US Navy returns Island to Hawaiians

[The Sushi Bandit]

http://the.honoluluadvertiser.com/article/2003/Nov/13/ln/ln08a.html


In an event awaited for 27 years, parts of the "body" of Kaho'olawe — stones from 12 of its 'ili, or land divisions — served as focal points for yesterday's rites marking the transfer of the island from US Navy to state control. The Kaho'olawe offering symbolizes the beginning of what sovereignty activists hope is the return of lands to Hawaiians, Tsuha said.

Cameras were banned from the rites, in which each stone was presented by representatives of the Hawaiian community and various government officials. There were chants, and the sounding of the pu, or conch shell.

[La_Serpiente]

1. Woohoo

too bad they blew the crap out of it...however, I am happy that it is back in Hawaiian hands.

KEEP HAWAIIAN LANDS, IN HAWAIIAN HANDS!!!!

Thank you George Helm and to the PKO. We thank you for all you have done.

[proud patriot]

2. YAYYYYYYYYY!!!!!!!!

Aloha

[stevedeshazer]

3. Great news

We gotta lot of lands to return.

[KamaAina]

4. Maika'i no! (Very fine, indeed!)

The Navy conducted the longest sustained air raid in all of history against tiny Kaho'olawe -- and Kaho'olawe won out in the end!

Aside: The name "Kaho'olawe" means "that which was taken away". That has always been its name, dating back centuries before the Navy (or any other haoles) ever showed up.... (cue Twilight Zone theme)

[The Sushi Bandit]

5. I just hope they can continue to remove the bombs

I would hate to know that someone would get hurt because the Navy did an incomplete job.