After spending ten years in Japan and another six in Nashville and Brooklyn, a local resident has returned to their home in ʻAiea, finding little progress in the political and economic landscape of the islands.
Initial observations suggest that while Hawaiʻi remains a bubble of tolerance, that tolerance is beginning to fray.
One notable issue is the visible increase in homelessness, which is more pronounced now than in prior years.
Additionally, the burgeoning real estate market makes it seemingly impossible for hardworking residents to afford even modest homes.
A surprising shortage of doctors adds to the community’s struggles, making it difficult for residents to schedule necessary medical appointments.
The current political climate, tied to national issues, has further escalated fears among many residents.
Reports of ICE and other enforcement actions under President Donald Trump’s immigration policies have created a palpable atmosphere of anxiety.
Local families worry about leaving their homes to shop for food, attend work, or send their children to school due to the imminent threat of detainment and deportation.
Armando Rodrigues, a coffee farmer in South Kona, vocalized this communal unease when he stated, “We don’t feel safe and we never thought this was something that would happen in Hawaiʻi, because, you know, this is the Aloha State.”
Despite the deepening concerns within the community, supporters of President Trump appear unfazed, instead feeling emboldened by the current shift towards totalitarianism.
In various neighborhoods, banners advocating for Trump and symbols associated with extreme right-wing groups have become more visible.
These groups align themselves with policies that not only impact immigrants but also undermine access to necessary health care resources, such as the Affordable Care Act and Medicaid, while exacerbating issues like food price inflation.
During the recent election, Trump surprisingly garnered 37% of the votes in a state traditionally known for its Democratic leanings.
Areas such as Waipahu and Kalihi, which host many immigrant families, saw significant increases in Trump’s support as residents grapple with fear from ongoing enforcement actions.
A deeper understanding of this shift reveals individuals struggling to make ends meet, searching for a figure they believe can help them navigate their hardships.
These challenges are compounded by perceived ineffectiveness from the Democratic Party, which many residents feel has lost its commitment to advocating for their interests—particularly those of the homeless, the poor, immigrants, single mothers, the elderly, the uninsured, and those juggling multiple jobs.
This decline in active support marks a significant change from earlier years when the Democratic Party of Hawaiʻi worked alongside community and labor groups to create a more equitable society.
Regrettably, it seems that both local and national officials today are often perceived as lacking the necessary urgency to advocate strongly for vulnerable populations.
Though many elected officials are well-intentioned, they appear to be excessively tethered to party interests, which hampers their effectiveness in addressing critical issues.
Observations of political gatherings in Washington, D.C., particularly at venues like Butterworth’s Bistro, highlight a troubling trend.
Images of MAGA supporters reveling in their communal spaces while simultaneously contributing to a landscape of suppression are stark reminders of the ongoing political disarray.
As future generations reflect on the current climate, it is hoped they will acknowledge those who stood firm against the tide of authoritarianism and social neglect.
Locally, the question remains: what can be done to combat the encroaching narrative of authoritarianism and neglect of vulnerable populations in Hawaiʻi?
Community members are called to action, to contribute to positive change, and to document their efforts for future generations to learn from and understand.
image source from：civilbeat
