http://www.thehawaiiindependent.com/local/Moiliili News • Culture • Community English news@thehawaiiindependent.com Copyright 2011 The Hawaii Independent Corporation Thursday, February 9 2012 9:05 AM /story/protestors-march-for-justice-for-shooting-victim-against-apec /story/protestors-march-for-justice-for-shooting-victim-against-apec MOILIILI—Dozens of Oahu residents gathered this afternoon at Old Stadium Park for a protest march and vigil in the wake of the shooting death of 23-year-old Kollin Elderts at a Waikiki McDonald’s restaurant this past weekend. Elderts was allegedly shot dead by Christopher Deedy, a 27-year-old federal agent from Virginia in Honolulu as a part of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) conference. Since the incident, Deedy has been charged with second degree murder and released on bail. Those gathered at the protest were there to demand justice in the shooting, and to protest APEC. The group marched from Old Stadium Park to the Hawaii Convention Center. A vigil is planned for later tonight at the McDonald’s location where the incident took place. Gregory, a protestor who asked that only his first name be used, said of the APEC security presence in Honolulu: “It’s like putting the FBI in charge of a kid’s birthday party.” Many of those in attendance invoked Elderts’ name when decrying APEC’s presence in Hawaii. The protest was held about 50 yards from a line of “homeless” tents along King Street. Speaking of the “occupation” of Hawaii of the last 100 years, protest spokesperson Carolyn Hadfield said, “What happened to Kollin is symbolic of what we face here. Keeping information [about the incident] from the public is not the right thing to do.” And while the tragedy of Elderts’ death does serve to illuminate the agenda of anti-APEC protestors, those involved were steadfast in their resolve to keep the protest about seeking justice for the victim and support for his family. Black armbands were passed out to participants as a memorial to Elderts. “This event is about Kollin,” said Hadfield. “We’re demanding justice and the truth.” Hadfield also spoke of the fact that the accused killer Deedy is free on bail, stating that he is not even required to remain in Hawaii while the case proceeds. “It’s emblematic of the power that is protecting him [Deedy],” said Hadfield. Hadfield also urged protestors to abide by the law and avoid any confrontations with police, stating firmly that this was a nonviolent protest. She made the plea shortly after two dozen armed HPD police officers rode to the scene on bicycles. There was also a fairly large presence of officers in the aloha garb and straw hats assigned to many of officers assigned to APEC special duty. And while it was a show of force, it appeared that HPD officers were making an attempt to not appear intimidating. Longtime Honolulu activist Kyle Kajihiro addressed the crowd as well, saying: “This is about dignity and respect. This is an act of healing as much as it is a protest.” The mood at the protest was solemn but friendly, as participants struggled to temper anger with respect, ideology with the grim reality of the shooting death of Kollin Elderts.        News Culture Community Wednesday, November 9 2011 3:53 AM /story/black-square-celebrates-release-of-4th-album /story/black-square-celebrates-release-of-4th-album MOILIILI—Honolulu ska band Black Square celebrates the release of its fourth, self-titled album with a CD release party at Anna’s on Friday June 17. In true indie fashion, the band recorded, produced, and will distribute the record on its own, without the assistance of a record label. “We actually debated whether or not to print CD’s,” says Serena Hashimoto, the band’s manager. She also co-produced the record. “We seriously considered going only digital.” As the music industry changes inexorably toward the digital format, more and more bands around the world are eschewing physical production and opting to keep their music in digital form only. But Black Square decided to print copies of their latest work, and have manufactured a limited run in CD format. A special edition of the CD will be available only at Friday’s show. Black Square has been selected to perform on the 2011 Vans Warped Tour, the iconic alternative music festival that tours the United States over the summer. Beginning in Orlando, Florida, the band will play a series of shows ending in Portland, Oregon. Joining Black Square to celebrate the release will be