WeAreHapa.com - The Social Support Network for Multi-Cultural Individuals

Are we REAL Hapas?

OK...so I was googling the word "hapa" the other day and stumbled upon this article...I was suprised that there was such resistance toward people using the word "hapa" and that certain people believe there are standards on which you are or aren't a "real hapa!" 

Here is the link, http://www.realhapas.com/

Here is the introduction on the site:

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The REAL Hapa: The Hawaiian Hapa

Personal Introduction from the Webmistress:

"Around 2002, I noticed that many people of mixed Asian descent were disrespecting Hawaiians and part of our culture by misusing and misappropriating the Hawaiian word "hapa." It became evident at Alvin Soltis' www.Hapas.com that there was an assault and an attack on part of our Hawaiian culture, a culture that I would hope is respected like other cultures are. I noticed this elsewhere online. It became my personal mission to ensure that I do what I can to protect this gift that our kupuna gave to us which future Hawaiian children should be able to have as well. This is one of many ways that I use to protect this gift as well as other gifts from our kupuna such as the iwi (or "bones") that all Hawaiians share.

As someone of English, Chinese, Hawaiian, and Portuguese descent I was shocked that so many mixed Asians were unknowingly and/or unwittingly disrespecting the Hawaiian culture... thus disrespecting its people. Nowadays I have noticed that many people are realizing that many Hawaiians are offended and are slowly becoming more respectful of our culture. For that I am grateful but many people were surprised when this website was created but it really should not be a surprise since Hawaiians compose approximately .1% of the population in the United States while Asians comprise approximately 3.6% of the total population in the United States (see http://www.census.gov/prod/2001pubs/c2kbr01-1.pdf) Hawaiians are clearly outnumbered. In addition we are not represented as much as Asians are especially online and in colleges and universities. I just happen to be fortunate to have attended the Kamehameha Schools which is a school for Hawaiians (which is similar to schools that they have for other native American children) on full financial aid then the University of Washington with financial aid. Therefore I am the first and only Hawaiian who has created this type of website which specifically addresses this issue but this does not mean that I am the first Hawaiian nor does it mean that I am the only Hawaiian who feels this way. As a matter of fact it is partly because my maternal grandmother urged me to learn as much as I can about computers. Now I understand why... and some of the reasons why I started to address this issue is because to me it's very important that people understand the Hawaiian culture or at least be aware of our culture plus I knew some things about computers and have time, money, and energy to devote to this issue that is important to me.

I would like to personally thank everyone who has visited this website for taking the time out to stop by. I would also like to thank Kevin Miller, Jr. MPA (and fellow University of Washington alumna) of the Amerasian Foundation for helping me with this website. This website would not have been possible without his help.

While reading this please keep in mind that this website is about protecting and preserving part of our culture which has slowly evolved just as we as Hawaiians have evolved. It is my hope that the Hawaiian culture including but not limited to its people and language are respected just as other cultures are respected too. Note that I still do not wish to have my picture posted on this website because the focus is not and should not be on me. Instead I prefer the focus to be on the Hawaiian culture, Hawaiian language, and Hawaiian people. In any case I dedicate this website to all Hawaiian children, young and old, who are descendants of Wakea and Papa. I hope that one day they will have the same or similar gifts that were given to me by my kupuna. Anyway if you have a question or comment please contact me using this contact form: http://www.realhapas.com/contact.php. Mahalo.

-- Signed, Lana Robbins, Webmistress

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This was news to me, I have some roots in Hawaii, my grandfather was born there anad still have family there and for my whole life I was called a "hapa" or "hapa-haole."  So I wanna hear what you guys think...Especially from those of you from Hawaii, please weigh in on any personal experiences or what you have heard from the Hawaiian community in regards to the word "hapa."  PLEASE COMMENT!  :)  I am interested to know what you all think!

Kip Fulbeck, author of the Hapa Project, briefly discussed how the word has changed over time...check the video out below...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hV_m6dLlEMs

Do we continue to use this word, realizing it has taken on new meaning over the years or do we stop and use something else???