As people go out to buy their red, white and blue, flag-themed items to celebrate July 4 as the great American holiday of Independence, I cringe at having to see the increase of the decor.
For me, it is a reminder that one of the greatest bullying military forces on the planet claims to own Hawaii. A boast that no laws, rules or decree will keep it from pursuing its quest of obtaining resources, destroying cultures, and continuing to claim to be the greatest country on Earth by being the biggest destructive force.
The day I celebrate Independence comes at the end of July — July 31, Sovereignty Restoration Day, when Hawaii celebrates its restoration of independence from the British in 1843.
One day we will stop perpetuating the lie of Hawaii being the 50th state, and be the self-sustaining, ‘ahupua‘a system, living islands we long to be.
Summer Yadao
Ewa
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