Autobiography of Protest in Hawaii

Autobiography of Protest in Hawai'i explores Hawai'i's social and economic fabric through the comments of thirty-five progressive activists. The activists range in age from the mid-thirties to the late seventies and comment on their involvement in issues such as housing, labor, land use, poverty, environment, sexual harassment, seniors, and sovereignty. Almost one-half are women and there is an even split between those born in Hawai'i and those born elsewhere. Their work identity includes professor, lawyer, physician, labor leader, politician, university regent, agency administrator, service industry worker, homemaker, and unemployed. The book begins with an overview of political activism in Hawai'i, and then records the oral history of the thirty-five activists. Each was asked to respond to factors that shaped their moral and political lives. They were invited to explore the forces and events in their past that led them to take on an activist role: family, religion, employment, and other life-shaping experiences, along with external events or movements that were influential in their development. The activists were also asked to provide personal assessments of insights gained from their activist role experiences and how they can be applied today, their analysis of Hawai'i today and some speculation on Hawai'i's future. The result is a book that produces some very interesting and controversial viewpoints on Hawai'i's political socialization and history, as well as personal dynamics, family relations, economic trends, and quality of life.