the bands Megum Siffering, Raised by Wolves, Narwhal, and Upstanding Youth. Black Square CD release party Friday, June 17 at 8:00 p.m. Anna’s 2440 South Beretania Street $7, 21 and over News Culture Community Thursday, June 16 2011 8:24 PM /story/skaloha-for-japan-to-benefit-victims-of-sendai-quake /story/skaloha-for-japan-to-benefit-victims-of-sendai-quake HONOLULU—On Friday, June 10, at Hawaiian Brian’s Billiards, Pass Out Records and PIMPBOT present “SkAloha!! for Japan”—a benefit fundraiser for victims of the Sendai earthquake and a CD release party for the eponymous compilation album many of Hawaii’s top indie ska, reggae, and rock bands. The album contains 20 tracks. Performing at the event will be PIMPBOT, 82 Fifty, and Completely Insane. Hosted by Jonny Sparkles, proceeds from the event will be donated to the American Red Cross Japan Earthquake and Pacific Tsunami Fund. For more information, visit the event’s Facebook page. “SkAloha!! for Japan” Friday, June 10 at 10:00 p.m. Hawaiian Brian’s Billiards 1680 Kapiolani Blvd. $5, 18 and over only News Culture Community Tuesday, June 7 2011 9:24 PM /story/busy-week-for-indie-music-in-honolulu /story/busy-week-for-indie-music-in-honolulu HONOLULU — This week, fans of independent music have a variety of options to catch some of the acts that have helped sustain a thriving indie scene in Honolulu. The fact that a number of venues are now offering stages for bands playing original music seems to show that more and more establishments are realizing that there is an ever-growing demand for live music that skirts the mainstream, or ignores it altogether. NextDoor’s Broadcast offering Wednesday features Kings of Spade, Black Square, Family Dinner, and Sing the Body, each of whom regularly headline at venues all over Oahu. The Jaegermeister Live Music Showcase at Hard Rock Café in Waikiki on Friday will see Lucky 13, Half Step Down, Jam Up, and Americon take the stage. It’s not surprising that the Hard Rock is featuring hard rock. But it is surprising that a Waikiki venue is featuring bands playing songs they wrote themselves. Chris Murray, a one-man ska music cottage industry, returns to Honolulu at Anna’s on Friday. Murray has been at it as a solo artist since way back in the nineties, after fronting the Canadian ska outfit King Apparatus. Based in Los Angeles, Murray has traded songs with ska legend Laurel Aitken, performed with The Specials (and just about every other internationally successful ska band in the world), and recorded an album backed NYC ska heavies The Slackers. Also on the bill are Black Square and Upstanding Youth. For a complete list of live music events in Hawaii, visit www.808Shows.com. Wednesday, April 27 Kings of Spade, Black Square, Family Dinner, Sing the Body NextDoor 43 North Hotel Street 9:00 p.m. $10, 18 and over Friday, April 29 Lucky 13, Half Step Down, Jam Up, Americon Hard Rock Cafe 280 Beachwalk 10:00 p.m. 21 and over, $8 Friday, April 29 Chris Murray, Black Square, Upstanding Youth Anna’s 2440 South Beretania 9:00 p.m. 21 and over, $5 News Culture Community Tuesday, April 26 2011 12:33 AM /story/todd-gitlin-to-speak-about-wikileaks-at-uh-forum /story/todd-gitlin-to-speak-about-wikileaks-at-uh-forum Hawaii will get to hear the impact of WikiLeaks and modern media first-hand from a man who on the forefront of sunshine in our governments. Todd Gitlin is a writer, sociologist, communications scholar, novelist, poet, and chair of the PhD program at the Columbia Graduate School of Journalism. Gitlin has written several articles for national and international distribution on WikiLeaks. He is one of 19 members of the Columbia Graduate School of Journalism who have cosigned a letter to President Barack Obama and U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder opposing any prosecution based on Wikileaks’ release of government information. In a letter to Obama and Holder, the members said: “Any prosecution of WikiLeaks’ staff for receiving, posessing, or publishing classified materials will set a dangerous precedent for reporters in any publication or medium, potentially chilling investigative journalism and other First Amendment-protected activity.” The presentation by Gitlin will also feature a Hawaii sunshine report on the State’s record of open government, transparency, and freedom of information. Media Council Hawaii will also announce its Fletcher Knebel award to a journalist for best use of freedom of information and open record