Restore, reclaim, and perpetuate what is actually history
Since his letter to the editor on April 12, I have wondered what “vast history” Kai Lee was accusing Rep. Jeanne Kapela of trying to erase.
Surely, if we were to follow that logic, then perhaps we should rename Kealakekua Bay as Captain Cook Bay since that’s where he died. Or, maybe we should suggest our fellow citizens on Kauaʻi rename the Waimea River to Captain Cook River since he landed there also. Or, perhaps we should ask Congress to rename us as the State of Sandwich as opposed to the State of Hawaii.
But, of course, we wouldn’t do that because place names like Kealakekua, Waimea, Kaʻawaloa are not just part of our “vast” history, they are “actual” history. These names have special, sacred meanings. They establish and identify our pilina to kupuna and to ʻaina.
I cannot seem to understand the hesitation or the opposition to Rep. Kapela’s resolution. Kaʻawaloa is the actual place name and long outdates “Captain Cook.” And, Rep. Kapela has pilina to that ʻaina. Perhaps, it’s because she’s a Democrat and, all of a sudden, we don’t seem to like them anymore.
Or, maybe there are those who secretly wish to hang on to symbols of European colonization, occupation, oppression, and dare I say, genocide. Maybe the sound of his name gives them a gushy feeling inside — one of pride, power, and privilege. They call it cancel culture. In reality, our ancestors canceled Captain Cook back in 1779.
Whatever the reason may be, they are the ones who are erasing our “vast” history. There is no real substance to sticking to the name Captain Cook. He offered nothing to Hawaii except claims of “discovery” and perhaps a scrumptious meal at noontime. I say that Kai Lee of Honaunau and even Wryen Cipriano-Kiwaha of Hoʻokena, should let those with pilina like Jeanne Kapela of Kaʻawaloa restore, reclaim, and perpetuate what is actually history.
Rev. Wryen Cipriano-Kiwaha
Kealia-Hoʻokena
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Plenty to share
I was happy to read the letter from Dennis Lawson, regarding the benefits of feral chickens and have something to add. The Waimea Nature Park, Ulu La‘au, located in Waimea, is overrun with chickens of all sizes. There are many young ones right now and they are very easy to catch. If you have the space, would like to raise chickens for eggs or food, or want to increase your existing population, we have plenty to share. Feral hens that live off bugs and plants, lay the best eggs.
Cheryl Langton
Waimea Outdoor Circle
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