Hawaii, the 40th largest state in the USA, became a state in 1959. It is located in the north pacific and is the only state completely made up of islands, with 132 islands. However, only 7 are habitable. These islands make up 28,000 kilometer square of surface area. Interestingly, this group of islands is the most isolated in the world with a distance of 2400 miles from the nearest continental shore.
Demographics
Hawaiian population is estimated at 1.42 million people, with 0.713 million males and 0.707 million females. The state boasts of a wide range of cultures and ethnic groups. It actually has the highest percentage of multiracial residents (Meyerhoff, 2020). People with Hawaiian ancestry however only comprise less than 10% of the population. The percentage of Asian Americans is 37%, whites 25%, black Americans 1.9%, and Hispanics 10.3%.
History
Hawaiian natives are best known for their compassion and peaceful nature. Before the 1778 discovery by john cook, private ownership was unknown to the inhabitants. Instead, they employed a basic administrative unit known as Ahupua’a. Ahupua’a only allowed natives to own small self-sustained lands (Meyerhoff, 2020). Boundaries were determined by the rugged volcanic landscape; usually from the top of a mountain to the bottom, or by the shape of a valley. This organization facilitated harmonious coexistence and equal utilization of resources.
Beliefs and Attitudes
The community in Hawaii believes that love and friendship are the fundamentals of a thriving society. Despite the existence of many multiracial groups, the native values of the Hawaiians have been preserved. The community understands that values latch on to an inner source of knowledge and strength (Meyerhoff, 2020). The community also stresses the importance of good acts in their day-to-day encounters. Initiatives by the government, local service providers, and volunteers help the disadvantaged are proof of the spirit of aloha within the people. They invest their money and time to provide hygiene packs, gift cards, and meals to unsheltered families on the streets.
Public Safety
Local authorities have taken a different, yet effective approach toward securing the public and managing crime. For instance, the Honolulu police department selects its commissioners amongst the members of the community. Interestingly, these individuals volunteer their services without expecting any compensation (Meyerhoff, 2020). They represent the public safety concerns and receive any charges against the department, then act accordingly. Additionally, the department partners with welfare groups and the government to; educate individuals on the importance of safety and prevention of crime.
Health and Welfare Systems
Health is a top priority in any community. Typically, a healthy society is a productive one. The state government of Hawaii has partnered with local health organizations and community health workers to ensure a healthy state. It focuses on reducing the burden of chronic diseases amongst its citizens, especially the marginalized and vulnerable populations (Meyerhoff, 2020). Health workers, who are the cultural bridge between the people and systems of care, are working to educate, screen, and provide referrals to individuals at all levels of society. Notably, the state is also investing in food and nutrition schemes to curb food insecurity.
Education
Over the years, education in Hawaii has seen endless transformations. The Hawaii State Department of Education has invested in providing quality education and experience for students in public schools (Meyerhoff, 2020). Its focus is on three main areas; ensuring students’ success, staff success, and providing successful systems of support. Consequently, there has been a notable improvement in the number of populations receiving high school and college degrees, with students graduating on time.
Environment
According to Environmental Quality Control, 2016, the environment is as significant as the economy quality control aims at maintaining an ideal quality of the environment. Therefore, the state has created laws to ensure friendly interactions with the environment (Meyerhoff, 2020). These laws are aimed at stimulating and expanding initiatives to improve the environment. Consequently, in recent times, environmental indicators have improved. Hawaii now prides itself on only a few toxic releases. However, due to volcanic activities, there’s a risk of unhealthy air quality days. In comparison with the previous years, the quality of life among the Hawaiian community has improved. However, not all aspects have been resolved.
Housing as an Issue in Hawaii
In the modern Hawaiian community, housing has become a really significant issue as well as unmet house needs. According to the American Community Survey, about 40% of Hawaiian households spend 30% or more of their income on housing costs with costs rising every year which is strenuous for low-income earners (Meyerhoff, 2020). They are mostly forced into inferior living conditions where they end up crowding or living in potentially harmful housing. Crowding can lead to food insecurity or even poor performance at work or school. Cheaper houses lack essentials like kitchens and good plumbing systems which pose health risks to inhabitants.
