Hawaiian Independence Alliance

March & Rally for Hawai`i Independence
10am - 1pm
click for Poka Plaenui's Statehood Revisitation Paper



10:00 a.m.
Gathering at Ala Moana Beach Park,
traveling along Atkinson Drive, and congregating at the front of the Hawaii Convention Center on Atkinson Drive. We will end at 1:00 p.m.

PRESS RELEASE

On the occasion of the 50th year since the proclamation by Dwight Eisenhower, that Hawaii was a State of the United States of America, we will march and rally to reassert our commitment to Hawai‘i's independence instead.

We believe a nation never dies unless its national consciousness dies. The years of colonization has not killed the Hawaiian nation as long as we retain the life of the nation in our hearts and souls.

In 1959, the U.S. conducted a plebiscite on the question of whether or not Hawaii should be admitted into the U.S. union as a State. About 35% of the "eligible" American citizens voted overwhelmingly for Statehood. Today, the State of Hawaii has appointed a celebration committee. subsequently toned down to an "observation" or "commemoration" committee. The committee is holding a day-long event at the Hawaii Convention Center to talk about the prosperity brought about by Statehood.

We believe there is nothing to celebrate. The theft of Hawaii's independence in 1893 (called "Regime Change" today) and subsequent transition into a "Provisional Government", "Republic of Hawaii", Cessation to the U.S., "Territory of Hawaii", and "State of Hawaii" are merely rhetorical terms for an occupation and colonization of our sovereign independent nation-state. The passage of a long time since the initial theft does not diminish the seriousness of the theft. Instead, it makes the theft even more serious.

The U.S. should begin a course of self-examination and afford the Hawaiian nationals, victims of this theft, a process of self-determination. In that process, we support independence. We do not succumb to the U.S. practice of taking over weaker countries and forcing us as their territories.

Everyone believing in our right to self-determination are invited to this event. Bring a Ti leaf as a cultural symbol to cleanse the wrong from this land. Hawai`i Pono'i.

Contact Lynette Cruz for further information!
Only in the event she is not available, then call Poka Laenui 697-3045!
click for more

5:00 pm, 5:30 pm and 6:00 pm, respectively
Mai Poina Walking Tours.
August 19, 20, and 21:
Tours begin at the front of the Hawaii State Library.
The Hawai'i Pono'i Coalition has organized a walking tour to re-enact the events leading to the overthrow of the Hawaiian Monarchy.

The walking tours serve as a reminder that Hawai‘i was once an independent country with a strong national identity whose independence was wrongfully taken away. Under the direction of noted playwright Victoria Kneubuhl, the "Mai Poina" tour is being conducted Wednesday through Friday, August 19th-21st and will visit the important areas of Honolulu at the time of the overthrow. Speakers will be in character at each stopping point, making the tours interesting and entertaining.

Reservations are required as there is a limited amount of space, and can be made by calling
Karen Jones, 262-5900.

6:30 pm Oli Concert.
Chanters will gather at ‘Iolani Palace to commemorate the illegal overthrow of Queen Liliuokalani.
They will chant a variety of oli including some of the old lamentations as recorded in Hawaiian newspapers at the time of the overthrow, personal family mele, and newly written oli that discuss the current state of affairs for Hawaiians today.

Chanters include:
Momi Kamahele,
Kaumakaiwa Kanakaole,
Kamanaopono Crabbe,
Hinaleimoana Falemei,
Kanani Kahana-Reid,
Keeaumoku Kaiama,
Donnie Camvel,
Kapa Oliveira,
Keawe Kaholokula,
Manu Kaiama,
Tony Lenchanko,
Leimaile Quitevis,
Kamoa Quitevis,
Vicky Takamine,
Kawika Tengan
Keali‘i Gora.

The public is invited to this free concert which is expected to run about an hour and a half.

50th Anniversary Statehood Commission

Hawai‘i 50th Anniversary Statehood Conference
Conference Schedule

7:00 a.m.
Registration and Continental Breakfast
Presented in part by Tesoro and HMAA
Located inside the New Horizons Pavilions, delegates will also have the opportunity to visit the exhibitors during registration and breakfast.

