What Does a Hawaiian Look Like?
Dr. Willy KauaiPhD Political Science,
Director of Native Hawaiian Student Services University of Hawaiʻi—Mānoa Dr. Kauai was born to a dark skin, pure Hawaiian father who was a paniolo and a white American mother whose complexion he inherited.
His appearance has called attention to him whenever conversations of identity would come about and most times the attention was not wanted. Because of his last name, "Kauai," he was often scrutinized because of his appearance. Once someone found out he had Native Hawaiian blood, he was most likely questioned about his quantity. At times he would justify his blood quantum to match his appearance "Being 'Hawaiian' was predicated on the idea that race was biological; therefore skin color and phenotype were preeminent factors that determined acceptance as being 'Hawaiian'." Dr. Willy Kauai has researched Hawaiian history and politics at the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa and obtained his doctoral degree in political science. His dissertation was on the topic of Hawaiian citizenship in the 19th century during the days of the Hawaiian Kingdom; specifically if obtaining citizenship was race-based. The short answer is no. If an individual wanted to be a citizen of the Hawaiian Kingdom, (aside from paying taxes) all one had to do was take an oath of allegience. Dr. Kauai did mention that further research should and needs to be done on the topic of the rights of women as well in order to get a more complete outlook on citizenship and rights as a whole. For further insight on Dr. Kauai's research, feel free to view Dr. Kauai's presentation on Hawaiian Citizenship here:
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