Eh, maybe Jean-Michel can make one movie about us guys, too.

Worked good for the monk seals. Maybe Bush can be convinced to save some Hawaiians while he's in a magnanimous mood.

Save the endangered Native Hawaiians and their habitat, the Southeastern Hawaiian Islands.

If the monk seals, sea birds and some big tunas can score federal protection under the Bush administration, can't the president and his party spare some compassion for a culture that has lost more than natural habitat and population numbers, and that scores at the top of nearly every negative social statistic?

Bush's effusive comments on the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands, coming on the heels of Republican senators' remarks about the rights Native Hawaiians don't have the right to ask for, provided shocking contrast:

"We will preserve access for Native Hawaiian cultural activities," Bush said. "For more than a thousand years, Native Hawaiians sailed these waters and visited these islands as part of sacred journeys. The islands are dotted with archaeological treasures and traditional sites of worship. This monument will protect the cultural ties that Native Hawaiians have to these lands and waters. We respect these natives' beliefs, and this monument will safeguard both the natural and spiritual treasures of the region. And for this reason, we will consult with Native Hawaiian leaders to give this monument a Native Hawaiian name."

So wait, when it comes to seals, they care what Hawaiians think, but when it comes to Keali'i Pauahi's money, ceded lands and self-determination, they don't want to hear it? They'll let Hawaiians name the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands, kind of like a fourth-grade poster contest.

What's the Hawaiian word for "hypocrisy"?

Bush's comments indicated that the documentary Cousteau showed him — and a photo of his dad with the late Jacques Cousteau — made quite an impact.

"I want to thank Jean-Michel Cousteau for joining us. He just showed me a picture of another president — well, two fathers kind of gathered together. And it's proud for two sons to be carrying on the legacy of conservation. He's made a really important movie that I hope people will watch about the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands. I think the American people will understand better about why I made the decision I made when they see the movie that Jean-Michel has produced.

"... Jean-Michel put it this way, he said, 'How can we protect what we don't understand?' "

Eh, no kidding. And wasn't that at the heart of the ignorant statements being made about the Akaka bill?

Maybe Jean-Michel can kokua Hawaiians, too, because what's the good of saving animals when the rights, inheritance and legacy of an indigenous people are being willfully dismantled? The sum total doesn't equal a better world.

Lee Cataluna's column runs Tuesdays, Fridays and Sundays. Reach her at 535-8172 or lcataluna@honoluluadvertiser.com.