laws in reporting. The event is free to the public. For those wishing lunch, there will be a $15 charge, and reservations are necessary. Parking is in the structure accessible from Dole Street. RSVP online at info@mediacouncil.org or call (808) 596-2121. A Presentation by Todd Gitlin Wednesday, March 16 from 12:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. William S. Richardson Law School Room CR3 News Culture Community Wednesday, March 16 2011 2:53 AM /story/governor-abercrombie-to-speak-at-next-moiliili-matters-social2 /story/governor-abercrombie-to-speak-at-next-moiliili-matters-social2 HONOLULU—Gov. Neil Abercrombie will meet with constituents this evening at the Willows Restaurant in Mōʻiliʻili on Oʻahu. The event is hosted by Mōʻiliʻili Matters, a community-based online social network.  “Governor Abercrombie is looking forward to talking with and listening to Mōʻiliʻili residents on March 10,” said the governor’s press secretary Donalyn Dela Cruz. “Community action and involvement is key to moving Hawaiʻi forward and this is clearly understood by those who participate in Mōʻiliʻili Matters.” “We’re thrilled to participate in the dialogue with Governor Abercrombie regarding the future of our island home,” said Mōʻiliʻili Matters founder Derek Kauanoe. Event organizers expect a good turn-out since people have responded through phone calls, e-mails, and by RSVPing on the social network’s website. Issues to be addressed include the governor’s budget as it pertains to the New Day Hawaiʻi plans for sustainability in areas of the economy, the environment, education, and public services. The fee for the event is $10 which includes pūpūs. The doors open at 6:00 p.m. and the hour-long moderated discussion begins at 6:30 p.m. Seating is limited. Mō‘ili‘ili Matters is a community based online social network that was launched in May 2009. Its membership includes: State Senator Brian Taniguchi, State Representative Scott Nishimoto, State Representative Scott Saiki, Councilwoman Ann Kobayashi, various community leaders, business owners, and area residents. News Culture Community Thursday, March 10 2011 11:53 PM /story/governor-abercrombie-to-speak-at-next-moiliili-matters-social /story/governor-abercrombie-to-speak-at-next-moiliili-matters-social The Moiliili Matters’ socials are returning with a special guest: Gov. Neil Abercrombie will speak to the group at Willows Restaurant on March 10 at 6:30 p.m.  For more info and to RSVP, click here News Culture Community Thursday, March 3 2011 1:32 AM /story/2-25-bhf-moiliili-matters-posts-map-of-reported-illegal-dumping-sites /story/2-25-bhf-moiliili-matters-posts-map-of-reported-illegal-dumping-sites MOILIILI—Illegal dumping has long been a problem on Oahu. The online community forum, Moiliili Matters, has been tackling it head on, providing resources about what to do with bulky items. Their latest effort to combat the problem is posting a map of illegal garbage dumping sites, to help identify the perpetrators.  To see February’s map, click here News Culture Community Friday, February 25 2011 7:00 PM /story/celebrate-civil-unions-talk-story-at-pride-at-work-hawaii-pau-hana-paina /story/celebrate-civil-unions-talk-story-at-pride-at-work-hawaii-pau-hana-paina Join Pride At Work Hawaii at our next pau hana paina and talk story session on Friday, February 18 from 5:30 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at Chiko’s Tavern (930 McCully St., one block makai from King St.). There will be free pupus (funded with support from the Hawaii State AFL-CIO). Talk story about homophobia, transphobia, and heterosexism you may have faced at work and in unions—and ways to confront them. Also come celebrate the passage of civil unions in Hawaii. Pride At Work Hawaii advocates for full equality for LGBITQ workers in their workplaces and their unions, and works to build mutual support between the labor movement and the LGBITQ community. Pride At Work Hawaii (an affiliate of the Hawaii State AFL-CIO) is a chapter of Pride At Work, a constituency group of the AFL-CIO. For more information, contact prideatworkhawaii@hawaiiantel.net, visit www.hawaflcio.org/PAWHI or join Pride at Work Hawaii’s Facebook page. News Culture Community Saturday, February 19 2011 2:24 AM /story/2-10-bhf-diamond-head-kapahulu-saint-louis-neighborhood-board-to-a-street-l /story/2-10-bhf-diamond-head-kapahulu-saint-louis-neighborhood-board-to-a-street-l The Diamond Head/Kapahulu/Saint Louis Neighborhood Board will meet on Thursday, February 10 at 7:00 p.m. at the Ala Wai Club House, located at 404 Kapahulu Ave.  