OHA CEO Statement On Haleakalā Demonstration

HONOLULU (August 4, 2017) – “OHA is deeply concerned by reports that police allegedly used excessive force during the peaceful Haleakalā telescope demonstration on Aug. 2.

OHA urges state officials to investigate the incident and evaluate whether the use of force policies sufficiently protect all citizens, including those engaged in civil protest, from unnecessary harm.

Native Hawaiians have a long history of engaging in civil disobedience to address historical and ongoing injustices, including the desecration of sacred lands and iwi kūpuna.  We as a society have a kuleana to ensure the safety of those who peacefully pursue justice.”