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Just back from Costco where a lady from Hawai'i was selling some very nice Island theme candles. We had a rather long conversation, she mentioned that people have been petitioning the United Nations to recognize Niihau as an independent country, at least independent from the United States. What an interesting idea. Nothing about such a movement showed up in my googling so I am wondering if anybody in this group has heard and has any details on the movement.
I remember seeing a hula long ago from Niihau, as I recall it commemorated an event early in WW2 when a Japanese pilot crash landed on the island and was taken prisoner by the residents. The hula sort of had to convey thankfulness for the strength of the United States in keeping the island and its people from being invaded. Its an interesting island as you know, privately owned and operated as a cattle ranch by the Robinson family. Subject to laws of economics I guess its possible for the owners to have to sell it sometime in the future, that would seem to put the goal of preserving Hawaiian culture at risk. But if it can become an independent or at least semi independent state that goal might be maintained. Still...one must consider what Native American reservation governments have done in terms of bringing in casinos and resorts. Its fine with me, I am glad they are making money, and lots of it, but at the same time the genuine culture would seem to suffer. That could happen with an independent Niihau too, I guess.
Anyway, it was an interesting conversation. Any information or observations?
I remember seeing a hula long ago from Niihau, as I recall it commemorated an event early in WW2 when a Japanese pilot crash landed on the island and was taken prisoner by the residents. The hula sort of had to convey thankfulness for the strength of the United States in keeping the island and its people from being invaded. Its an interesting island as you know, privately owned and operated as a cattle ranch by the Robinson family. Subject to laws of economics I guess its possible for the owners to have to sell it sometime in the future, that would seem to put the goal of preserving Hawaiian culture at risk. But if it can become an independent or at least semi independent state that goal might be maintained. Still...one must consider what Native American reservation governments have done in terms of bringing in casinos and resorts. Its fine with me, I am glad they are making money, and lots of it, but at the same time the genuine culture would seem to suffer. That could happen with an independent Niihau too, I guess.
Anyway, it was an interesting conversation. Any information or observations?
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