Board business to be discussed includes a traffic signal at St. Louis Drive and Dole Street and a street lighting project in St. Louis Heights. For the complete agenda click here. News Culture Community Thursday, February 10 2011 2:48 PM /story/fuel-your-fire-at-revolution-books /story/fuel-your-fire-at-revolution-books MOILIILI—Revolution Books is a little gem of an independent bookstore, one that operates in order to forward its principles rather than to turn a profit. The store has moved eight times since it opened its doors in 1976 and has been in its current Moiliili location, behind the 7-11 next to Puck’s Alley, for the past five years. It relies on the dedication of its all-volunteer staff, as well as donations from its supporters. The books it carries vary widely in scope. A selection of everything from theory to fiction, classic works to new releases, is represented, with the common thread being that it somehow exposes the truth of local and global atrocities and/or contains transformative ideas that pave a path to a better world. Carolyn Hadfield, who has been involved with the store since its inception, explained the importance of books as a “key way that people have of looking at new ideas, and of wrangling over them.”  The store also holds weekly Wednesday discussion groups that address an article from the Revolution newspaper, as well as other events—readings, concerts, presentations, films, etc.—that further the discussion about how to transform the current capitalist-imperialist paradigm into something that emancipates all of humanity.  Just this past Sunday, for instance, indie singer/songwriter David Rovics performed. The Sunday prior, Ann Wright talked about her recent visit to Afghanistan and her recent work organizing the largest Gaza flotilla to date. Volunteers and patrons of all political persuasions are welcome and encouraged to get involved and join the conversation. So if you haven’t yet figured it out, the name of the store, Revolution Books, comes from its ties the Revolutionary Communist Party (RCP), which is actively seeking to build a movement to radically remake society. This revolutionary edge, this disdain for the status quo, this hunger for fundamental social change, is, according to Hadfield, what keeps the store going. That said, volunteers and patrons of all political persuasions are welcome and encouraged to get involved and join the conversation; intelligent discourse and debate is at the core of what the place is all about. Last week when I met with Hadfield, it happened to be the day after President Barack Obama’s most recent State of the Union Address. I happen to be a fan of Obama but I had mixed feelings about his speech and was yearning to process it. Regarding his claim that America needs to “out-innovate, out-educate, and out-build the rest of the world,” we certainly agreed on the need for innovation and improved education, but questioned his stated motivation behind it: to beat our competitors. (As for outbuilding the rest of the world, that just seemed environmentally irresponsible; unsurprisingly, climate change was barely addressed in his speech.)  Whereas a Republican critique—the type I’m used to arguing against—might be “who is going to pay for these programs?,” Hadfield’s could be paraphrased as: Why must these valid goals such as education and innovation be framed in Capitalist and Exceptionalist terms? While the Right might criticize the Democratic party, or Obama himself, a member of the RCP tends to question the entire American paradigm. I can only imagine the discussion we might have had about Egypt, had we met just days later. While I will not attempt to delve into revolutionary communist theory in this article, I will say that if you, too, are horrified by what is happening all across the world—regardless of your politics—and are seeking an outlet for inspiration, activism, or even just the company of globally-engaged citizens, Revolution Books might be a useful venue for reading and thinking about these issues in greater depth.  The dedicated and knowledgeable staff, such as Hadfield, are passionate about books and can help you find great literature on your topics of interest—from Afghanistan to abortion rights. (The same can be said of independent bookstores in general; the help and insight of a live, enthusiastic human being is impossible to replace.)  