Hawaii
“Some Native Hawaiians hope tourists will permanently remove Hawaii from their bucket lists.” The Insider
Courtesy of- PopSugar
There is a movement that is gaining traction in Hawaii of essentially not wanting tourist on our lands because of the consequences it has done to our lands, people, and climate. It’s understandable because of the way tourists and outsiders have commercialized as well as mishandled our cultures not so unlike mainland indigenous peoples.
Courtesy of- The Insider
Courtesy of- USA TODAY
There was always an issue because of colonialism but as time went by and the issues stemming from it began to metastasize the people began to have an aversion for tourism. With tourism just as with most regions tourism has gained popularity the commercialization has brought disrespect, the destruction of our lands, narcotics, destruction of culture, sex trafficking of Native Hawaiian Girls and Women not so unlike Mainland Indigenous, of COVID complications, and more. There is many a reason why if someone is solely a military kid and not born in the region (non local) nor have any Polynesian roots those kids often go to Private Schools rather than Public because non locals often do not fair well in Public by local youths. In the adult world it’s slightly better but it depends. Tourists, locals definitely are not fond of.
https://www.washingtonpost.com/travel/2021/09/16/hawaii-tourism-safe-travel-covid/
Courtesy of- Washington Post
To add a personal note I do believe that every culture has a place in it for the people of the respective culture and outsiders do need to be aware of their place. They can’t come in and take up our space. That really goes with anything. That isn’t segregation it’s a aspect of not appropriating and having respect. There are things in our cultures and spaces that are disrespectful to be in the middle of if you are not of it unless in some cases you are invited in by an elder or leader along those lines. I was hearing stories of for instance non Native Hawaiian owned hotels hiring White non local Hula Dancers from like the Midwest instead of giving those jobs to a Native Hawaiian or Native Polynesian period. I believe if they wanted those jobs MAYBE being part of the ensemble if you will but not a soloist and feature because it isn’t their cultural dance. It’s just not a good look nor message. Point is everything isn’t others to have or be apart of basically. Mainland Indigenous it is also the same aspect. To break it down even more it would be like unpacking the N__ word in a group of color when you are not of that group. It is about knowing and being aware of your place basically. There are just some things and places that isn’t your place to be in.
