Hawaiian Man Refuses to Speak English in Court: ʻŌlelo Hawaiʻi Nō Ka Lāhui
Summary
TLDRA native Hawaiian educator, Samuel Kaleikoa Kaeo, faced arrest for insisting on speaking only Hawaiian during a trial about his arrest at a protest against the construction of the Daniel K. Inouye solar telescope. The bench warrant was recalled, and Kaeo argues that using Hawaiian is a human right and crucial for expressing cultural integrity. The case is rescheduled for a status trial setting with a hearing on the interpreter issue on February 21st.
Takeaways
- 🌞 The bench warrant for the arrest of a native Hawaiian educator on Maui, Samuel Coleco Akka Al, has been recalled.
- 🔍 The warrant was issued after Akka Al spoke only in Hawaiian during a trial related to his arrest at a protest against the Daniel K. Inouye solar telescope construction.
- 🌺 Akka Al believes that the judiciary is targeting him for his political activism and organizing within the Hawaiian community.
- 🗣️ He emphasizes that his decision to speak in Hawaiian during the trial is a reflection of his cultural identity and rights.
- ⚖️ Akka Al questions the actions of the prosecution team and their enforcement of policies that may undermine his Hawaiian identity.
- 🌍 He believes that his best defense is rooted in Hawaiian language and cultural expression, which he feels cannot be fully conveyed in English.
- ⏳ Akka Al is optimistic that future generations will better understand his words in Hawaiian as they become more connected to their cultural heritage.
- 📚 He notes that younger generations of Hawaiians are growing up with a stronger sense of identity, history, and language, compared to past generations.
- 🏞️ The protest at Mauna Kea, led by young Hawaiians raised in the Hawaiian language, symbolizes this resurgence of cultural consciousness.
- 📅 The case has been rescheduled for further hearings, including the issue of whether an interpreter is necessary, and a gathering is planned in front of the old Wailuku courthouse.
Q & A
What was the reason for the arrest of Samuel Kaleikoa Kaeo?
-Samuel Kaleikoa Kaeo was arrested during a demonstration against the construction of the Daniel K. Inouye solar telescope at Haleakala.
Why was a bench warrant issued for Kaeo's arrest?
-The bench warrant was issued when Kaeo chose to speak only in Hawaiian during his trial, which was considered a violation of court proceedings.
What was the outcome of the bench warrant for Kaeo?
-The bench warrant for Kaeo's arrest was recalled.
Why did Kaeo choose to speak in Hawaiian during his trial?
-Kaeo believes it is his human right as a Hawaiian to defend himself in his native language, and he feels that he can best represent his ideas and cultural integrity in Hawaiian.
What does Kaeo think about the judiciary's handling of his case?
-Kaeo suggests that there may be an attempt to pressure him due to his political organizing and that questions should be asked about the prosecution team's decision-making process.
How does Kaeo view the current state of the Hawaiian language and culture?
-Kaeo sees a stronger and more empowered younger generation that is well-versed in Hawaiian history, language, and identity.
What is Kaeo's opinion on the role of the Hawaiian language in legal proceedings?
-Kaeo believes that speaking in Hawaiian is a fundamental right and that it is the best way for him to represent his cultural integrity and defend himself.
What is the significance of the Mauna Kea protest mentioned in the script?
-The Mauna Kea protest is highlighted as an example of the younger generation's empowered stance in preserving Hawaiian culture and identity.
What is the current status of Kaeo's case?
-The case has been rescheduled for a status trial setting and further hearing on the issue of an interpreter for February 21st.
What is the kako Haleakala group's plan regarding the telescope protest?
-The kako Haleakala group, which was involved in the initial telescope protest, has planned a gathering in front of the old Wailuku courthouse.
How does Kaeo perceive the progress towards the betterment of the Hawaiian nation?
-Kaeo feels that progress has been made, as the younger generation is more empowered and knowledgeable about their history and language.
Outlines
🎶 Surprise and Reflection on the Arrest and Warrant
The speaker expresses surprise at recent events, including the arrest warrant issued for Samuel Coleco, a native Hawaiian educator on Maui. The warrant, which has since been recalled, was related to Coleco's decision to speak solely in Hawaiian during a trial concerning his arrest at a demonstration against the Daniel K. Inouye solar telescope. The speaker emphasizes the broader implications of this situation, raising concerns about political motivations and Hawaiian cultural rights.
🤔 Questioning Judicial and Prosecution Policies
The speaker reflects on the prosecution's decision to enforce policies that restrict the use of the Hawaiian language in court. He suggests that the decision may stem from an effort to undermine Hawaiian cultural identity and questions the reasoning behind it. The discussion touches on the struggle for cultural rights, highlighting how these legal restrictions affect not just the judiciary but also the community's ability to defend itself and assert its identity.
💬 Defending the Right to Speak Hawaiian in Court
The speaker defends the right to speak Hawaiian during court proceedings, framing it as a human right tied to his identity and culture. He emphasizes that using his native language allows for more accurate expression of his ideas and cultural integrity. The speaker also argues that historical events, like the overthrow of Queen Liliuokalani, demonstrate the importance of preserving Hawaiian language and identity, even in legal settings.
📚 Generational Shift in Hawaiian Cultural Awareness
The speaker discusses the positive changes in Hawaiian identity among the younger generation. He notes that today's youth are more empowered, with a deep understanding of their history and language, free from the constraints of past educational systems that discouraged Hawaiian culture. The Mauna Kea protests are highlighted as an example of this new consciousness, with younger leaders like Aloha guiding the movement with pride in their Hawaiian heritage.
