Ike Pono Series Preview: “The Annexation Myth”

MINI PREVIEW of IKE PONO: Talk Session One

IKE PONO: Lecture One “The Annexation Myth”
with Law Professor, Williamson Chang

For a complete experience, join us at the event.
SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 18th
3:00pm to 5:00pm
Native Books, Ward Warehouse
Sponsored by Pae Aina Productions
Hosted by Native Books

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As Professor Chang sees it, Hawaii faces a crisis. That crisis comes in form three judicial decisions—invalidating the elections of the Office of Hawaiian Affairs, the preference for Hawaiians at Kamehameha and denying Hawaiians standing to be heard as to the disposition of the ceded lands. It is a crisis of creation. Namely, it is the creation myth of Hawaii that is at stake. No, he is not speaking “kumulipo” creation myth of the Hawaiian people, rather he is referring to the “annexation” of Hawaii, that great myth that tells of how Hawaii became territory of the United States.

Read the rest in the extended entry...

In 1898, “annexation” did not have the meaning assumed today. In 1898, “annexation” did not mean, as understood today, that “Hawaii became territory of the United States.” Instead, the facts show that in 1898 neither Hawaii nor the United States desired Hawaii to become “territory of the United States.” “Annexation” had a slippery meaning, meaning given to various and different interpretations over time.

Professor Chang asserts that, at least until Statehood, there was an implicit political compact, a silent understanding, if you will that Hawaii was unique. Certain laws of the United States applied, and others did not. Hawaii was within the United States for these purposes, a foreign country for others.

Initially, a key element of this understanding related to the status and rights of Hawaiians. The United States could never openly justify its occupation of Hawaii. Indeed, the United States could not even explain its presence in Hawaii in ordinary terms. Ultimately, “annexation” like the “immaculate conception” became the concept, which justified, but could never explain, America’s presence in Hawaii. Given the vulnerability of the myth -- one of the unstated “rules” was that the Hawaiian people and Hawaiians ways would persist. Only Hawaiians had reasons to challenge the myth.

Part of the implicit compact was to maintain the Kamehameha Schools, and to view them as “hands off’. If unconstitutional today—it was always unconstitutional. One simply did not “raise” that issue –it was part of learning how to live in Hawaii—learning about what was “unique” about Hawaii. Just like the annexation myth—no one could really explain why it could not be raised. It was the “local way.”

Today, the political landscape of Hawaii has changed.

There are people demanding an explanation. To understand the Kamehameha Schools—one is obliged to understand “annexation”. Yet, that is the point–that you cannot have one without the other. Today, those defending the school seek to do so without revealing “annexation.”

From the perspective of those with a stake in maintaining the myth of annexation-namely the political leadership of the State of Hawaii and the United States, this is a nightmare. It is the case that should never have been brought—for destroying the schools can only be explained if one also explains how the United States acquired the Hawaiian Islands. It cannot be done—that’s why there is a myth.

Thus in Doe v. Kamehameha, we find the odd partnership of state politicians and Hawaiians defending the school-both groups equally upset and both equally unable to explain why this case so upsets them. Most Hawaiians simply don’t know the truth—the politicians know but cannot say.

It is in this mute silence that we see why “annexation” cannot be examined simply as a legal question—but one involving the power of myth.

JOIN US Sunday, September 18th for an expanded discussion on the events of 1898 and their connection to key legal cases, namely the Kamehameha Schools vs. John Doe.

UA PAU

Posted: Thu - September 15, 2005 at 08:44 AM

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Ike Pono Series Preview: “The Annexation Myth”

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