LIC: Noho Hewa

I had the privilege to view Noho Hewa: The Wrongful Occupation of Hawai'i. It was a film made by Anne Keala Kelly and it depicts the adversities Hawaiians face today.

Language in this film, was not at the forefront to the many issues being presented to the audience. But in looking closely, language can give some indication of identity to the people in support and people against Hawaiian rights.

The stereotypical, ku'e, Hawaiian rights activist was shown in many of the scenes. Their language ranged from a heavy pidgin to what can be described as a light local accent. There were also people in opposition to the activists who spoke standard English.

Most interesting was a young man named Chris who was there in support for the protest against Walmart. Walmart was holding sacred burial remains beneath a ramp to their upper parking lot, and there was a group there in protest of this desecration. Chris was there with this group, he spoke not a word of Pidgin, nor did he grow up in Hawaii. But this man from the mainland was there supporting the protest, just as there were Hawaiians there driving up that ramp.

Language in this film, for the most part, holds true to many stereotypes, people who speak Pidgin or local, are for Hawaiian rights, and standard English speakers are against. But there were also exceptions to this rule, exceptions like Chris. Language can often give us a good idea as to what kind of person someone is, but like the saying goes, “Never judge a book by its cover.”