Besides new books, there is a wide selection of used books on hand for a buck or two. Revolution Books also sells much of its merchandise at or below cost, so you can put aside your fears of “paying too much.” Finally, they offer certain books “on principle” even when they are not profitable; many of their books are difficult to obtain elsewhere.  Here is just a handful of books that Hadfield had to recommend: Eaarth by Bill McKibben, whose deliberate misspelling of Earth signifies the irrefutable changes our planet has witnessed. Away with all Gods by RCP chairman and primary spokesperson, Bob Avakian. The Constitution for the New Socialist Republic in North American (Draft Proposal) The Science of Evolution and the Myth of Creationism by Ardea Skybreak. Let Me Stand Alone: the Journals of Rachel Corrie, which documents the story of a 23-year-old American activist who was killed in 2003 while attempting to block the demolition of a Palestinian family’s home. This Common Secret by Susan Wicklund, about one woman’s courageous and dangerous work as an abortion doctor. Revolution Books is located at 2626 South King Street. Parking is free. For more information, call (808) 944-3106 during business hours, daily between 12:00 p.m. and 6:00 p.m., or visit their website. News Culture Community Friday, February 4 2011 6:21 PM /story/2-4-bhf-punahou-carnival-returns-this-weekend-promises-a-dino-myte-time-for /story/2-4-bhf-punahou-carnival-returns-this-weekend-promises-a-dino-myte-time-for MAKIKI—Financial aid scholarships. That’s where all the money you spend on malasadas, chutney, white elephant goods, the variety show, and more each and every year. The proceeds from the Punahou Carnival help support the more than 400 students at Punahou who benefit from its financial aid program. And guess what? The Punahou Carnival returns big this weekend. Brought to you by the class of 2012, this year’s festivities features a pre-historic theme. The two-day event will be held on Friday, February 4 and Saturday, February 5 from 11:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m. From rides and games to crafts and food, hosting the Punahou Carnival takes months of preparation prior to opening day on the first Friday in February. Every year, the junior class organizes, plans and executes the theme and activities for the event. Their parents and other volunteers from across the Punahou community also contribute their time to prepare for and staff the many Carnival booths and activities. During the carnival, parking on the Punahou School campus is limited as the carnival grounds take up much of the school’s regularly available parking area. The following organizations offer event parking within walking distance. Central Union Church (1660 S. Beretania St.) Friday and Saturday $8 – grass parking $10 – pavement parking St. Clement’s Church (1515 Wilder Ave.) Friday and Saturday $15 $30 one-day pass with in/out privileges $55 all-weekend pass with in/out privileges Lutheran Church of Honolulu (1730 Punahou St.) Friday and Saturday $10; open 10:45 a.m. to 11:30 p.m. (no in/out privileges) Maryknoll School Grade School Campus (1722 Dole St.) Friday (proceeds benefit Sacred Heart’s Boy Scout Troop 42) $10 for 4 hours $40 all day Open 11:00 a.m. to 11 p.m. Saturday (proceeds benefit Sacred Heart Church) $10 for 4 hours $40 all day Open 11:00 a.m. to midnight Maryknoll School High School Campus (1402 Punahou St.) Friday (benefitting several high school clubs) $10 all day Open 1:00 p.m. to midnight Saturday (benefitting several high school clubs) $10 all day Open 10:00 a.m. to midnight Punahou Fitness & Spa (1212 Punahou St.) Friday (after 5:00 p.m.): $4 covered parking Saturday (all day): $4 covered parking Kapiolani Hospital (1319 Punahou St. – Entrance on Bingham Street) Friday (4:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m.) and Saturday (11:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m.) $10 per vehicle For more information, follow them on Twitter at www.twitter.com/PunahouCarnival News Culture Community Friday, February 4 2011 12:12 AM /story/2-3-bhf-mccully-moiliili-and-kuliouou-kalani-iki-neighborhood-boards-to-mee /story/2-3-bhf-mccully-moiliili-and-kuliouou-kalani-iki-neighborhood-boards-to-mee The McCully-Moiliili Neighborhood Board will meet Thursday, February 3 from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at the Washington Middle School Cafeteria, located at 1633 S. King Street. Included in the many topics to be discussed is the impact of the landfill’s closure on the ever-problematic issue of bulky Item pick up. For the complete McCully-Moiliili Neighborhood Board agenda, click here On the same evening, Ron Lockwood, Chair of McCully-Moiliili Neighborhood Board, will visit the Kuliouou-Kalani Iki Neighborhood Board meeting to make a presentation on the Totally Against Graffiti (TAG) Team Event in McCully. The Kuliouou-Kalani Iki Neighborhood Board meets at 7:00 p.m. in the Aina Haina Public Library, located at 5246 Kalanianaole Hwy.  