Homelessness
A random survey by Pit Count, on the night of January 22, 2020, indicated that over 4000 people were indeed homeless in Oahu. Homelessness is a major issue in the state of Hawaii. The population consists of individuals in all age brackets, most of them being native Hawaiians and pacific islanders, and multiracial individuals (Meyerhoff, 2020). According to PIT reports, there are 2.1 times more likely to be homeless and unsheltered compared to other ethnic groups. High housing cost is a major factor contributing to the condition. 84% of the population are adults who either; have physical disabilities, suffer from mental health problems, are victims and survivors of domestic violence, or are elderly and without a caregiver.
Economic Constraints in Hawaii
Hawaii is one of the US’s top tourist destinations, due to its unique landscape and diverse history. Despite an increase in capital income and median earnings, many Hawaiians are deep in pools of poverty. According to the financial heath pulse 2019, the state has a large capital inequality margin. 69% of the population is economically unstable. About half of the people in Hawaii spend equal to or more than they earn (Meyerhoff, 2020). This is attributed to the high cost of living. A popular coping mechanism among the Hawaiians is living with their extended families; it saves on the high cost of housing. The economic state has however led to increased instances of homelessness, crime, food insecurities, and contempt between different social classes.
Transport
Many Hawaiians commute every day to and from the cities. These are the major employment centers. A big percentage of the population works multiple jobs a day. Cities are literally flocked with people and vehicles. The obvious result is congestion on the roadways. This is a major issue since most workers end up spending a lot of time on the road (Meyerhoff, 2020). Additionally, many workers travel for more than one hour to work. Houses are cheaper away from the core of urban areas, hence, due to the high cost of housing, most people prefer to live further away from the cities. The problem of insufficient alternative means of transport is a major setback. Attempts to solve the issue in Hawaii city were futile after the court unconstitutionally suspended the inter-island ferry; Hawaii Superferry.
Ethnicity and Inequality
History
The Hawaiian natives make up only about 10% of the total population of Hawaii. They are a minority in a diverse multiethnic society despite being the original inhabitants of the archipelago. Unfortunately, they have had to witness, yet experience the consequences of contact; loss of ancestral land, massive depopulation, and marginalization (Meyerhoff, 2020). White colonization resulted in the demolition of their monarchy and culture. In the first half of the 20th century, they formed a resistance that resulted in a few opportunities in the local government and an upgrade to their farms into higher income developments.
Today
Despite the resistance, and unrelenting fighting will by the natives, they are still faced with a number of issues in the community. The largest percentage of homeless people in Hawaii comprises Hawaiian natives and pacific islanders (over 40%). Sadly, they are also the poorest ethnic group. The natives have the highest percentage of unemployment as well (Meyerhoff, 2020). Additionally, they experience poor health services, with illness rates in comparison with any ethnic group.
Oppression and Biases
Hawaiian natives are still oppressed today, and still experience biasing. For instance, the Akaka bill of 2005, the native Hawaiian Government Recognition Act. It was proposed in the Senate aimed at recognize Hawaiians as indigenous people (Meyerhoff, 2020). In return, this would establish a government for the natives. They would have the capacity to negotiate with the state on matters concerning them; like cultural safeguarding, better housing policies, and land use.
Land Entitlement
As natives of the islands, Hawaiians have a strong connection to the geographical features of the state. They believe that some landmarks are sacred, yet of great significance to their cultural beliefs (Meyerhoff, 2020). They greatly opposed the construction of the telescope at Mauna kea, arguing that it was a sacred place for the natives. They also feared that it would interrupt the natural flora and fauna of the island; like the rare Palila which is only located on the island. However, in 2018, the Supreme Court gave the go-ahead for the construction.
Conclusively, oppression and privilege within the community have altered a balanced coexistence of the oppressed and the advantaged. The former’s life conditions are adverse; hence it has only yielded negativity. There are increased crime cases among the oppressed, poor health, food insecurities, and increased rates of homelessness.
References
Meyerhoff, H. (2020). America the Beautiful US Imperial Beauty Politics in Hawaii, from WWII to Statehood (Doctoral dissertation). https://ag.hawaii.gov/cpja/rs/cih/
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