Colonialism and Hawaii (part 1)

The very definition of the word colonialism is sketchy: "the control or governing influence of a nation over a dependent country, territory, or people (http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/colonialism)," "the extension of a nation's over territory beyond its borders by the establishment of either or exploitation colonies in which indigenous populations are directly ruled, displaced, or exterminated (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Colonialism)," or "the practice of domination (http://www.science.uva.nl/~seop/entries/colonialism/)." No matter what definition you choose to adopt when writing about colonialism (anywhere), the very topic brings up negative feelings for all.Colonialism has become a "Western" tradition starting as far back as the Crusades and continuing to present day America. A tradition of inhabiting/exploring new lands and staying to "make them better" or to "help civilize the people." I am not a Native Hawaiian by lineage. I am a haole (foreigner) , raised in Hawaii by a community of hanai (adopted) ohana (family). I am not adopted (in the Western sense of the word), I do have a family in which I am genetically related to but my extended family are the people that molded me into the person that I am today. My "aunties" and "uncles" encompassed a vast assembly of wisdom that was always readily available despite the fact that I was a constant reminder to them that their homelands may never be the same. To me, the native Hawaiian population exemplifies the ideal of peaceful resistance. I stand with them in spirit through their struggles. Ua mau ke ea o ka `aina i ka pono. (The life of the land is preserved in righteousness. State Motto).