For the complete agenda, click here News Culture Community Wednesday, February 2 2011 6:29 PM /story/2-2-bhf-manoa-neighborhood-board-to-meet-wednesday-in-temporary-location /story/2-2-bhf-manoa-neighborhood-board-to-meet-wednesday-in-temporary-location The Manoa Neighborhood Board will be meeting in a temporary location this Wednesday, February 2 at 7:00 p.m. at the Manoa Elementary School Cafetorium, located at 3155 Manoa Rd.  For the complete meeting agenda, click here News Culture Community Tuesday, February 1 2011 8:52 PM /story/1-29-bhf-sew-fast-sew-easy-at-kami-atelier /story/1-29-bhf-sew-fast-sew-easy-at-kami-atelier “Old fashioned” domestic skills that foster self-reliance such as gardening, canning, and sewing are making a comeback. If you have always wanted to learn to sew, here is an opportunity to finally give that sewing machine you inherited a workout. Local designer Kami Lizares is offering a month of weekly lessons in the basics of cutting patterns, (safely) using a sewing machine, and understanding simple tools and terminology—all for half the price of a new pair of designer jeans. By the end of your first class, you’ll have created a throw pillow. As your skills advance, Lizares and her team will help you design and sew fresh, inspired updates to your wardrobe or home. Classes are held at Kami Atelier, inside Studio Modiste, second floor, Manoa Marketplace. Saturdays from 9:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. and 1:00 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. and Tuesdays from 1:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. $120 for four classes. Drop-in classes are $35 each. Reservations required. Call (808) 429-6521 for more information. Thanks to Lei Chic for this inspired idea. News Culture Community Saturday, January 29 2011 8:20 PM /story/1-28-bhf-the-moonchild-returns-to-hawaii /story/1-28-bhf-the-moonchild-returns-to-hawaii Stoddard’s Hale presents blues veteran Travis “The Moonchild” Haddix (with Bobby Ingano, Pat Rawson, Dayton Arima and James Ganeko) at Anna’s (formerly known as Anna Bannana’s) on Friday January 28 at 7:00 p.m..  Ronstadt and Taylor will open. The cost is $20 at the door, and Memphis style BBQ will be available for purchase, thanks to Hog Island Smokehouse. For more information about the artist, click here. Anna’s is located at 2440 S Beretania St; (808) 946-5190. News Culture Community Friday, January 28 2011 10:23 PM /story/1-14-bhf-league-of-women-voters-to-host-public-forum-on-rail /story/1-14-bhf-league-of-women-voters-to-host-public-forum-on-rail MOILIILI—Interested in rail? The League of Women Voters of Honolulu is sponsoring a forum on the financial report on rail on Saturday, January 15 at 10:00 a.m. at the Washington Intermediate School cafeteria.  The panel has not been finalized but Michael Levine of Honolulu Civil Beat, UH economist Jim Roumasset, an AIA representative, a City and County of Honolulu representative, and one other are scheduled to be on the panel. The public is welcome to this forum. For more information, contact the League of Women Voters at (808)531-7448 or http://www.lwv-hawaii.com/ . News Culture Community Saturday, January 15 2011 2:48 AM /story/ann-wright-speaks-on-youth-resistance-in-afghanistan-and-gaza /story/ann-wright-speaks-on-youth-resistance-in-afghanistan-and-gaza HONOLULU—One of Hawaii’s most outspoken peace activists recently made her return from abroad to bring a message of urgency and action to island residents. Ann Wright, a former United States Army colonel and retired official of the State Department, spoke about her recent work in Afghanistan though Voices for Creative Nonviolence, as well as her activism in Gaza, at the Honolulu Friends Meeting House on Monday January 10. The forum was free, and sponsored by the American Friends Service Committee Hawaii Peace and Justice. Wright, a Honolulu resident, is nationally known for her public resignation from the State Department after over 35 years of government service in direct protest of the 2003 invasion of Iraq. Today, she continues her work as a diplomat, but as one who works in the interest of peace and protecting the rights of civilians. While at the State Department, Wright worked for the Foreign Service. She served as Deputy Chief of Mission at the U.S. embassies in Afghanistan, from which she helped open following the 2001 invasion.  