What Does a Hawaiian Look Like?
Dr. Pua Mills-KaʻaiPhD Political Science,
Principal, Educator Kamehameha Middle Schools-Kapalama Dr. Kaʻai was raised in Punaluʻu, Oʻahu by a Hawaiian father and mother from Boston, Massachusetts. She was raised practicing traditional Hawaiian practices such as fishing and the preparation of food. However, it was her connection to family and taking care of others in which she truly identified as being Hawaiian.
Prior to the year 2002, elections for the Office of Hawaiian Affairs were restricted only to people with kanaka blood. Dr. Kaʻai shared an experience in which she was called out of the line because of her appearance. It wasnʻt until voter officials recognized her father, who also was in line, that they apologized and allowed her back in. Through her experience as an educator in Hawaiʻi she acknowledges the confusion that there is amongst the Hawaiian community on the issue of appearance. She believes that what binds us together as Hawaiians is the determination that Hawaiians have to keep on giving in the face of conflict. |