Lessons from Hawaii’s past
In ancient Hawaii, warfare was often fierce, yet pu’uhonua, places of refuge, existed where the defeated and noncombatants could flee and be spared from harm. Also, during the makahiki season, about a third of the year, warfare was outlawed.
In the 19th century, Hawaii’s rulers and diplomats, aware of being a small nation in a world of mighty ones, negotiated treaties with the world powers. One feature of these treaties was agreeing to respect Hawaii’s neutral status, thus making Hawaii, in effect, a pu’uhonua in the Pacific for belligerent nations in the event of war. Most nations respected these treaties.
Often, when modern people learn of these things, they may think: well, if you can ban warfare a third of the year, why not get rid of it all the time? Or, why only those who reach pu’uhonua, why not treat all defeated humanely? Or, what good are those treaties when one country failed to honor them?
The goal and achievement of all of these is to reduce suffering and put limits on the violence and barbarism of war.
Not only did Hawaii attempt these measures; conventions against attacking and killing civilians and treating captured soldiers humanely exist now and have existed in many places at many times. World War I saw many poisoned by gas. The world recoiled in horror, and treaties barring use of chemical and germ warfare were implemented and have mostly been honored.
I think we should be happy the treaty banning nuclear weapons went into effect Jan. 22 and look forward with hope, while being aware of the reality that as long as the nine nuclear powers aren’t signed up, our work still lies ahead. People cherishing and respecting one another is the key; treaties, though imperfect, are valuable tools along the way.
Kiko Johnston-Kitazawa
Captain of nuclear disarmament/peace education vessel Golden Rule
and a Ka‘u resident
Let truth and justice prevail
The impeachment document has been delivered to the Senate for deliberation and vote. The Senate makes up its own rules for the proceeding. It decides who will preside as president of the trial and it can decide to make the vote by secret ballot on the single Article of Impeachment. Juries across America every week decide cases by secret ballot.
This is a critical time and event for American democracy and the importance of this trial cannot be over stated. The decision to acquit or convict needs to be done without fear, unfettered from political beliefs or repercussions. Only one man is on trial for this vote. The Senate should decide this very important vote by secret ballot. Let truth and justice prevail to determine the future of American democracy.
Ray Anders
Holualoa
A nation divided
So why is the country so savagely divided? (Because the other side are idiots.) The left violently rioted for weeks over the summer in multiple cities. The right recently followed in D.C.
Actually, a major cause is information overload. Since you can find almost anything you want on the infinite internet — including “facts” that prove you are right and wrong — both sides can find “proof” that they are “right”.
Who is fact checking the fact checkers?
Only in this techno age, we have a tsunami of information screaming at us almost 24/7. But, our ability to discern truth and relevance has fallen far far behind. In short, most people give up and simply believe the information they want to believe.
So guard against what you want to believe. That is what can destroy you and everything dear. It is what has destroyed the greatest of men and nations.
Leighton Loo
Mililani, Oahu
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