UPDATE 1/18/2014 10:30 a.m. — The Author Adds This Note Based on the Discussion That’s Ensued: Recognizing that the term ‘host culture’ in the piece below is far too congenial, in light of Hawaii’s overthrow and occupation, what reference would you use from your perspective?  (As in Kanaka Maoli, non-Kanaka Maoli, Hawaiian national, non-Kanaka Maoli Hawaiian national, or other?)

Haole originally meant, according to trusted Kanaka Maoli scholars, someone (or some animal or object) of foreign origin. Over time, the word has inaccurately evolved and is incorrectly used as reference, often times derogatory, to someone who is (or looks) Caucasian/white or is not local/from Hawaii.

As a keiki o ka `aina, I grew up with many people of ethnic groups foreign to Hawaii. Iʻve been called haole, much to my amusement, by other people of haole ethnic groups who didnʻt see themselves, also, as haole.

During my hula studies, I was sometimes chastised and laughed at by my Japanese and Filipino classmates for learning and perpetuating Hawaiian culture because, “Youʻre haole, why are you dancing hula?”

Being haole in Hawaii, i.e. Japanese, Chinese, Filipino, Caucasian, etc., doesnʻt need to be a negative thing … unless of course no effort is made by haole to advance and promote understanding of the indigenous, Kanaka Maoli host culture and language that was once so close to extinction.

So no matter what your ethnic background, if you are not Kanaka Maoli (as I, personally, am not), I humbly offer this for consideration: Will you be a part of promoting an accurate understanding of your host culture? Being haole, born and/or living in Hawaii, doesnʻt come with entitlements to Hawaiian culture; it comes with responsibility.

Humbly consider … what is your kuleana?

A Hawaiian flag

PF Bentley/Civil Beat