Aloha, honorable members of the Pacific Caucus,
We, the undersigned, are Kanaka Maoli of diverse ages, islands and political affiliations, who share a common commitment to the self-determination of our lāhui (nation, people). Many of us have each served within our islands’ communities for decades. All of us have a commitment to meaningful Hawaiian autonomy. Some of us have worked at the international level, while others have focused primarily at more local levels.
In recognition of our self-determination, we write to make clear that Russell Kai Landow, who is not a Kanaka Maoli, does not speak for the lāhui Hawaiʻi—the Hawaiian nation and people. Regardless of what he may assert, please understand that Mr. Landow has not been given the authority to speak on behalf of the Hawaiian people. Further, we ask that you assure that he is not given any position of leadership on behalf of Hawaiʻi within the Pacific caucus, UNPFII or other relevant bodies for the following reasons:
Indigenous peoples have consistently asserted the right to speak and be heard at the UN and other international arenas. As Kānaka Maoli, we are not against non-Kanaka joining us and supporting us in our efforts to seek justice and assert our self-determination. We are, however, against non-Kanaka who claim to speak for us when we are perfectly capable of speaking for ourselves. Thank you for your time and consideration.
Foster Ampong
Meghan Au
Hanale Bishop
Mana Caceras
Donna Ann Kamehaiku Camvel
Kaio Camvel
Nakoa Camvel
Elise Leimomi Davis
Palikapu Dedman
Ikaika Hussey
Konia Freitas
Noelani Goodyear-Kaʻōpua
L. Pauahi Hookano
Skippy Ioane
Kaleikoa Kaʻeo
Keʻeaumoku Kapu
Paulette Kaʻanohi Kaleikini
Lilikalā Kameʻeleihiwa
Bumpy Kanahele
J. Kēhaulani Kauanui
M.A. Kaʻupenamana
Terrilee Kekoʻolani
Kelea Levy
Kaiwipuni Lipe
ʻIlima Long
Paul Koa Luke
Melissa Haa Moniz
Hanohano Naehu
Maile Naehu
Kalamaokaaina Niheu
Leiānuenue Niheu
Malia Nobrega
Jonathan Kamakawiwoʻole Osorio
Andre Perez
Makanani Parker
Kekailoa Perry
Leon Noʻeau Peralto
Walter Ritte
Noenoe K. Silva
Kaʻāhiki Solis
Mililani B. Trask
Ty Kāwika Tengan
ʻĪmaikalani Winchester
We, the undersigned, are Kanaka Maoli of diverse ages, islands and political affiliations, who share a common commitment to the self-determination of our lāhui (nation, people). Many of us have each served within our islands’ communities for decades. All of us have a commitment to meaningful Hawaiian autonomy. Some of us have worked at the international level, while others have focused primarily at more local levels.
In recognition of our self-determination, we write to make clear that Russell Kai Landow, who is not a Kanaka Maoli, does not speak for the lāhui Hawaiʻi—the Hawaiian nation and people. Regardless of what he may assert, please understand that Mr. Landow has not been given the authority to speak on behalf of the Hawaiian people. Further, we ask that you assure that he is not given any position of leadership on behalf of Hawaiʻi within the Pacific caucus, UNPFII or other relevant bodies for the following reasons:
- Behavior: It has come to our attention that Mr. Landow has been disrespectful and disruptive, acting with little humility or diplomatic composure. It has been publicly reported that he has caused “havoc” in the Pacific caucus. We value friendly and productive relationships with members of the Pacific caucus, UNPFII and WCIP. Anyone who represents Hawaiʻi and Kanaka Maoli should conduct themselves with dignity and integrity.
- Genealogy: Genealogy and race are not the same thing. For hundreds of generations, our people have understood ourselves through our genealogies. We are genealogically connected to our lands. We welcome non-Kanaka Maoli to be allies with us in our movements, but they cannot assume the responsibility to speak on our behalf.
- Representation and accountability: While Mr. Landow may have been selected by certain individuals as a personal spokesman or designee, he has not been vetted, elected or in any way affirmed by Kanaka Maoli in the islands. He has not made himself accountable to people here in Hawaiʻi nor to the many who have over the years, called into question his ethics, his behavior and his poor decisions. He should not speak for Hawaiʻi.
Indigenous peoples have consistently asserted the right to speak and be heard at the UN and other international arenas. As Kānaka Maoli, we are not against non-Kanaka joining us and supporting us in our efforts to seek justice and assert our self-determination. We are, however, against non-Kanaka who claim to speak for us when we are perfectly capable of speaking for ourselves. Thank you for your time and consideration.
Foster Ampong
Meghan Au
Hanale Bishop
Mana Caceras
Donna Ann Kamehaiku Camvel
Kaio Camvel
Nakoa Camvel
Elise Leimomi Davis
Palikapu Dedman
Ikaika Hussey
Konia Freitas
Noelani Goodyear-Kaʻōpua
L. Pauahi Hookano
Skippy Ioane
Kaleikoa Kaʻeo
Keʻeaumoku Kapu
Paulette Kaʻanohi Kaleikini
Lilikalā Kameʻeleihiwa
Bumpy Kanahele
J. Kēhaulani Kauanui
M.A. Kaʻupenamana
Terrilee Kekoʻolani
Kelea Levy
Kaiwipuni Lipe
ʻIlima Long
Paul Koa Luke
Melissa Haa Moniz
Hanohano Naehu
Maile Naehu
Kalamaokaaina Niheu
Leiānuenue Niheu
Malia Nobrega
Jonathan Kamakawiwoʻole Osorio
Andre Perez
Makanani Parker
Kekailoa Perry
Leon Noʻeau Peralto
Walter Ritte
Noenoe K. Silva
Kaʻāhiki Solis
Mililani B. Trask
Ty Kāwika Tengan
ʻĪmaikalani Winchester