Hawaiian Man Refuses to Speak English in Court: ʻŌlelo Hawaiʻi Nō Ka Lāhui

Maui Now

26 Jan 201803:45

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

00:00

🎶 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

A bench warrant is a legal document issued by a judge that orders the arrest of an individual who has failed to appear in court. In the video, a bench warrant was initially issued for Samuel Coleco Akka Al for speaking only in Hawaiian during a trial, which relates to the broader issue of cultural and linguistic rights in the judicial system.

💡Native Hawaiian Educator

The term refers to an educator from the Native Hawaiian community, specifically someone involved in promoting Hawaiian culture, language, and rights. Samuel Coleco Akka Al is described as a Native Hawaiian educator, highlighting his role in advocating for the preservation of Hawaiian traditions and language in the face of legal challenges.

💡Hawaiian Language (ʻŌlelo Hawaiʻi)

Hawaiian language is a critical aspect of the video, as Samuel Coleco Akka Al chose to speak in Hawaiian during his trial, emphasizing his cultural identity and linguistic rights. His choice reflects a larger movement to preserve and assert the use of the Hawaiian language, which was marginalized in the past.

💡Daniel K. Inouye Solar Telescope

The Daniel K. Inouye Solar Telescope is a scientific facility that has been a focal point of protests, particularly from Native Hawaiians who oppose its construction on culturally significant land. Samuel Coleco Akka Al's arrest stems from his involvement in a demonstration against this telescope, highlighting the conflict between development and cultural preservation.

💡Cultural Rights

Cultural rights refer to the rights of individuals and communities to maintain and develop their cultural identity, language, and practices. In the video, Samuel Coleco Akka Al's defense is framed as a fight for his cultural rights, specifically the right to defend himself in Hawaiian and protest against the destruction of sacred sites.

💡Prosecution

The prosecution refers to the legal team responsible for bringing charges against an individual. In this case, Samuel Coleco Akka Al questions the motives of the prosecution, suggesting that their actions aim to suppress his political organizing and cultural defense, raising concerns about potential bias in the judicial system.

💡Human Rights

Human rights are the basic rights and freedoms that belong to every person. Samuel Coleco Akka Al argues that his choice to speak in Hawaiian is a matter of human rights, particularly the right to express his cultural identity and defend himself in his native language during a criminal trial.

💡Mauna Kea Protests

The Mauna Kea protests refer to a broader movement where Native Hawaiians opposed the construction of telescopes on Mauna Kea, a mountain considered sacred. This event is connected to the protest against the Daniel K. Inouye Solar Telescope, showing a pattern of resistance against developments on culturally significant land.

💡Interpreter

An interpreter is a person who translates spoken language from one language to another. In the video, the need for an interpreter in the trial is discussed, raising the issue of whether the court system adequately accommodates speakers of Hawaiian, a language that has official status in Hawaii but is not always supported in legal proceedings.

💡Cultural Preservation

Cultural preservation refers to the effort to maintain and protect the traditions, language, and practices of a particular group. Samuel Coleco Akka Al's protest and choice to speak in Hawaiian are framed as acts of cultural preservation, as he seeks to defend his heritage against both legal and societal forces that he perceives as threatening it.

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.