People around Hawaii Island have been taking part in peaceful protests focused around the death of George Floyd at the hands–actually the knee–of a police officer in Minneapolis, and the Black Lives Matter movement.
In West Hawaii, there was a peaceful march on Sunday, May 31, and there were peaceful paddle outs at Anaeho’omalu Bay last Tuesday, and at Hapuna Beach on Friday. (attached video courtesy Talea Lischetski)
Another peaceful walk is scheduled for today (Sunday June 7) at 2 p.m. starting on Queen Ka’ahumanu Highway in front of the Mormon Temple.
In Honolulu on Saturday, thousands of marchers went from Ala Moana Park to the State Capitol, in a peaceful protest. Many placed their signs in front of the Republican Party headquarters when the walk was done. (Photos posted by Ryan Ozawa)
Following the Waikiki march, NAACP Hawaii hosted an online forum moderated by NAACP President Alphonso Braggs and youth leader Kristen Brown, with around 150 participants. State Supreme Court Chief Justice Mark Rechtenwald and State Representative John Mizuno both spoke–and said they were listening. Deputy Police Chief John McCarthy (representing Chief Susan Ballard) talked about the review process now going on for the department’s “Use of Force” policy.
There was a peaceful demonstration Saturday in Waimea, with everybody wearing masks and socially distancing. (Photos courtesy North Hawaii Action Network.)
In Hilo, there was a peaceful protest showing support last Tuesday afternoon, and one on Friday. Photo courtesy Darrin Darlson (DC).
On Saturday in Hilo, hundreds joined in a paddle out to honor George Floyd. Video courtesy Jeremiah Osuna, Strange Hawaii:
Peaceful demonstrations will continue around Hawaii Island. Today, Sunday, June 7, there is a peaceful march scheduled for 2 p.m. from the Mormon Temple at Queen Ka’ahumanu Highway to Henry Street, down to Kuakini, and back to the Mormon Temple. In Waimea, another demonstration/sign waving is set for June 11 at 3 p.m. on Mamalahoa Highway fronting Parker Ranch Center/Ikua Purdy Monument, and in Hilo on June 20 at Lili’uokalani Gardens at 11 a.m.
Attached photo of the Waimea demonstration, courtesy North Hawaii Action Network.