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March takes
Hawaiians’ case to
Washington D.C.

Groups from other states
will join tomorrow's walk
in the nation's capital

See also: http://www.alohamarch2000.org

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By Lori Tighe
Star-Bulletin

Butch Kekahu had just returned from kidney dialysis to his Washington, D.C., hotel, where he is preparing for the Aloha March tomorrow on the nation's Capitol.

No matter how far he travels from Hawaii, his complications from diabetes always remind him of his condition and that of the native Hawaiians -- in pain, and in need of healing.

It is time again to remind Americans of the plight of the native Hawaiian people, Kekahu said.

Native Hawaiians have the worst social, health and economic profile of any ethnic group in the United States. Their lands were taken 107 years ago by the U.S. government and they want justice, he said.

"If you steal it, return it," said Kekahu, founder of the Koani Foundation of Kauai and sponsor of the Aloha March.

More than 300 people are expected to participate in the Aloha March, said Riley Ehu Cardwell, media spokesman for the march.

"The theme is 'Marching in Unity.' Native Hawaiians are becoming unified. The Rice v. Cayetano decision was a major factor in unifying Hawaiians," Cardwell said.

The marchers will walk from the Capitol down Pennsylvania Avenue to the White House. Marchers are expected from all Hawaiian Islands, and Texas, California, Indiana, Florida, New York, Virginia and Massachusetts, Cardwell said.

"We received endorsements from the United Church of Christ, the National Council of Churches and the Japanese American Citizens League," he said. "We also have 50 members from the Royal Order of Kamehameha."

The marchers will play drums and chant a holy chant .

"We will be quite a dramatic display," Caldwell said.

Kekahu, meanwhile, shrugs off his dialysis and tries not to let it get in the way of his goal. "We want nothing short of independence. We're all on a time line, so we need to use these precious moments. I'm not going to wait around for another 107 years," Kekahu said. "I won't be here."