"WHY YOU SHOULD MAHALO THE GRASSROOT INSTITUTE"

From FreeHawaii, December 9, 2015

You’re Kidding, Right? Why Would I Want To Say Mahalo To Them?

Could It Be Because They Did Something You Couldn’t?

Watch This To See Why You Couldn’t & Why They Now Deserve Everyone’s Thanks. 

Then Share This Video Today With Your Family & Everyone You Know.

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Hawaiian Independence Activists Thank Grassroot Institute for Election Lawsuit

Free Hawaii video puts aside political differences in face of larger victory

News Release from Grassroot Institute

HONOLULU, HAWAII--December 9, 2015--In a rebuke to those who assume that the Na'i Apuni nation-building effort has the full support of Native Hawaiians, a group of Hawaiian activists is thanking the Grassroot Institute for its role in stopping the election. In a video uploaded to You Tube, 'Ehu Kekahu Cardwell of the Koani Foundation urges followers to "mahalo" the Grassroot Institute, putting aside political differences in the face of a more significant victory.

In the video, Cardwell compares the Grassroot Institute to rescuers in heavy seas, pointing out that it is senseless to follow a political litmus test in such circumstances. Keli'i Akina, President of the Grassroot Institute applauded Cardwell's sentiments and thanked all Hawaiians who have been part of the fight against the efforts to create a Hawaiian tribe.

"As the Grassroot Institute's first kanaka maoli executive and president, I have been grateful that the organization has updated and clarified the role it desires to play with respect to native Hawaiian issues," stated Dr. Akina. "Specifically, we absolutely stand with those who oppose US government control over native Hawaiians, whether that be at the federal or state level."

Dr. Akina continued, "The principles on which the Grassroot Institute is founded include a deep respect for civil liberties. Thus whether we agree or not, we defend the right of those who seek to challenge the existing Federal and state governments with a vision of an independent Hawaiian government.  This right to challenge or protest and even to seek to 'institute new Government' is guaranteed by the Constitution reflects the very spirit of the Declaration of Independence."  

"Though we have won a victory in the courts, the issue is still very much alive. Action from the Department of Interior can still create a tribe despite the work of groups like the Grassroot Institute and our Hawaiian allies. It is our hope that we can all work together for a vision of a great Hawaii for the future of our keiki, and there must be many voices who interact in the creation of this vision."

"We have been proud to stand alongside Free Hawaii, the Koani Foundation and many other kanaka maoli groups, and greatly admire their integrity in embracing a vision which does not divide people on the basis of race or genetics.  The aloha spirit is one of inclusiveness and this is the glory and greatness of Hawaii nei. In the words of the motto we have embraced since my partnering with Grassroot, "E Hana Kakou!"  - let's work together!" Dr. Akina concluded.

The Free Hawaii video can be viewed at: https://youtu.be/XJo9gqUjZvE

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