#kapualohaalways

11/8/2019 @ Bachman Hall, UH Mānoa: Kia'i ke Kahaukani: Lā 75 Mauna Kea:  Lā 120

Friday night, UH administration attempted to lock the students in again at Bachman Hall for the weekend. The University administration's strategy of giving ultimatums to clear out or be locked in over the weekend - cut off from supplies /community/ ability to participate in 'aha - seems to have a pretty clear aim to demoralize and silence these student kia’i and all the faculty, staff, and community that stand with them in support of Mauna Kea.

But this night would be different.

This time, the haumana kia'i at Bachman Hall sat in the doorway and informed the University administration that they cannot simply ignore their kuleana to the students and community.

Together with fellow students and community members who'd gathered in solidarity, they informed the University that "We are tired of being ignored, we are tired of being demeaned and we reject the University's attempts to determine the terms of engagement for Hawaiians - both on the mauna and at UH Mānoa. We remain committed to kapu aloha and our stand for the protection of Mauna Kea." Despite the hurtful words they hurled at the students, the admins ultimately walked away as students continued to stand their ground, resolute and embodying the spirit of kapu aloha.

For now, the doors remain open.

The haumana kia'i too, remain open - both open-minded and open-hearted - to continue dialogue with the University, whenever administrators are willing to uphold their promise to engage together with us in a collective problem solving process.

Chief Andy told us he believes everyone would be safer if they would "just go home and go to sleep..." I couldn't help but think about how that's what UH administration wants both literally and metaphorically. Yet, there is a glaring oversight in this belief... Business as usual here in Hawai'i is NOT safe for kanaka maoli. The stealing of Hawaiian lands and continued use of its resources without consent does not make it safe to be kanaka on these islands. And the role of the University in the continued threat and desecration of sacred spaces does not make these students or our communities safe. So, while I'm not happy they are forced to take this stance, I am beyond grateful and inspired that we have each other as fellow students and community to stand (or in this case sit!) together.