Travel ban flies in face of Hawaiian culture

Contrary to what Bob Green may believe, President Trump’s travel ban has everything to do with religion. It has everything to do with the fact that President Trump and his boss, Steve Bannon, are racist, nationalist, fascist, bigots. Mr. Green’s whole argument in his letter only further supports that it is about religion, going so far as to discuss Sharia Law.

I applaud the AG for doing what is right to preserve the values of our island home. From the arrival of Capt. James Cook, to the arrival of missionaries, our ancestors did not vet or pre-judge immigrants as terrorists because of their nationality or religion, although, their descendants proved to be insurgents, without loyalty to their country or the God of their forefathers, who sought to advance American imperialism for their own financial interest.

My non-native ancestors from Portugal, Korea, the Philippines, China, England, and Wales, came to build a new life; marrying Hawaiian sons and daughters and establishing long family lines. As a native Hawaiian, I am a descendant of immigrants who contributed to the growth and development of Hawaii, as loyal Hawaiians, and loyal Americans. Our kupuna have always welcomed people of diverse backgrounds with open and loving arms.

I hope Mr. Green, who is a kamaaina with deep roots here in Hawaii, would be fair in his criticism. If his argument is that a transplant like Mr. Chin shouldn’t be speaking for our culture, then he should also speak up when anyone seeks to do the same, or change our island lifestyle to fit their mainland philosophy. Don’t just do it when the views of the other person don’t reflect your own.

By the way, the Hawaiian word for foreigner is malihini, not malahini as used by Mr. Green. There is no such word as malahini. If he wishes to speak on behalf of our culture, then he should learn to speak our language properly.

W. Keoki Kiwaha is a resident of Honaunau