Location: Kamehameha Exhibit Hall II

8:00 a.m.
Opening Ceremony – New Horizons for the Next 50 Years
Opening Prayer/Chant/Anthems; Honoring “50 Voices”
Opening Remarks: Governor Linda Lingle, State of Hawai‘i

Location: Kalakaua Ballroom B & C

8:15 a.m.

Keynote Remarks by Special Guests – Hawai‘i’s Present and Future from Local and National Perspectives
An overview of who we are as a state, where we need to go to ensure our future success and how we will get there!

• Bryan Clay, 2008 Decathlon Gold Medalist
• Andy Karsner, former assistant secretary, U.S. Department of Energy
• John Zogby, political pollster, Zogby International

 

Location: Kalakaua Ballroom B & C

 

9:15 a.m.
Morning Plenary Session
Hawai‘i's 21^st Century Global Economy

Presented by Bank of Hawai`i
From statehood to the Asia-Pacific century, visionary leaders in Hawai‘i community will present an overview of where we are as a state and where we are heading.

• Tom Coffman, An Overview of Hawai‘i’s Past and Present
• Charles Morrison, President, East-West Center
• Andrew Mason, Sang-Hyop Lee, and Gerard Russo , Department of Economics, University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa, Hawai‘i’s Economic Challenges in an Aging World
  
  

Location: Kalakaua Ballroom B & C

10:15 a.m.
Hawai‘i Stamp Unveiling
In coordination with the U.S. Postal Service, Governor Lingle will help to unveil the official State of Hawai‘i commemorative stamp. Hawai‘i’s stamp design was created by local artist Herb Kane of the Big Island. Stamps will be made available for purchase outside conference activities. 

Location: Kalakaua Ballroom B & C

Live Video Teleconference with Troops in Iraq
Presented by the Hawai‘i National Guard and TriWest
Hawai‘i's men and women in uniform who are serving overseas in Iraq will be part of the official commemoration confereence through a live video teleconference.

Location: Kalakaua Ballroom B & C

Hawai`i's Tourism Future
Presented by Starwood Hotels & Resorts - Hawai`i
The next generation of leaders in Hawai`i's hospitality industry will share their perspectives on tourism relating to future products and markets, social and environmental responsibility, and workforce development. Moderated by Howard Dicus of KGMB-9 News, a panel of eight young, up-and-coming leaders will engage in a creative discussion from diverse backgrounds in hospitality, sales and marketing, human resources, information technology, natural resource preservation, finance and Native Hawaiian culture. The panelists will reflect on tourism's past and present in the islands and will be challenged to envision the future of the industry in Hawai`i's next 50 years.”

• Featuring:
  • Micah Casey, Marketing Executive, KoOlina Marriott Vacation Club International
  • Kainoa Daines, Sales Manager, Miramar At Waikīkī
  • Nicole Okuna, Guest Services Manager, Sheraton Waikiki
  • Virginia Steinbach, Employment Manager, Hilton Hawaiian Village Beach Resort & Spa
  • Laura Stevens, Education & Outreach Coordinator, Hawai‘i State Department of Land & Natural Resources
  • Amber Watt, Director of Internet Strategy, Aqua Hotels and Resorts
  • Duke Wong, Assistant Director of Finance & Six Sigma Green Belt, Moana Surfrider, A Westin Resort
  • Tal Ziv, Vice President of Commercial Operations, Sopogy
• Moderated by: Howard Dicus, KGMB9
  
  

Military partnerships – Part of Our ‘Ohana
Recent statements by our civilian and military leaders have noted that the Asia-Pacific area will be a primary focus of the future. It includes 36 sovereign nations, encompasses nearly 50 percent of the earth’s surface, and is home to more than half the world’s population. Hawai‘i is honored to be the center of military affairs for the Pacific Region. Our speakers will provide their insights into Hawai‘i's key role in the military's current and future focus.

• The young men and women of Hawai‘i who bravely serve their country around the world return home as honored veterans. The importance and necessity of a support network for all veterans will also be discussed.Featuring:
  • Admiral Timothy Keating, Commander, U.S. Pacific Command
  • General (Ret) Eric Shinseki, U.S. Secretary of Veterans Affairs
• Moderator: Major General Robert Lee, Adjutant General – State of Hawai`i
  
  

Knowledge Management – Leading Hawai‘i’s Future
Presented by Hawai`i Pacific University and BAE Systems
With access to information becoming increasingly faster and easier, knowing how to organize and communicate relevant information as quickly as it is received is crucial to finding success in Hawai‘i’s business world of today and tomorrow. Panelists will discuss the concept of “Knowledge Management,” a business strategy that focuses on the collection, collaboration, networking, and dissemination of critical and relevant information in an effort to improve performance and develop a knowledge-based economy to ensure Hawai‘i will be a global leader.

