Reid's take on Kamehameha Schools

A few days ago, I posted about the 9th circuit court's ruling that basically dismantled the Kamemeha Hawaiian-only admissions rule to its schools. My friend Reid came through with a great comment. I'm posting it separately, because he does a great job presenting a side of the issue that us mainlanders probably don't understand.

what a sad sad state of affairs. it's a huge ruling and many saw it coming ever since the rice v. cayetano case several years ago. without the passing of this native hawaiian recognition bill up for vote in the senate, many many more hawaiian entitlement programs will be targeted by mainland haoles. (on a side note, although this bill is controversial even among native hawaiians, i believe this is one of the best steps to take at this time.) i think many of these lawsuits coincide with the increase of mainland haoles moving here.

princess bernice pauahi bishop must be turning over in her grave.

i also wanted to report that from early yesterday morning commercials on the radio about the kamehameha schools decision were already playing. basically, it went something like it being a dark day for hawaiians, but with their faith, their perseverance, and their princess, they will appeal. it also said that "gatherings of support" (i.e. protests) will take place this weekend at the iolani palace (the seat and home of the monarchy before it was overthrown by the u.s.; now currently behind the state capitol) and similar locations on the neighbor islands. pretty
amazing stuff, huh? all of the radio stations had call-ins, allowing people to express their opinions on the subject, and i can tell you that the majority of local people here are infuriated with the decision. growing up as a non-native hawaiian, you just know that kamehameha schools isn't for you. there are many more private schools, good ones, anyone can attend. you understand why you can't attend, and respect the institution. you know all of this like you know how kona winds affect the weather, or why you take your shoes off when you enter someone's home. it's just local custom and local knowledge.

this school and its admissions policy have been in existence long, long before hawaii was a state, in fact, before we were even a territory of the u.s. and now this decision. i think that asshole grant (the lawyer for the plaintiff) remarked how civil rights even apply to hawaii. ugh...remarks like that just get to me, especially when they're made by people who have absolutely zero ties to these islands and likewise zero understanding of the local culture. these constitutionalists fail to understand the history of hawaii and refuse to acknowledge the differences that separate hawaii from the mainland. this school is the last major bastion of hope hawaiians have for their future, and it represents a long history of oppression suffered under the hands of ignorant americans. sorry, i'm just going off on a rant here, but over the years i have just seen the situation of the hawaiians deteriorate.