ISLAND VOICES
Future of Islands depends on us all
Carl Grunow is an Army major on his second tour in Hawai'i.
In his plea for Hawaiians to "become political" (Focus, April 20), Adrian Kamali'i describes a "we-they" situation in which the Hawaiian "host culture" must struggle against dark forces to preserve native lands, heritage and people.
In calling for this struggle, Mr. Kamali'i is effective in sounding the alarm, but he risks sending his forces into the political fray unarmed and without allies.
A great political leader once stated that politics is "the art of the possible." Hawaiian leaders from Kamehameha I onward have been extraordinarily effective in understanding this truth.
In the modern effort to safeguard Hawaiian culture, lands and people, there are many allies. No political candidate in this state could survive without vowing to protect all three. The tourist industry funds thousands of venues where modern native musicians and artists perpetuate Hawaiian ways. More permanent bulwarks against cultural loss include the Bishop Museum, the Merrie Monarch Festival, the Polynesian Cultural Center and the Kamehameha Schools.
Vigilant political leaders will continue to work with the military to ensure the effective stewardship of both Makua Valley and Fort DeRussy. Hawaiian leaders should not shun or alienate allies who can advance commonly shared goals.
Still, Mr. Kamali'i is correct to advocate energetic and continuous action. There is no doubt that the leaders in a democracy have a much larger challenge than the Hawaiian monarchs. The politics of democracy are far messier than unquestioned edicts issued by a sovereign king or queen.
The future progress of these Islands will depend on Hawaiians, kama'aina, military, agriculturalists and even tourists who care for this land, the Hawaiian culture and its entire people. Persons of Hawaiian ancestry should not become jealous or shortsighted in their fight for these widely shared values.
For over 200 years, successful Island leaders have understood that they lead a multicultural land permeated with the legacy of a unique Hawaiian heritage. Today and in the future, Hawaiians committed to preserving this heritage will always find an abundance of political power ready to respond to the call.