• Knowledge Management and its principles could change the way entire industries in Hawai‘i work and interact.
• Featuring:
  • Galen Ho, BAE Systems
  • Dr. Gordon Jones, Dean, College of Professional Studies, Hawai‘i Pacific University
    
    

Media in Hawai‘i – The Next 50 Years
Presented by The Honolulu Advertiser
In a world of RSS feeds and breaking news alerts, we have access to the news as soon as it is reported—usually moments after, or as it occurs. The changing face of media worldwide presents a unique challenge to local news outlets, that must deliver local information at the rate of international corporations with far fewer resources. A panel of local newspaper, television, and radio professionals will discuss how Hawai‘i media outlets plan to approach their businesses in the next 50 years to ensure residents have access to relevant news and information that will impact their lives as citizens of our state and the global community.

• Moderated by: Mark Platte, VP/Editorial, The Honolulu Advertiser
• Featuring:
  • Lee Webber, publisher, The Honolulu AdvertiserMike Rosenberg, general manager, KITV 4Scott Hogle, ClearChannel BroadcastingRick Blangiardi, general manager, KGMB 9Sandee Oshiro, digital media director of content, The Honolulu Advertiser
  • Ryan Ozawa, Hawaii Public Radio,
    
    

Economic Understanding for Today and Transformation for Tomorrow
Presented by Castle & Cooke Hawai`i
Looking to Hawai‘i's future in high tech, tourism, and tax policy — insight from research on tax reform, revitalizing Waikīkī, and the role of high tech in Hawai‘i's economic development.

• Moderated by: Carl Bonham, University of Hawai‘i Economic Research Organization (UHERO)
• Topics to be discussed:
  • Does Hawai‘i Need Tax Reform? Implication of Replacing Hawai‘i’s Income Tax with an Increase in the General Excise TaxFeaturing:
    • Yang-Seon Kim, Economist, State of Hawaii, Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism (DBEDT)
    Is High Tech Hawai‘i’s Next Tourism Industry? Lessons from Economic DiversificationFeaturing:
    • Andrew Kato, UHERO, University of Hawai‘i at ManoaSumner La Croix, Department of Economics, University of Hawai‘i at Manoa
    • James Mak, Department of Economics, University of Hawai‘i at Manoa
    The Future of Tourism in Hawai‘i: Structural and Strategic Changes
  • Featuring:
    • Donald W.Y. Goo, FAIA Senior Advisor, Wimberly Allison Tong & Go
      
      

Public Education in Hawai‘i: Past, Present, and Future
Presented by USA Funds
Critics of Hawai‘i’s public education system have long attributed low levels of student achievement to a one-of-its-kind governance structure that lacks effective mechanisms of accountability. Professors Kwak and Roth will describe past efforts to change this governance structure, analyze reasons why those efforts failed, and critique ideas for major reform during Hawai‘i’s next 50 years. Laura Thielen will share her firsthand experience as an education reformer in Hawai‘i.

• Featuring:
  • Sally Kwak, Department of Economics, University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa, UHERORandy Roth, William S. Richardson School of Law, University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa
  • Laura Thielen, Department of Land and Natural Resources, State of Hawai‘i
    
    