🗓️ Upcoming Trial and Community Gatherings
The case involving Samuel Coleco has been rescheduled for a status trial and a further hearing on the issue of an interpreter for February 21st. Meanwhile, the group Kako Haleakala, involved in the original protest against the telescope, has planned a gathering in front of the old Wailuku courthouse. The speaker mentions that the full interview and video are available on the website for those interested in more information.
Mindmap
Keywords
💡Bench Warrant
💡Native Hawaiian Educator
💡Hawaiian Language (ʻŌlelo Hawaiʻi)
💡Daniel K. Inouye Solar Telescope
💡Cultural Rights
💡Prosecution
💡Human Rights
💡Mauna Kea Protests
💡Interpreter
💡Cultural Preservation
Highlights
A bench warrant for Samuel Coleco Akka Al was issued due to his choice to speak only in Hawaiian during his trial.
The bench warrant has since been recalled, after its issuance related to his arrest during a demonstration against the construction of the Daniel K. Inouye solar telescope.
Kao expressed his belief that the decision to prosecute him is politically motivated, aimed at suppressing his community activism.
Kao emphasizes that the issue is not just with the judiciary but also with the prosecution team that enforced these policies.
Kao asserts that his right to speak Hawaiian in court is part of his human right to defend his cultural identity as a Hawaiian.
Kao argues that using Hawaiian allows him to express his thoughts and cultural integrity more effectively than in English.
There is concern that translation issues in the courtroom may affect the accurate conveyance of his defense in Hawaiian.
Kao believes that in the future, his statements in Hawaiian will be better understood, reflecting a deeper understanding of Hawaiian culture and history.
The case reflects ongoing tensions surrounding Hawaiian cultural rights, especially in the context of protests against developments like the Mauna Kea telescope.
Kao sees progress in the Hawaiian community, noting that newer generations are growing up empowered with knowledge of their history, language, and identity.
He points to the Mauna Kea protests as an example of a powerful cultural movement led by young Hawaiians raised in Hawaiian language and culture.
The court has rescheduled the case for a status trial and a hearing on the issue of an interpreter.
Kao’s situation brings attention to the broader movement for the recognition and defense of Hawaiian cultural and language rights.
The group Kako Haleakala, which was involved in the original protest, plans a gathering in front of the old Wailuku courthouse.
The interview reflects the broader struggle for Hawaiian cultural preservation and the growing resistance against external pressures on Hawaiian identity.
Transcripts
[Music]
I'm still very surprised I think there's
a lot to learn about exactly what's
going on but it's it's good news
in fact that if there's moving that way
the bench warrant that was issued for
the arrest of a native Hawaiian educator
on Maui has since been recalled the
warrant was issued on Wednesday when
Samuel Coleco akka al chose to speak
only in Hawaiian for a trial involving
his arrest at last year's demonstration
against the construction of the Daniel K
Inouye solar telescope at Tom Pohaku law
we spoke with Kao on the grounds of the
University of Hawaii Maui college campus
for his thoughts Peters beside it for
some strange reason which I don't really
understand why except that I think
they're trying to really put the screws
into my maybe my by political organizing
that'sthat's in a community to dance a
not just being prosecuted by them for
Hawaiian rights issues but now to even
say how I could speak in defending
myself part of the issue we should
realize it's not just what's happening
the judiciary but also questions should
be asked of the my prosecution team
where did that decision come from who
decided in fact to enforce this kind of
policies I mean what would be the
reasoning to do that except to somehow
find a way to deny my Hawaiian Asst
within this argument of this my defense
really saying that it's really about the
defense of our people and the question
of our cultural rights as a people being
proficient in both Hawaiian and English
critics asked why Kao chose to speak in
a little Hawaii during Wednesday's court
proceedings I mean there's two things
they want one of them first of all is
that it is by human right I believe as a
Hawaiian in defense of a criminal case
that is criminalizing me for being
Hawaiian for an act as the Hawaiian try
to defend our culture integrity our
culture rights that as a human right I
have a right based upon the fact to
represent myself in Hawaii it is also
clear anybody understands multiple
languages realizes that really the photo
for me for the best way for me to
represent my ideas and feelings my
cultural integrity is to use our
Hawaiian language and I can say things
in Hawaiian that would not perhaps come
out in the same way in English and even
though there are problems with
translation so that is that that is an
issue also it is
maybe at this time but sometime in the
future I believe that record of what I'm
saying in Hawaiian will be better
understood perhaps given the recent
125th anniversary events of the
overthrow and the recent remembrance of
the 100th anniversary of Queen
Liliuokalani stat we asked kayo if he
feels progress has been made towards the
betterment of the Hawaiian nation
definitely I think what you see going on
is again is talking about now you have
generations of young people from the day
that they were born we're not born with
the shackles on their brains of somehow
an educational system or culture system
that really despised the sense of big
Hawaiian you know today this generation
are born in fact very empowered with the
understanding of the history and their
language and the sense of their identity
so they they cannot but help to behave
and act and think as wine so if you look
at Mauna Kea I think that's a great
example really that so-called rebellion
that occurred on Mauna Kea was led but a
young we're led by people like Aloha who
were born and raised in the hoenn
language though there's definitely a way
stronger and more powerful consciousness
that you find throughout Oahu in the
Hawaiian community the case has been
rescheduled for a status trial setting
and further hearing on the issue of an
interpreter for February 21st the group
kako Haleakala that was involved in the
initial telescope protest has planned a
gathering this afternoon in front of the
old Wailuku courthouse the full
interview and video is posted on our
website at Maui dot-com keeping you up
to date I'm Wendy oh sure
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