LEO 'ELELE - TRUSTEE MESSAGES

Ending a circle of destruction

Boyd P. Mossman Trustee, Maui

'Ano'ai kākou. Abuse is a word that most definitely has negative connotations and suggests the absence of self-control, humility, integrity and charity, and the overabundance of greed, selfishness and pride on the part of the abuser. I have had the occasion to know and sometimes be close to those who have been both abusers and abused. Whether it is drug abuse, alcohol abuse, child abuse, spouse abuse, verbal abuse, emotional abuse, sex abuse or physical abuse, the result is the same: grief, unhappiness and worse.

The indigenous people of the United States have been especially prone to suffer the scourge of abuse and one may wonder why. Some claim that aboriginals should be treated no differently from immigrants and should not use the excuse that the United States stole their lands, their livelihoods, their government and their families to justify their own inadequacies.

Hawaiians today comprise about 20 percent of the population of our state. There are some who are by blood 100 percent, a few more are 50 percent and the vast majority are of lesser percentages. Before Captain Cook there were more than 400,000 Hawaiians in Hawai'i. By 1893 there were less than 40,000 Hawaiians, a result of the introduction of disease, despair and drink. Abuse of Hawaiians and to Hawaiians led to abuse by Hawaiians in an evil circle of destruction that has continued until today. The once strong sense of family and community which attached to the 'āina has been in large part replaced by homelessness, unemployment, ill health, ignorance, imprisonment and all the consequences of the disintegration of the family. In addition, drugs and alcohol continue to take their toll, as with the other indigenous peoples of America, on our Hawaiian families who must suffer abuse in all forms.

It seems that today indigenous people including Hawaiians are threatened with their own demise from both within and from without their own families. An attitude of disdain often overcomes the common sense of individuals stuck on the road of abuse and any help offered or advice given, or pleas to listen are too often rejected in favor of continuing abuse and mistreatment of others.

True, there are many Hawaiians who have succeeded and worked hard who do well in our community today as with many other natives of our nation. The challenge is to reach those who have not yet been able to rise above the aggravated abuse imposed upon the Hawaiian nation by the overthrow and which chains our people with their own attitudes.

A new government for Hawaiians recognized by Congress could address the most apparent needs of housing, jobs, incarceration, education, health etc., by focusing its assets upon these needs. But the attitudes of our people must transcend the abuse of the past and present and return to the dignity, discipline, steadfastness and family cohesiveness of our ancestors. Why do we need to drink alcohol and abuse ourselves and others? Why do we need to smoke and kill ourselves? Why do we need to use illicit drugs? Why do we need to tolerate physical and emotional abuse of others? Why do we need to continue to fill the prisons? Why do we need to be dishonest in a dishonest society? Is it not about time we Hawaiians give more and receive less; work together, not against one another; learn of our culture and appreciate our ancestors; not be selfish, rude, disrespectful and ungrateful; work smarter as well as harder; and kūlia i ka nu'u? We can all have loving families, peace-filled hearts, quiet consciences and contented homes if we recognize our own weaknesses and plan with faith to overcome them.