LIHUE — Cheryle Johnston carried a sign with a three simple words Saturday: “Free the children.”
The Kalaheo’s woman’s verbal message was just as concise.
“All kids belong with their families,” she said. “They shouldn’t be taken away.”
Johnston was one of about 500 people, keiki to kupuna, who turned out for a two-hour rally near the Lihue Airport to protest the “zero tolerance” immigration policies of President Donald Trump that has seen children being separated from parents. The rally was one of hundreds across the nation as many called for kids and parents to be reunited.
As many of the protesters waved and held their signs high on a sunny day, drivers passing by often honked and sometimes waved from the window. And when a horn sounded, people yelled and cheered in return.
One woman wore a Donald Trump mask. Another danced to the beating drums. When a car broke down in front of the rally, a small crowed quickly gathered to push it out of the roadway, earning more applause.
A few politicians showed up, too, but for the most part, this was about private individuals taking time to show their disapproval of Trump’s actions regarding immigrants trying to reach America. One man said if any pro-Trump supporters showed up, he would not hesitate to let them know what he thought of the president.
There were colorful signs delivering messages like, “Yes, we care,” “People, unite to end this plight,” “How dare you?” and “Resist racist policies.”
Others called for the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement to be abolished.
Kristina Rollins held a sign that read, “Children are NOT pawns in Trump’s sick political game,” while her son, Zenith Rollins, held a sign that said, “Shame on you! Mr. Trump.”
Kristian Rollins said she does not support Trump’s actions and wanted to show her disapproval during the rally.
“I think it’s important for all of us to get out and have our voices heard,” she said.
Mary Kopitzke of Kalaheo said she wanted to be there because “it’s incredibly important to stand up for all people.”
“All of us were immigrants in some way, shape or form at one time,” she said. “We all came from someplace else.”
Immigrants seeking to enter America are after a better life, and they should be welcomed, she said.
“To tell them, ‘No, you can’t,’ to that I say, ‘Why?’” Kopitzke said.
Liisa Vandermeer of Kapaa said what’s happening now with immigrant families is scary and can’t be allowed to continue. Her sign read, “Hate does not make America great.”
“We need to show that we care about these kids, we need to stop this process,” she said.
David Silver of Kalaheo held a sign that said, “Vote! Blue tsunami,” with a large wave in the background.
“It breaks my heart to see what happening,” he said.
Silver fears that under Trump’s presidency, people are losing civil liberties and that will continue unless the people rise up and say “no more.”
“I’ve been nervous since Trump became president because he’s following basically the handoo0k of fascism,” he said.
Silver said America should allow refugees in. His grandparents came to America from Europe.
“They came because they were being chased out of their countries for their religion,” he said.
Vandermeer, when asked for her suggestion on what to do with the country’s immigration policy, said families must be kept together.
“Don’t complicate the process,” she said.
Brian McKenzie of Lihue said Trump’s immigration policy was ridiculous.
“This is a nation of immigrants,” McKenzie said. “Why would we all of the sudden stop immigration?”
McKenzie said he used to work as an educator in California and was involved with DREAM Act children (Development, Relief and Education for Alien Minors Act).
“I just think it’s awful what Donald Trump’s doing to young people,” McKenzie said.
Hana Neerings of Wainiha held a sign that read “Demand kids and families be set free.” She was more direct when asked for her opinion.
“I’m absolutely appalled about what’s happened,” she said. “I think it’s against all the values of our country.”
Neerings believed that the thousands protesting across the country would have an impact and lead to change in the country’s immigration policies.
“I think speaking the truth always makes a difference,” she said.
Kap Richard of Koloa said she has never heard of separating young children from parents at the border. The former therapist said such separation causes lifelong damage.
“It can be coped with, but it can never be fixed,” she said.
Mary Caston of Lihue held a posterboard with pictures of children behind a fence. Families of other countries are trying to enter America not so they can commit crimes, she said, but in search of a better life.
America can do better than children from parents, she said.
“It’s really difficult to see this and not doing something about it,” she said. “The more freaky it is that this is America and this is going on. It’s appalling.”
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Bill Buley, editor-in-chief, can be reached at 245-0457 or bbuley@thegardenisland.com.
