Report

Inter-island Sustainability Lecture Series #3

As the third session of the Inter-island Sustainability Lecture Series launched this fall, a COIL lecture was held in the “Survey of British and American Culture I” classes taught by Associate Professor Kinuko Yamazato (Faculty of Global and Regional Studies), featuring guest speaker Kyle Kajihiro from Kapiʻolani Community College.

Title: Ke Awalau o Pu‘uloa to Pearl Harbor: Narratives of Transformation and Resistance
Lecturer: Dr. Kyle Kajihiro (Assistant Professor, Department of Ethnic Studies, University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa)
Date and Time: Thursday, December 19, 12:50 – 14:20
Format: Online via Zoom
Overview:
This lecture focused on the historical transformations and stories of cultural resistance surrounding Ke Awalau o Puʻuloa (the many bays of the long hill) in Hawaiʻi, a place widely known today, especially since 1941, as “Pearl Harbor.” This area was renowned for its rich natural environment and cultural significance and was traditionally known as Ke Awalau o Puʻuloa. However, as the United States increased its incursion and dominance over Hawaiʻi, the military use of Pearl Harbor advanced under the 1884 Second Reciprocity Treaty and the 1887 Bayonet Constitution. In 1893, the Hawaiian Kingdom was overthrown with American support, leading to the loss of its sovereignty—a condition that persists today.

The lecture also highlighted the mythological story of Kaʻahupāhau, the shark goddess and guardian of Puʻuloa, symbolizing the deep connection of Native Hawaiians to the natural world and their resistance to external forces. For example, during the collapse of a dry dock under construction in 1909, the incident was interpreted not as a mere accident but as a sign of Kaʻahupāhau’s anger. Following the Spanish-American War in 1898, Pearl Harbor became a key military base for the United States and continued to play a critical strategic role during World War II.

Recently, environmental issues such as the Red Hill fuel leak have contaminated the aquifer beneath Pearl Harbor and Honolulu’s water supply, creating significant challenges. The history of Puʻuloa is thus deeply tied to narratives of colonization, militarization, and environmental destruction, prompting cultural expressions and community-led initiatives to assert Indigenous identity and advocate for a sustainable future. These efforts highlight the importance of restoring Hawaiʻi’s traditions and environment. This lecture reexamined the cultural and environmental significance of Puʻuloa, exploring lessons from historical resistance and addressing contemporary challenges to envision a better future.

Participating students raised many questions and shared their reflections. Topics of interest included the current state of education on Pearl Harbor’s history in Hawaiʻi and the lecturer, Kyle Kajihiro’s reflections on the responsibilities of Yonsei Japanese immigrants and settlers. Furthermore, Kajihiro’s question, “How does this compare to Okinawa?” prompted students to consider parallels with their own land, leading to profound and meaningful discussions.

Inter-island Sustainability Lecture Series

#1　Lynn Miyahira “Being ‘Yonsei’ in Hawaii: Cultivating a Strong Identity & Passion for Community”
#2　Kelli Y. Nakamura “The Hawai‘i Connection: Okinawa’s Postwar Reconstruction and Uchinanchu Identity”