Labor Movement: Role of Unions Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow
This panel is in honor of the late Mrs. Ah Quon McElrath.
In the first 50 years of statehood, Hawai‘i’s labor landscape evolved from one dominated by the Big Five companies to one where both private and public employee unions wield significant influence over all things political and economic in this state. Originally led by the International Longshore and Warehouse Union (ILWU) and the sugar and plantation workers it represented, the labor movement continued to grow and diversify with the statutory establishment of public employee collective bargaining, giving rise to the Hawai‘i Government Employees Association (HGEA), the United Public Workers Union, the Hawai‘i State Teachers Association, the University of Hawai‘i Professional Assembly (UHPA), the Hawai‘i Firefighters Association (HFFA), and the State of Hawai‘i Organization of Police Officers (SHOPO). Today, one quarter of all employees in Hawai‘i are union members, making Hawai‘i, after New York, the most unionized state in the nation. The two largest unions in Hawai‘i, the HGEA and ILWU, each have more than 20,000 members. As Hawai‘i looks forward towards the next 50 years, the present and future role of unions—in the face of unprecedented globalization and tumultuous economic uncertainty—is one of the most controversial, debated, and discussed topics among stakeholders in labor, including governments, businesses, the public, workers, and the unions themselves. The featured speakers will share their experiences and insights on the role of unions yesterday, today, and tomorrow.

• Featuring:
  • Joan Husted, Retired Director, Hawai‘i State Teachers AssociationHarold Dias, Representative, International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW)
  • Guy Fujimura, Secretary Treasurer, International Longshore and Warehouse Union (ILWU)

Preserving Hawai‘i’s Natural Resources
Presented by Honu Group, Inc
Efforts to manage the environment independent of the economy have led to challenges for Hawai‘i's sustainable development. This panel examines the relationship between the economy and the environment, examines the role of agriculture and its impact, assesses the Hawai‘i economy's likely reaction to future natural disasters and points to several potential structural and institutional vulnerabilities.

• Topics to be discussed:
  • Paradise at the Crossroads: Sustainable "Environomy" or Basket Case?
    • Featuring:
      • Kimberly Burnett, University of Hawai‘i Economic Research Organization (UHERO)James Roumasset, Department of Economics, University of Hawai‘i at Manoa
      • Majah-Leah Ravago, Department of Economics, University of Hawai‘i at Manoa
    Agricultural Land Use Since Statehood
    • Featuring:
      • Richard Bowen, Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Management University of Hawaii at ManoaCarol Ferguson, Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Management University of Hawaii at ManoaJames Hollyer, Director of Agricultural Development in the American Pacific, University of Hawaii at Manoa
      • Tomoaki Miura, Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Management University of Hawaii at Manoa
  • In the Eye of the Storm: Is Hawaii Prepared for Future Natural Disasters?
    • Featuring:
      • Makena Coffman, Department of Urban and Regional Planning, University of Hawai‘i at Manoa
      • Ilan Noy, Department of Economics, University of Hawai‘i at Manoa
        
        

Historic Overview: Historical Perspectives of Statehood
This workshop will examine how statehood was achieved. There will be a discussion of changing Big Five attitudes, the impact of the Nisei generation after World War II, the rise of organized labor and Hawai‘i’s Democratic Party, the fear of Communism, and the strategy of helping Alaska obtain statehood first. Audience participation is encouraged.

• Featuring:
  • Judge (Ret.) James Burns, Richardson School of Law, University of Hawai‘i at ManoaRich Budnick, Hawai‘i Historian
  • Dan Boylan, Historian and political commentator

• Byron Gangnes, University of Hawai‘i Economic Research OrganizationPearl Imada Iboshi, Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism
• Paul Brewbaker, TZ Economics and University of Hawai‘i Economic Research Organization”
  
  Location: Kamehameha Exhibit Hall I

• Featuring:
  
  • Dean Kamen, founder, FIRST (For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology)
  • Robert Momsen, President of the Board, North Hawai‘i Community Hospital and General Partner, InterWest Partners
    
    

• Featuring:
  
  • Andy Karsner, former assistant secretary, U.S. Department of EnergyBob Gilligan, Vice President of Transmission and Distribution, General ElectricMyron Thompson, 21st Century Technologies Hawai‘i, Inc.
  • Moderated by: Ted Peck, Administrator, State of Hawai‘i Energy Office
    

Panel members:

• Dr. Jonathan Osorio, Center for Hawaiian Studies, University of Hawai‘i at MānoaDr. Kamanamaikalani Beamer, Department of Geography, University of Hawai‘i at MānoaMehana Hind, Hawai‘inuiakea School of Hawaiian Language, University of Hawai‘i at MānoaDonovan Preza, President, Hawaiian Society of Law and Politics
• Dr. Trisha Kehaulani Watson Director of Operations, Hawai’i Youth Conservation Corps

Location: Kalakaua Ballroom B & C