Race, Unity and Disunity in Hawaii

1) There were rallies in Hawaii defending Kamehameha School's one-race admission policy.

Why can't everyone just learn to integrate already? This is the 21st Century!

2) Honolulu Advertiser had an article on Samoan and Micronesian ministers trying to get the kids to get along. There have been fights between Samoan and Micronesian kids, and the ministers are trying to stop that.

http://www.honoluluadvertiser.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20050806/NEWS01/508060328/1001

I think both groups have been impacted by the wider, dominant groups, or cultures, in Hawai'i," said the Rev. To'o'olefua Paogofie, who heads the Nu'u Ministry, a special ministry sponsored by the Hawai'i Conference, United Church of Christ.

"They are having difficulties readjusting and, out of that frustration, I think they've got to vent out their frustration," he said. "And sadly, they've taken it out on each other's immigrant groups."

Paogofie said he has seen tensions rise between Micronesian and Samoan youths during the past two to three years.

The rivalry came to a head last October with a fatal stabbing near Mayor Wright Homes. A 21-year-old half-Samoan man was stabbed to death during a fight between Samoans and Micronesians.

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"There was apprehension and trepidation among the pastors whether this was going to work, but then they decided that it was their responsibility as community leaders to take this initiative and to bring these youth groups together, to find a point of reconciliation," Paogofie said.