He Hawai`i Au

 Hawaiians across the U.S. gathered today in demonstration against the government sale of ceded lands.  The case will be heard by today by the U.S. Supreme Court in Washington, D.C.  Several groups, including the `Ilio`ulaokalani Coalition, charter school students, and members of the UH Manoa `ohana, are holding a vigil at the Hawai`i State Capitol. 

The protest is in response to the Lingle Administration’s attempt to sell portions of roughly 1.2 million acres of ceded lands.  These are parcels of land owned by the Hawaiian monarchy at the time of the overthrow.  In 1959 the lands were placed in a public trust under the care of the State of Hawai`i.  There are five designated uses, chief among “for the betterment of conditions of native Hawaiians.”  The current case came about in 1994 when the state attempted to sell a portion of the land for the development of affordable housing. 

The land in question still belongs to the native Hawaiian people.  The state government is not an owner; it is a guardian of the land.  That being said they are not and should not be allowed to the ceded lands.  Native Hawaiian organizations, such as OHA, working with other associations, are the ones who should have the power to say how the land is used.  Members of the community, native Hawaiian peoples, should be able to make suggestions to OHA for proper use of the land.

I sincerely hope the decision goes favorably.  To lose this case could be a travesty in the native Hawaiian community.  The government and OHA should work together so native Hawaiians, not residents of Hawai`i but native Hawaiians, can improve there lives and look forward to a better future.  

P.R.I.D.E.

Friday February 13 2009 the Hawaii State House of Representatives passed a bill which would legalize same sex unions. House Bill 444 passed with a 33-17 vote. The next step will be for the Senate to approve or make amendments to the bill. After both chambers vote in favor of the bill, it will be sent to the governor who will either veto or sign the bill into law.
Hawaii is taking a step in the right direction while other states step back; such as California retracting the law which made same sex marriage/unions legal. Previously the state (Hawaii) allowed domestic partnerships however, if this bill passes, same sex couples will have the same legal rights as married couples.
It is my hope the Senate approves the measure and Gov. Lingle signs the bill into law. Discrimination, in any form, goes against the freedoms granted to every American. Denying same-sex couples the right to form a legal bond granting them the same rights, as heterosexual couples, is denying the inalienable rights of freedom and the pursuit of happiness. Just as interracial couples fought for the right to marry, it is time to fight for and grant same sex couples the same rights as others in love.
It is only right to make this bill into law. Discrimination must be stopped. What harm is done if a man is allowed to marry another man? A woman another woman? I, for one, am glad my government is finally taking the time to resolve the issues that really matter.

SUPERBOWL!!!

Advertising is a major proponent of American society. This Sunday's Superbowl ads clearly shows the cultural impact.

The hype surrounding this year's ads was palpable. Many wondered how the new ads would compare to last year or if companies would scale back advertising due to the economic downturn. A fair amount of ads were shown however, many companies reverted to conventional storylines which disappointed viewers (myself included).

Regardless, Superbowl ads retain their hold on society. Websites, such as Fanhouse.com, post videos for web users to rate. The amount of voting, on various websites, plus verbal conversations between those who viewed the ads during the broadcast, show how much of an impact Superbowl advertising, and advertising in general, have on society.

If these ads did not have a great impact on the amount of sales companies could expect, why would they spend so much on producing and airing spots during prime time slots. Why would there be such large discussion following the airing of these ads? It all boils down to advertising and its continued impact on society, and impact which will remain forever.