SB 1085
3/18/09
Dear Madam Chair Carroll, Madam Vice-Chair Shimabukuro and members of the House,
Aloha! My name is (INSERT NAME). Thank you very much for your consideration in reading my e-mail.
Senate Bill 1085 presents us all with a very important opportunity. We live in a complex society here in Hawai‘i, with a richness in diversity unique to anywhere else in the United States, and possibly the world. We are also extremely fortunate in that we are able to enjoy and prosper from a natural environment of incredible beauty – a beauty that is both intrinsically finite and fragile.
Unfortunately, BOTH the sense of community AND the irreplaceable value of the ‘āina which binds our diverse society have been and continue to be undermined by the historic and continuing injustices that have occurred here in Hawai‘i. These injustices, although inflicted in different ways against different groups of people, have consistently been perpetrated by the powerful few against the disenfranchised masses. Sadly, these injustices have been (and continue to be) often “legitimated” through the legal process. I would argue that it is the continued legal legitimation of these injustices that have inflicted the most harm, and pose the greatest threat, to the very essence of what makes living in Hawai‘i such a unique and incredible experience.
Fortunately, however, we have shown that it is possible for the legal process to begin to address these harms, and to provide for the social healing that would truly make Hawai‘i a model for not only the United States, but for countries around the world. We have certainly taken great steps towards this end, but we are clearly not through, especially with respect to the Kanaka Maoli community.
Senate Bill 1085 thus presents us with a remarkable opportunity – during no less of a crucial time than the eve of a US Supreme Court decision that would potentially undermine thirty years of progress – to use the law, not to oppress, but to continue to address the harms of oppression and colonization and cultural genocide.1 I truly believe that this opportunity should not, and must not, be dismissed. And to those misguided few who claim that addressing these harms would not benefit all of us who call Hawai‘i our home – I would have to respectfully, but firmly, disagree.
Please, please, please, take this opportunity to make the right decision and pass SB 1085.
Mahalo nui loa once again for your time and consideration.
(YOUR NAME HERE)
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