Act of War Review

Act of War contributed to my knowledge of Hawaii’s history and its unjust

past. It is clearer after watching the film as to why Native Hawaiians stand firm behind their beliefs of sovereignty and their dedication to the land and culture throughout history. Keys to the kingdom may have been handed over, but the voices of Queen Liliuokalani and King Kalakaua continue to echo in present day Hawaii with the separatist movements that exist. The concept of ‘haole’ insurgents annexing Hawaii, changing its legislature, and attempting to permanently reform its culture through Marshal Law sounds somewhat reminiscent of Afghanistan’s change in infrastructure at the hands of the United States. Will they have same ending?

Hawaii’s rich soil and easy access to the Pacific Ocean makes it an easy target for a country to take control of. The craving of the islands by the west was purely motivated by capitalism, yet that is what helped Hawaii set up to thrive globally. Aside from its abundant natural resources for export, technological breakthroughs stemming from Pearl Harbor and tourism later on manifested Hawaii’s destiny of being big industry. For locals, sustainability of the land is far more important than any corporate, mass-producing entity whose planted their roots.

Narrations during missionary accounts of events lean towards a justification of actions through ethnocentrisms, whereas the Native Hawaiians narration has a completely different conviction—one of repressed hostility. The contrast of beliefs is astounding to watch one after another because America adopts the utilitarian mind frame while Native Hawaiians try to maintain a more deontologist reality. One certainty is that both parties will never see eye-to-eye on the rights to Hawaii, and opinions are growing stronger every day.