Representatives of Moku O Keawe ‘Ohana, a grassroots, not-for-profit, Hawai‘i-based organization, announced they will formally protest the arrival of Norwegian Cruise Line’s Pride of Aloha when it arrives at Nawiliwili Harbor this Wednesday. Similar protests were held in Hilo and
Representatives of Moku O Keawe ‘Ohana, a grassroots, not-for-profit, Hawai‘i-based organization, announced they will formally protest the arrival of Norwegian Cruise Line’s Pride of Aloha when it arrives at Nawiliwili Harbor this Wednesday.
Similar protests were held in Hilo and Kona on the Big Island, and another was planned today, Monday, June 28, when the ship was scheduled to arrive in Kahului, Maui.
“At issue is Norwegian Cruise Line’s failure to respect and accept responsibility for the impact that they will have on the Hawaiian culture and environment,” said Kale Gumapac, Moku O Keawe ‘Ohana president.
“Cultural protocols have been ignored, and the overall impact that thousands of tourists will have on the land and sea has not been addressed,” he said.
“We have asked NCL, ‘what is their ho‘okupu to na Kanaka Hawai‘i?’ (gift to Native Hawaiians) Their response was ‘jobs,’” he said.
“Moku O Keawe ‘Ohana (MOKO) views this response as insensitive and degrading in the ho‘okupu protocol to na Kanaka Hawai‘i,” said Gumapac.
The goal of MOKO is to educate, develop, establish and implement Hawaiian protocol and practices in every facet of business in Hawai‘i that affects na Kanaka Hawai‘i, he explained.
“The protocol of ho‘okupu aloha ‘aina (love of and respect for the land) and ho‘okupu aloha na Kanaka will be re-established,” he said.
“We refuse to allow businesses to continue the exploitation of our culture, our lands and our oceans without protest.
“Na Kanaka Hawai‘i will stand in opposition to their imposed exploitation and degradation by protesting at each and every port of call throughout the state of Hawai‘i,” he promised.
The initial focus of MOKO is on the cruise-ship industry (specifically Norwegian Cruise Line), with sights on the hotel and airlines to follow, he said.
Officials from MOKO made several attempts to communicate with Bob Kritzman, NCL’s vice president of Hawai‘i operations for the purpose of open discussion and development, he said.
“Our calls were not returned and ignored.
“We will oppose all cruise ships coming into Hawaiian waters until their operations and a mutually respectful relationship is pono,” said Gumapac.
“We will use all resources, laws and cultural practices to effect change that will effectively protect our culture and ‘aina,” he continued.
“Native tenant rights and cultural intellectual property rights are at the forefront of MOKO’s position.
“Most important is the willing support of grassroots na Kanaka Hawai‘i organizations and the Hawaiian community at large, and the unified desire for our issues and solutions to be heard,” he added.
“The cruise-ship industry is making a direct assault on our culture, natural resources and our way of life that is going to have a devastating impact that will be felt for years to come,” said Gumapac.
“Those businesses that stand to gain the most on the cruise-ship business are willing to sacrifice the host culture as well as the local residents for their own financial gain, as pointed out by an impact study done by our state Legislature,” he continued.
“It is the position of MOKO and na Kanaka Hawai‘i that any business in Hawai‘i, that is not Hawaiian-owned, and in operation for the purpose of making money through the capitalization of the Hawaiian culture, (inclusive of sacred sites, natural and historic areas) will be expected to participate in a ‘cultural preservation assessment,’” he noted.
This assessment shall be used for the preservation, perpetuation and protection of the host culture, the land, historic sites, sacred sites and the beginning of an economic base for na Kanaka Hawai‘i, he said.
“Our cultural history, practices, birthright and self-determined economic development can no longer be ignored.
“As Kanaka Hawai‘i and stewards of our homeland, we rise to the kuleana, or responsibility, to protect the lands and oceans that we claim as Hawai‘i,” he concluded.