Before that, she had a long career in the Army, where, ironically, she drew up contingency plans for military invasions, such as that of Iraq.  Since her resignation, she has been involved with numerous peace initiatives. According to Wright’s book, Dissent: Voices of Conscience, these initiatives include fasting for a month in the name of peace, picketing at Guantánamo Bay, serving as a juror in impeachment hearings, traveling to Iran as a citizen diplomat, and getting arrested numerous times for peaceful, nonviolent protest of Bush’s policies, particularly the war on Iraq.  If these youth can look past the bitterness and bloodshed towards a better future in their country, then we owe it to them to listen. Most recently, in May 2010, Wright was on the Gaza flotilla that was attacked by the Israeli military. She also traveled to Afghanistan in December 2010 to meet with the Afghan Youth Peace Volunteers. During these recent tribulations, Wright has focused on the local youth of these regions who are seeking alternatives to the norm, which has led only to increased killing of civilians in their homelands. At the Honolulu Friends Meeting House, the former colonel held a commanding presence. An engaging and thoroughly knowledgeable storyteller, Wright successfully weaved statistics with anecdotal observations to make the grim reality of civilian life in these far away and poorly understood regions come to life. Wright tells it straight, not sparing the audience gruesome details of our government’s nefarious activities and the bloodshed they cause. Apart from the fact that civilians are suffering in both Gaza and Afghanistan, the relationship between the two places may not be immediately apparent. Again, Wright finds a connection, that being the youth fighting for change.  The purpose behind Wright’s most recent trip to Afghanistan was to meet with with the Youth Peace Volunteers. The youths comprise a group of about 15 teenagers in Bamiyan, the site of the Buddhas of Bamiyan, which was a UNESCO World Heritage Site destroyed by the Taliban in 2001. The group hosted a Global Day of Listening to Afghans on December 18, during which anyone in the world could call in by telephone or Skype to hear stories told by the Afghan people in their own voices, of what it is like to live now in Afghanistan. The message behind this group boils down to one message: “Enough already!” Youth Peace Volunteers are adamant in calling an end to the killing.  We are now approaching 10 years of U.S. military involvement in Afghanistan. The continued construction of military bases and other financial indicators suggest an increased American presence over the next several years. In fact, an accurate count of the current number of bases there is impossible to find, but estimates are as high as 400. An expansion of the U.S. embassy in Afghanistan (making it the largest in the world) as well as two new consulates are coming soon with a price tag of $500 million. On December 2, the same group sent an open letter to “our world leaders” and asked the world to listen. In their words, the Afghan people have “nowhere to turn and nowhere to hide.” Several of the teenagers in this group have lost loved ones in the conflict. They too despise the violence of the Taliban, Wright explained. But they have forgiven past wrongdoings and argue that the road to peace is through love. Upon reading their eloquent document, it is hard to believe it was written by young people, many of whom had not left their hometown until traveling to Kabul with Wright’s group last month. If these youth can look past the bitterness and bloodshed towards a better future in their country, then we owe it to them to listen.  