Letters for Jan. 9, 2016 Sovereignty issue solution remains uncertain In his recent column Allan Parachini waded bravely into the morass of Native Hawaiian sovereignty issues and concluded, correctly in my opinion, that independence and restoration of the Hawaiian Kingdom
Letters for Jan. 9, 2016
Sovereignty issue solution remains uncertain
In his recent column Allan Parachini waded bravely into the morass of Native Hawaiian sovereignty issues and concluded, correctly in my opinion, that independence and restoration of the Hawaiian Kingdom are impossible at this time, but then argued dubiously that “something must be done to address the hardships and perceived injustices that Native Hawaiians face.”
It is certainly true that in the 19th century the Native Hawaiians suffered grievous setbacks with the overthrow of the Hawaiian Kingdom and their depopulation. But it is unclear what Mr. Parachini believes are the hardships and injustices that the Native Hawaiians are now facing or what their advocates are now contending that, short of independence, should be done about them.
This indecision is complicated by the fact that Native Hawaiian protagonists have not been forthcoming about what, other than independence, they are seeking. Mr. Parachini’s suggestion for a non-existing governance model seems elusively imprecise.
Perhaps it would be worthwhile progress if the Native Hawaiians would recognize that they are seeking from today’s Hawaiian residents redress for actions claimed to have been done by their ancestors and abandon their aspirations for political control which won’t occur and direct their aspirations to other areas which might address their grievances. It is a very real problem that many people are sympathetic to the discontent of our indigenous population but are unable to identify a thoughtful solution that will provide reasonable satisfaction.
Walter Lewis
Lihue
Animal transfer an amazing effort
In addition to enjoying the Garden Isle for almost three weeks, kudos to three groups — the Kauai Humane Society, Alaska Airlines,
and Kitsap (Washington State) Humane Society — who provided a very unexpected treat at the end of our stay.
Our flight to Seattle on Dec. 24 was scheduled to leave around 2 p.m. With the support of Kauai Humane Society volunteers and
Alaska Airlines’ policies, we met a highly competent KHS volunteer accompanied by our rescue dog “Dexter” at check-in. KHS
volunteers helped Dexter make a smooth delivery to the gate and the Alaska ground crew took him to the plane.
Our estimated time of arrival in Seattle was 10 p.m. PST, Christmas Eve. Upon arrival, we called Marji, a volunteer from Kitsap HS and she was waiting at baggage claim. Margi transferred Dexter to her car. In the rain and dark she drove Dexter (a three-hour round trip) to the Kitsap Humane Society.
Although appearing to be a routine occurrence/event, the Airlines’ and the Humane Societies volunteers’ efforts on this particular day were remarkable. Alaska Airlines provided free transport to Dexter and offers to do the same for Humane Society dogs traveling to
Washington, Oregon, and California. The Kauai Humane Society volunteers were exceptional. The Kitsap Humane Society volunteer Marji’s solo round trip was extraordinary!
The caring and friendly people we met throughout our stay on Kauai will ensure we come back and spread the word: Go to Kauai!
And bring back a Humane Society dog!
Phil Sandifer
Kirkland, Wash.
