Haole Haole ADVERTISING It’s not offensive In reference to Mr. Gwynn’s response to Ms. Tagupa’s defense of the term “haole,” (WHT March 6): I disagree with his insinuation that the Hawaiian term “haole” is primarily viewed as the “n-word.” I
Haole
It’s not offensive
In reference to Mr. Gwynn’s response to Ms. Tagupa’s defense of the term “haole,” (WHT March 6): I disagree with his insinuation that the Hawaiian term “haole” is primarily viewed as the “n-word.”
I don’t know exactly how Rep. Faye Hanohano used the word as a slur (the topic of Ms. Tagupa’s letter to the editor); I wasn’t there nor have I seen her statement.
However, there is no reason to attack Ms. Tagupa for defending the Hawaiian term “haole.”
If it weren’t for the term “haole,” we would not have hapa-haole music, such as the wonderful, playful tune “My Hapa-Haole Hula Girl.”
What about all of our hapa-haole families who are proud of their race and ethnicity? Are they to be ashamed of their “haole-ness?”
What about the cookie recipe “Haole brownies?” Should we rename it? Of course not.
The word “haole” is basically a good word, and should not be disgraced as some would have it.
I regret that in Mr. Gwynn’s 15 years living among people of all races he has never once heard the word “haole” used in a more complimentary way.
Mr. Gwynn is probably correct that the word “haole” seemed to have transcended from its original meanings; however, it is still the user of the word who has given “haole” a bad name.
Let’s not confuse “haole” with the n-word; to me they are terms of a different color.
Likeke Bumanglag
Kailua-Kona
Tree removal
Disrespectful action
Sitting on the lanai on the fifth floor of Kailua Village, looking at the mangled debris from a glorious 150-year-old tree being ravaged and strewn about the grounds where an $11 million church, St. Michael, is to be built, makes me wonder aloud: Where, what happened to showing respect for the land of Hawaii, her culture, her people?
The magnificent tree was the cornerstone of the community, across from Bubba Gump’s, behind the village, blocking views of the tourists yet inviting in hundreds of birds of all species. Now there is but rubble, stripped land and vacant emotions — all in the name of progress and the church.
As as a Catholic, I will not ever step into the sanctuary of St. Michael because of its complete disregard of the people of Hawaii’s voice.
Laura DeRose
Keauhou
