“Polynesian Pipelines” Upcoming Talk

Coming up this next week:

“Polynesian Pipelines: Culture, Community, and Sport”

On Monday, April 11

6:30-7:30pm in the MPR

“As Samoans and other Pacific Islanders have continued their entry into the high profile world of American football, many within and outside of these communities have commented on what they see as Polynesian dominance in the sport.  In this process, sport has become a new site for community recognition, and a focal point for resilient cultural practice.  Drawing on her research on the development of American football in Samoa, as well as her years living and teaching in Hawai’i, Dr.Uperesa will discuss how sport has served as a focal point for community agendas, desires, and connection across the Pacific even as the stakes and pressures involved continue to rise. 

 

Local Resident Attempts to #SaveHauBush

Hawaii’s pristine beaches, clear water, and breath taking views often obscure the fact that paradise is also invaded by large corporations that fight Native Hawaiians for land they’ve been living on for generations. You may have heard of the viral #WeAreMaunaKea movement that started on the Big Island or protests against development of a similar telescope on Maui, but there are also smaller community movements are fighting just as hard for their homes. The locals, especially Native Hawaiians, are not giving up their connection to the land, access to public space and beaches, or their native culture without a fight.

Shay Arneho, recent University of Hawaii at Manoa Hawaiian Studies graduate and leader of the Save Hau Bush movement, revived the undertaking from her parents with the mission to save the Ewa Beach community from Haseko, a company who wants to build hotels, condos, and shopping centers on their beach called Hau Bush.