It’s Hawaii’s birthday, observed as a state holiday Aug. 19, but no residents or visitors would know that. There is no parade, no fireworks, no birthday cake, no candles, no political speeches, no additional red, white and blue flags flying high, and definitely no acknowledgement by Hawaii’s political leaders that 46 years ago, Hawaii became America’s 50th state. There is just a sad, embarrassing silence.
The complete void of recognition and celebration of Hawaii’s union with America wasn’t always so in the islands -- there was once tremendous pride in Statehood Day, now referred to as "Admissions Day."
Nearly five decades ago, residents in the Territory of Hawaii opted overwhelmingly with more than 95 percent of the vote to become part of the United States, and in fact many of those same people were involved in the federal lobbying effort for statehood.
There was a magic and excitement in the air that could not be blown away by the tropical breeze or a minority opposition when Hawaii finally in 1959 shed its title of "territory" and officially became a state.
Spirits were high, the economy rocked and people from all over the world came to live in paradise, considered so in part because as a piece of America, the state offered political stability and freedoms unavailable as a territory or a commonwealth.
But little by little over the next few decades, the anti-Americans and those who wanted to rid the state of all nationalities not ethnically Hawaiian, brought a dark cloud over the state. They did their best to damper the well-known racial harmony often referred to as a "melting pot." They preach hatred of the United States.
That darkness showed itself most evidently in the erosion of the celebration of American holidays -- including the Fourth of July, but most especially Admissions Day.
What once was a day of pride and parade has caved into the political correctness of a small percentage of native Hawaiians and other radicals who dislike the United States so much that they want Hawaii to become a sovereign nation unaffiliated with the rest of America.
They want the people who live here to give up their citizenship to the United States and join a yet-to-be-formed independent nation of Hawaii, with different laws, no democracy and no connection to the U.S. Constitution or justice system.
This radical minority group that often has just a drop of Hawaiian blood among them has been so effective in its lobbying through guilt of what they call "past wrongs to the Hawaiian people" that they have successfully doused any glimmer of American pride in Hawaii’s primary political leaders.
They have Hawaii’s congressional delegation, including Hawaii’s Senior Senator Daniel Inouye -- who is called a war hero -- and the governor and lieutenant governor so brainwashed, or so neutered, that there isn’t even any official celebration planned for Admissions Day. The only reason anyone might know the day is a holiday is because the unionize state and county workers get the day off.
Amazingly, there hasn’t been any celebration for the last 5 years when then Gov. Benjamin Cayetano celebrated "Statehood Day" at a San Francisco baseball field saying it was better to observe the holiday there because of the controversial nature of embracing statehood recognition in Hawaii.
This radical group of America haters is pushing for a Native Hawaiian Recognition Bill, or Akaka Bill, that even the bill’s sponsor U.S. Sen. Dan Akaka admits could lead to the new Native Hawaiian govenment becoming an independent nation. The bill comes up for a vote in the Senate this September, and has the enthusiastic support of this current governor, lieutenant governor and entire Hawaii congressional delegation.
Most striking is not just Republican Gov. Linda Lingle’s push for this bill that could lead to an independent nation within the state, but also her recent high-profile participation in a rally for Hawaiian rights at Iolani Palace.
The rally was supposed to be in support of Kamehameha Schools' Hawaiians-only admission policy -- which she has every right to attend and speak at. But the governor did not seperate herself from several dozen people holding signs that ordered Americans out of Hawaii.
Lingle stood side by side with this vocal minority in front of the local, national and international media -- and before all of the people of Hawaii -- in alliance with those who have the most extreme hatred for America and the most divisive of views.
I was born in Hawaii and have lived here all my life and loved all the beauty of the islands and the Hawaiian language and culture.
I have been one of 1.2 million people who have had the opportunity of a lifetime to enjoy all America and the Hawaiian culture have to offer.
These are not and should not be mutually exclusive rather both the American traditions and Hawaiian traditions should be celebrated with all the enthusiasm the people of the state once had. No more darkness or division -- only appreciation for the radiant beauty of the islands and its people have to offer to all who are here.
The actions -- or lack there of in support of America -- by Hawaii’s political leaders, is a great slap in the face to America’s founding fathers, to the visitors from the mainland U.S. and most of all to the vast majority of residents who are proud to be part of the United States.
They also do a disservice to the many people who have sacrificed so much in the name of freedom and all that is America, including our military, who are fighting to preserve the American way of life.
Happy birthday, Hawaii -- some of us still remember.
Reach Malia Zimmerman, editor and president of Hawaii Reporter, via email at mailto:Malia@hawaiireporter.com
