Hawaiians hand out self-rule leaflets

"Bumpy" Kanahele and his
group work to educate tourists

By Mary Adamski

A Hawaiian group began distributing leaflets in Waikiki yesterday to educate tourists about the sovereignty of the Hawaiian people.

Activist Dennis "Bumpy" Kanahele and about 15 members of The Nation of Hawaii distributed their message near the Duke Kahanamoku statue from beneath a banner proclaiming: "We are not Americans, Free Hawai'i."

The handout includes a copy of the 1993 Apology Resolution that former President Bill Clinton signed in the 100th year after American businessmen overthrew Queen Liliuokalani.

It's not a Yankee-go-home message, said Kanahele.

"We want to get support from tourists and give them a basic political education that everyone needs, including people who live in Hawaii. Even though you're here for a vacation, at least understand there was an overthrow, understand why you see the Hawaiian flag being flown upside down."

Kanahele said the leafleting will continue and the next step will be "opening communication and discussion with the tourist industry."

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