Table of Contents
1 The Essence of Being Hawaiian.
2 Residents of Hawaii: Hawaiians, Locals, and Hawaii Residents.
3 Associated Press issued guidelines on how to refer to people in Hawaii.
4 Comparisons and clarifications with other populations.
5 Respectful communication: a good way to be a visitor in Hawaii or elsewhere.
6 It goes beyond a matter of semantics in Hawaii.
A common question quickly emerged yesterday when using the word “Hawaiian.” It’s important enough that we wanted to take a minute to help clarify an important distinction when referring to residents of Hawaii.
This discussion served to highlight a significant distinction between being “Hawaiian” and being “from Hawaii.” Understanding the difference is essential not only for correct and respectful communication but also for acknowledging the unique cultural identity of Native Hawaiians.
“Please educate me … how do you refer to residents of the state of Hawai’i? I understand your reasoning for referring to the true natives, but I am curious about how to refer to non-native residents.”
The Essence of Being Hawaiian.
You can be born and raised in Hawaii and not be Hawaiian. Here’s why.
The term Hawaiian explicitly refers to the indigenous people of Hawaii, who have a rich cultural and historical heritage. Hawaiians are descendants of the Polynesians who settled the Hawaiian Islands long ago, developing a distinct culture, language, and traditions. This ethnic identity is a source of pride and significance, carrying deep-rooted connections to the land and history of Hawaii.
The origins of native Hawaiians can be traced back to the first Polynesian voyagers who arrived from the Marquesas Islands around 1,500 years ago. Early settlers, these skilled navigators used stars and ocean currents to traverse vast distances across the Pacific Ocean, some 2,500 miles. Centuries later, another wave of Polynesians from Tahiti further influenced Hawaiian culture.
These settlers and their descendants developed a distinct and rich culture, marked by advanced agricultural techniques and a deep spiritual connection to the land. The arrival in Hawaii of Europeans in the late 18th century brought changes, including disease, that drastically reduced the native Hawaiian population. Political upheaval culminated in the overthrow of the Hawaiian monarchy in 1893. Despite these challenges, Native Hawaiians have, to this day, preserved their cultural heritage and are fostering a modern revival celebrating a unique identity and history. Native Hawaiians never directly relinquished their claims to inherent sovereignty to the United States.
According to the Hawaiian Homes Commission Act (HHCA) of 1921, a person must have at least 50% Native Hawaiian blood to be legally recognized as Native Hawaiian. This definition, in part, determines eligibility for certain benefits and land leases provided by the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands (DHHL). If someone has less than 50% ancestry, it may be considered more appropriate to write in lowercase, native Hawaiian.
However, it’s very important to note that cultural and community recognition of native Hawaiian identity can be more inclusive and not strictly tied to blood quantum. Many native Hawaiians emphasize genealogy, cultural practice, and community involvement as essential parts of establishing identity.
“Perhaps you could stop referring to everyone as ‘Hawaiians.’ Hawaiian is an ethnicity, not a collection of zip codes.”
According to the State of Hawaii, “A person may be from Hawaii, but should not be referred to as ‘Hawaiian’ unless they are of native Hawaiian descent.”
Residents of Hawaii: Hawaiians, Locals, and Hawaii Residents.
For those who live in Hawaii but are not of Hawaiian descent, the appropriate terms may be “locals,” “Kamaaina,” or “Hawaii residents.” These distinctions, while real, aren’t as substantive as Hawaiian vs. other terms. These include people from diverse backgrounds who call Hawaii home, whether they were born there (often called locals) or moved to the islands (Hawaii residents). Using these terms helps distinguish between the Native Hawaiian ethnicity and the state’s broader population.
Associated Press issued guidelines on how to refer to people in Hawaii.
Recent Associated Press style guidelines state: “Use the term Hawaii residents — not Hawaiians — for the overall population of Hawaii. Use the term Hawaiian or Hawaiians only for members of the ethnic group indigenous to the Hawaiian Islands.”
Comparisons and clarifications with other populations.
To further clarify, let’s compare this with Alaska, where the naming protocol works quite differently. In Alaska, the term “Alaskan” applies to all Alaska residents, while “Alaska Native” refers to Indigenous peoples. This distinction is different but akin to the differentiation in Hawaii. While all who live in Hawaii can be called residents or locals, only those of Indigenous Hawaiian descent should be referred to as Hawaiians.
“Residents of, say, Alaska, are known as Alaskans, whether they are native tribal people or not.”
Respectful communication: a good way to be a visitor in Hawaii or elsewhere.
Understanding and using terms correctly is crucial for respectful and accurate communication. While having no mal intention, referring to all residents as “Hawaiians” can easily be viewed as diminishing the unique identity of the native Hawaiian population. By using “locals” or “Hawaii residents” as appropriate, we acknowledge the diversity of the population while honoring the distinct heritage of native Hawaiians.
“I apologize. My admittedly ignorant use of the word was an innocent mistake. Your response seems calculated and a prime example of how locals feel about tourists.”
In response to our recent article about a Southwest Hawaii flight attendant’s comment, the community’s reactions further highlight the sensitivity around this topic. One commenter noted that the generalization of referring to everyone as “Hawaiians” was “cringe-worthy,” underscoring the importance of using accurate terminology.
“The ‘… Hawaiians…’ comment and generalization was cringe-worthy, at best, I agree.”
It goes beyond a matter of semantics in Hawaii.
Recognizing the difference between “Hawaiian” and “from Hawaii” is more than a simple matter of semantics. It reflects an understanding and respect that is the foundation of respectful travel anywhere in the world. In Hawaii, it speaks to honoring the cultural identity of Hawaii’s native people and the broader community of residents. As we continue to celebrate the rich heritage of the Aloha State, including native Hawaiians, let’s use language that honors and respects people.
We invite our readers to share their thoughts and experiences on this topic. Have you encountered similar situations? How do you navigate these distinctions in your communication? Please share your comments below!
In addressing this topic, we hope to foster a deeper appreciation and respect for Hawaii’s unique cultural identities. Mahalo for your participation and willingness to learn!
—-
Author : usa-news
Publish date : 2024-07-30 08:15:58
Copyright for syndicated content belongs to the linked Source.