In this ThinkTech broadcast, Grassroot President Keli’i Akina interviews a young man and young woman who share what it means to them to be both Native Hawaiian and a proud American. The question of Native Hawaiian identity has become politically charged in recent years, and so it is refreshing to hear Kainoa Castillo and Jenai Akina discuss how they view Native Hawaiian principles like striving for excellence and embracing hard work as complementary to the American Dream. Those with a historical bent will especially enjoy the reference to Prince Kuhio’s support of the Republican party and the way in which a culture of dependency is rejected as incompatible with Hawaiian values.
Watch the program in its entirety below or click here to view on You Tube.
