Happy birthday to Hawaii! I was tickled yesterday, as Hawaii celebrates 50 years…and she’s looking good!! You know, 50 is the new 30 🙂 Of course, that’s just Statehood. She’s been around as long as Pele. I’m so grateful that Kauai (and Hawaii) are a place my family can call home. The aloha of the islands has truly changed my life. In celebration – it’s time to go to the beach and pay respects to the really Big Mamma – the ocean.
With warm aloha,
Susie
Byron Barth
August 23, 2009
A very well-written article, Matt. Aloha!
Byron Barth
August 23, 2009
A very well-written article, Matt. Aloha!
David
August 26, 2009
Aloha, Matt.
I read this article in the print edition last week on the morning I got back to California from Kauai. I appreciate that you posted a link to the comments, as I recall thinking as I read it that it would anger people.
The self-imposed, low key, somber, “respectful” (of Hawaiians, not of the U.S.) statehood anniversary “celebration” reminded me of when I visited Jerusalem in 2000, just as the current Intifada was starting up. I happened to arrive on Israel’s Independence Day (in May), and many Israeli’s were celebrating (little Israel flags in the car windows, etc.). However, I was told by a local Arab shop keeper (who cracked his door open and waived for me to come in to buy something, even though he was officially “closed”) that for Arabs, that it was a “day of great sorrow.” I had not thought about it before, but that stuck with me.
HI’s statehood anniversary date was similarly played out, at least by the media, as a “day of great sorrow” for Hawaiians, and not the kind of thing one celebrated.
I guess it is what it is.
David
August 26, 2009
Aloha, Matt.
I read this article in the print edition last week on the morning I got back to California from Kauai. I appreciate that you posted a link to the comments, as I recall thinking as I read it that it would anger people.
The self-imposed, low key, somber, “respectful” (of Hawaiians, not of the U.S.) statehood anniversary “celebration” reminded me of when I visited Jerusalem in 2000, just as the current Intifada was starting up. I happened to arrive on Israel’s Independence Day (in May), and many Israeli’s were celebrating (little Israel flags in the car windows, etc.). However, I was told by a local Arab shop keeper (who cracked his door open and waived for me to come in to buy something, even though he was officially “closed”) that for Arabs, that it was a “day of great sorrow.” I had not thought about it before, but that stuck with me.
HI’s statehood anniversary date was similarly played out, at least by the media, as a “day of great sorrow” for Hawaiians, and not the kind of thing one celebrated.
I guess it is what it is.