Ka Wai Ola - Office of Hawaiian Affairs, Volume 22, Number 4, 1 April 2005 — Kānaka Maoli prisoners struggle for religious freedom [ARTICLE]

Kānaka Maoli prisoners struggle for religious freedom

By Kaleihau Kamau'u Editor's note: Kaleihau Kamau'u is a pa'ahao (prisoner) at Diamondback Correctional Facility in Oklahoma and a plaintiff in a lawsuit that successfidly sought to allow Hawaiian inmates to observe makahiki rites. The views expressed in this community discussion eolumn are those ofthe author and do not necessarily reflect the views of the Office of Hawaiian affairs. Perhaps the most pressing human rights issue at this time for Kānaka Maoli who are incarcerated is the denial of their right to practice traditional Native Hawaiian spirituality. This is particularly true for Kānaka Maoli systematically sent from their ancestral homeland to private for-profit prisons on the American continent. Practices that we take for granted in Hawai'i, such as our hula, chants, prayers, protocol, ceremonies and special observances, are prohibited there. When it is allowed, it is under the most hostile conditions, or for entertainment only. When we are singing and dancing for people's entertainment,

it's okay, even encouraged. But, when Kānaka Maoli want to gather and practice their hula, chants, prayers, protocol and ceremonies for their recovery and spiritual healing in prison, we face hostility, even retaliation. Since its founding, the American prison system has permitted prisoners to freely exercise their religious beliefs based on the underlying philosophy that religion is an important part of rehabilitation. Indeed, throughout the American prison system, religious services are provided for Muslims, Native Americans, Christians, Wiccans, Buddhists and persons of other faiths. Yet, when Kānaka Maoli sought to collectively practice traditional Native Hawaiian spirituality in prison for recovery and spiritual healing, we were denied an equal opportunity to do so. Compounding matters, we are sent to places under the care of people with little or no understanding and sensitivity toward our culture. Nor do they understand that we are a distinct group of native people with a spirituality of our own. The practice of removing Kānaka Maoli from our homeland makes it virtually impossible to have visits from family,

friends and spiritual leaders. For Kānaka Maoli who share a familial relationship with our ancestral land, this separation becomes an even greater spiritual, mental and emolional crisis. Native Hawaiian spiritual practices are very important for the healing of Kānaka Maoli, whether inside or outside of prison. They connect us to the creator, creation, and who we are as a distinct group of island people. Denying Kānaka Maoli our traditional spiritual practices throughout the American prison system is more than just a denial of our religious rights under the U.S. Constitution; it is tantamount to denying us opportunities for recovery and spiritual healing. Sadly, it was only when the Native Hawaiian Legal Corporation filed a

lawsuit against the Hawai'i Department of Public Safety and Corrections Corporation of America that we were allowed to collectively practice our traditional Native Hawaiian religion at the Diamondback Correctional Facility in Oklahoma. To date, our efforts for recovery and spiritual healing through the practice of traditional Native Hawaiian spirituality continues with the support of many individuals and organizations within our community: the Office of Hawaiian Affairs; the Native Hawaiian Legal Corporation; Kumu John Keola Lake; 'Ohana Ho'opakele; the Support and Advocacy Group for Native Hawaiian prisoners at Diamondback led by Rev. Rosemary McCombs Maxey and based in Oklahoma; the United Church of Christ; and the citizens of the Muscogee Nalion. Lastly, I acknowledge my brothers, the many Kānaka Maoli inside, who went hang 'em solid through the threats, the shaming, the humilialion, the labeling, the retaliation, the "special" cell-searches, the change(s) of address(es) and the harassment, but continued to stand for what they know is pono. E ho'omau i ke ala ola. G

When Kānaka Maoli sought to collectively practice traditional Native Hawaiian spirituality in prison for recovery and spiritual healing, we were denied an equal opportunity to do so.