To read Youth Peace Volunteers’ letter, click here The Youth Peace Volunteers have also reached out to the youth in Gaza. The group made a film in Bamiyan where they flew kites in solidarity with the Gaza youths, one group of oppressed reaching out to another. The kites represent freedom, which can only be achieved by ending the cycle of revenge. The youths remain in communication through Skype. And so Wright eloquently transitioned from Afghanistan to Gaza, where she is helping to organize a U.S. boat to Gaza, named The Audacity of Hope, which plans to set sail this spring as part of the next Freedom Flotilla—part of an international effort to break the blockade by bringing humanitarian aid and supplies. To see a short video about the Israeli attack on the Mavi Marmara, part of the 2010 Freedom Flotilla, click here The situation in Gaza, where civilians have literally been imprisoned in the devastating quagmire of a conflict between Israel, Egypt, and Hamas, has no real resolution in sight. Regardless of one’s position with respect to this protracted struggle, one needs to recognize this: For Gaza’s overwhelmingly young population (more than half of the 1.5 million population is under 18 years of age), their daily lives have become a nightmare to a degree that is nearly impossible for an American to fathom. And, as in Afghanistan, they are starting to come forward and speak out about their lives. Last month, an anonymous group named Gaza Youth Breaks Out issued a manifesto (see it on their Facebook page in the “notes” section)that was later published in the U.K. Guardian, which called it “an extraordinary, impassioned cyberscream.”  The manifesto begins with a “Fuck everyone,” goes on to detail the innumerable miseries of the occupation, and ends with a seemingly basic request:“We want to be free. We want to be able to live a normal life. We want peace. Is that too much to ask?” You might ask yourself, what can you do? Wright recommends contacting these groups directly. Get involved. Show Hawaii is listening. Have extra time or money? Help Wright fundraise for the The Audacity of Hope or sail to Gaza with them (applications due January 15). For more information on the expedition to Gaza, visit http://ustogaza.org/. News Culture Community Friday, January 14 2011 8:41 PM /story/makiki-residents-invited-to-learn-about-organizing-a-neighborhood-security /story/makiki-residents-invited-to-learn-about-organizing-a-neighborhood-security HONOLULU—On Monday, January 24, the Honolulu Police Department and Makiki legislators are holding a meeting to get residents caught up on how to set up a Neighborhood Security Watch (NSW) program. The meeting, held at Christ United Methodist Church from 6:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., will look into what it takes to start a NSW, how the community benefits, and what resources are available to volunteer groups. Essentially, a NSW empowers residents to partner with police and with each other to increase the safety and security of their homes and communities, and more importantly to build community unity and pride. A potluck gathering immediately follows the presentation and meeting. Contact Berna at (808) 586-9425 or b.fo@capitol.hawaii.gov for more information or if you will attend as part of a group or organization. Honolulu Police Department, District 1, Community Policing Team: Sergeant Larry Santos Officer Don Faumuina Officer Rich Fikani Officer Taylor Hoopii Officer Kevin Nakano Makiki State and City legislative delegation: Rep. Della Au Belatti Sen. Carol Fukunaga Council Member Ann Kobayashi Council Member Tulsi Gabbard Tamayo Makiki Neighborhood Security Watch meeting Monday, January 24 from 6:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Christ United Methodist Church 1639 Keeaumoku Street (between Wilder and Heulu) News Culture Community Thursday, January 13 2011 4:21 AM /story/volunteers-needed-to-clean-up-makiki-district-park-and-makiki-community-lib /story/volunteers-needed-to-clean-up-makiki-district-park-and-makiki-community-lib Makiki Community Clean-up Day, inspired by Martin Luther King, Jr. and his dedicated service to others, is a day for friends and neighbors to work together for the betterment of the entire community. Volunteers are needed to join Rep. Della Au Belatti, Friends of the Makiki Community Library, and Hui o Makiki to paint over graffiti, clean up the park, and take care of other various projects for the library. A completed waiver is necessary to participate. Call 586-9425 for more information. Makiki Community Clean-up Day On Martin Luther King, Jr. Day Monday, January 17 from 8:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Makiki District Park and Makiki Community Library 1527 Keeaumoku St. News Culture Community Thursday, January 13 2011 4:18 AM