PREFACE

I have been very fortunate to have lived, studied and traveled outside of Hawai'i for many years. The experiences and knowledge I gained abroad, together with my work in the movement and development as a student of political science, have provided me a unique perspective on global issues and a basic understanding of Hawai'i's role in the Pacific 21st century. More importantly, these experiences have helped me to discover the Hawai'i I did not know existed. I was denied the knowledge, history and use of the language of the place I am from. However, I am now aware of a good portion of Hawai'i's past and the historical abuses and hardships indigenous Hawaiians have had to endure for many years. This knowledge has strengthened my relationship with and support for the Kanaka Maoli people and the Hawaiian sovereignty movement. I am committed to helping indigenous Hawaiians and advancing the cause of sovereignty through my writing, work in the movement and commitment to non-violence.

As a non-Hawaiian I would like to point out a clear distinction which exists in my definition of "non-Native Hawaiian." This distinction concerns birthplace. Hawai'i is my home by birth, not my adopted home. I am a fifth generation descendant born in Hawai'i of a multi-ethnic background. I am convinced the main reasons for my strong involvement in the sovereignty movement are because I was born and raised in Hawai'i, grew up with Hawaiians, and I am of indigenous ancestry myself--of part-Taino Indian descent. My ancestors had fought against Spanish colonialism on the island of Boriquen (Puerto Rico) for 400 years based on a love of freedom and independence. When these ancestors migrated to Hawai'i they identified themselves as "Boracuas" or "Boriquenos" and were proud of their indigenous cultural heritage.

Today, my relationship with Hawaiians is a continuation of a relationship that began in childhood. Through my multi-ethnic background, I am related by family to a number of Hawaiians. I have always felt a close personal relationship with Hawaiians. Over the years I have become aware of the importance of the Hawaiian culture and language and sense of aloha 'aina (a love of the land). However, I do not consider myself a "Native of Hawai'i" or "Hawaiian at heart." If I am a "Native of Hawai'i" what would distinguish me, in a sense a settler by ancestry, from the indigenous peoples of Hawai'i? Those descended from ancestors who were indigenous to the Hawaiian Islands prior to 1778 are commonly defined today as "Native Hawaiian," or who I think of as "Native of Hawai'i." I consider myself kama'aina, as one born in Hawai'i who closely identifies with the land, customs and people of Hawai'i. But as Hawaiian citizenship under the Kingdom of Hawai'i was based on Hawaiian nationality and allegiance before 1893, and afforded to any person regardless of ethnicity, I believe a future Hawaiian nation of this type should hold similar qualifications for those who identify solely with Hawai'i as their homeland.

* Hawaiian words are defined within the text of this thesis