By the way, Hawaiian nationalists have taken over the old royal palace. They've locked themselves in.
The building is adjacent to the state capital.
State Sen. Kalani English — a Native Hawaiian and a Democrat from East Maui-Lanai-Molokai — came over from the Capitol to speak with some of the protesters, and had his staff take them food.
"This is the manifestation of the frustration of the Hawaiian people for the loss of sovereignty and land," English said.
"It is symbolic. This made a statement. It got the word out about the plight of the Hawaiian people," he said.
Richard Kinney, who described himself as an independent Hawaiian nationalist, said he went to the Capitol to show his support. He carried an upside-down Hawaii state flag, signaling distress.
"The sovereignty of these islands is inherent to the Hawaiian people, and we've never relinquished that," he said.
"Occupying any land, including Iolani Palace, is the beginning," Kinney said.
Meanwhile, the Republic of Lakotah website says they were planning on having a meeting April 4-6, but doesn't say how it went.
Russell Means was running for Pine Ridge Reservation President 2008 at the beginning of April, but I can't find anything on Google about that race. |
