I'm not sure if it was clear in the video, but I enjoyed the John Oliver segment. A lot of Hawaii's history and social issues were presented for a general audience, many of which I'm sure were not familiar with Hawaii beyond it being a vacation destination. However, I wanted to add that the bigger systemic changes that will be required to change things in Hawaii will need to start with civic engagement by locals. And 32 percent voter turnout in the primary election last week isn't going to cut it. 🤙
I got that, but felt you might have misunderstood the laughter. It's the laugh through your rage, laugh through your tears, laugh to keep from killing the perpetrators of the grotesque outrages by trying to keep your cool by laughing at the very outrageousness and grotesqueness. In other words, it's not really laughter, it's frustration and outrage-- like, for example, someone saying of their ex, "s/he took all my money and left me a note with a dime for a cup of coffee" and laughing at the brutality, injustice, etc.-- a totally different kind of laughter than that which you described when talking about laughing at the kid who was different, and then his laughing at himself. Oliver was not laughing at Hawaii, much less making light of the injustices and problems. He was screaming in pain and outrage-- did you not hear that?-- and using laughter as a way to deal with strong feelings and also as a vehicle, as others here have said, to get people to be listen to the urgent information they might otherwise turn off. So the laughter serves two functions, niether of which is in the least insulting, belittling, minimizing, disrespecting, etc., Hawaii or its people. What I heard was quite the opposite.
@hellofromhawaii I get what you are saying, voting needs to be taught, along with other adulting skills needed to function after high school. However, IMHO I believe that people don't vote in general because they feel they don't have a choice. The voting system is outdated and there is no good choice sometimes. @equalvote is working to change that with STAR voting. If STAR voting was allowed, people would be able to score the candidates (much like we do for Google and Amazon reviews). The top 2 candidates then run off and everyone's scores are taken into consideration! No lesser evil, vote splitting, or other nonsense. When everyone can do this we all win!
Easier to blame others instead of looking in the mirror and taking accountability. John Oliver just playing into the narrative with added humor. Him being a non Hawaiian feel it comes off a bit gross he just uses Hawaii as a political stage to make jokes.
Sorry, can’t follow you anymore! It’s good for all malahini know what it’s like for us in “Paradise”. The history wasn’t as clear as it could have been but it’s not a documentary it’s comedy. Yes, we’re still in it, we will always be in it…vote and help out in your community and you feel that you can’t do anything about it because you CHOOSE to do nothing. You’re just whining…as you usually do. You get on my LAST nerve! Whiner!
John Oliver’s segment was absolutely siding with the Hawaiian locals and natives. Jokes were only thrown in to lighten the message with spurts of levity, which is the formula of the show… but if there was a target for derision, it was absolutely the tourists, billionaires, and government that have muddied the waters and taken much of the spirit of Aloha and forced it to relocate elsewhere. That episode was fighting for YOU, my friend, and asking for humility and respect for Hawaii and Hawaiians from outsiders like me 🌺
John Oliver brings up an important topic that quite literally NO ONE ELSE in the entertainment industry will EVER bring up. Especially because the topic is sensitive towards Hawaiians (and quite frankly all indigenous native American people as well). I feel as a local born and raised in the 808 State as appreciative that this topic was brought up because mainstream tends to sweep it under the rug so often.
I don't think anyone is laughing at you, but with you. John Oliver talks about all sorts of horrible issues, and honestly, none of them are funny in themselves, but it's a whole lot easier to stomach them with a dose of humor. People are laughing AND horrified at the same time. Hugs
@@user-l4y7r04wy6iv How about both? I think we live in a great (if terribly flawed) world in which we can have multiple sources to create a complete perspective _thanks_ to multiple comedians instead of just one. Speaking of which, I know little about Andy Bumatai and Frank Delima. Can you fill me in on their material? Based on your reaction, they must be lovely.
John Oliver and his team produce a long form video every week with the intention of shining a light upon and informing the audience on a controversial topic that people “should” be up in arms about. The comedy woven into the video is simply a cover intended to keep the audience watching a video covering a difficult topic to listen to. They are truly awesome. My first suggestion: outlaw all short term vacation rentals that are not on Beach Front Property. The voters in my California tourist city did exactly that. So lots of housing actually became housing again.
I feel John Oliver did a service to Hawai'i and Hawaiians. He brought into the larger public awareness, the history and impacts of natural resources, militarism, tourism, economics, nature, and culture. Now maybe more people will understand the harsher realities.
John Oliver is using his platform to shine a light on the many injustices we (I'm also local) face. I don't recall a moment where he made fun of us. It's a messy web of complicated issues that we find ourselves in and the only way to untangle ourselves is to take a long, hard look at the issues, the underlying causes and trying to right the wrongs. Hopefully, non-residents and potential visitors won't just walk away, but will walk away with more knowledge, a better understanding of the challenges we face, broader empathy for Kānaka Maoli (and locals), and a deeper sense of respect for the people and culture of Hawaii. Hopefully they leave with a sense of aloha. Thanks for promoting the vote. We also need a more educated electorate.
You’re absolutely correct. John Oliver has a huge audience. He uses comedy to hook viewers into awareness of key issues not covered by mainstream media - but it always comes from a core of altruism and warmth.
Are you familiar with Howard Zinn and Noam Chomsky? These men ARE teachers, both with a somewhat dry sense of humor. Zinn being the lighter of the two. Chomsky is is someone you have to listen a little closer, hear a few more details far more quickly. Ironically, they both have that long string of abbreviations following their names. Good place to start (I’m a bit of a geek and a smartass to keep things interesting) if you haven’t already and ti share with people you know, and that’s not limited to the inter. My family’s useless. Let’s hope yours is not.
I'm hoping that the audience, who I assume is primarily non-locals, walks away with more knowledge and a better understanding of how life in Hawaii really is. Not that it's so horrible, but that it's a struggle for many and it isn't what social media predominately portrays.
@@HelloFromHawaii I just viewed the Oliver vid, and although I don't watch him - IMO he's not funny, he's like that big mouth neighbor, that you'd wish would shut up, however IMO, he seemed like he was trying to "educate" as well.as "set the record straight" to OTHERS / VIEWERS, that may not know Hawai'i past & present?? You seem like a really "aware" and nice guy, but you worry and stress over things that you may not be in a position to change??! Enjoy your life, to the best of your ability! and if you're that unhappy, run for political office! You may or may not be able to make the difference that you want, but at least you'll have a more formal platform to voice your concerns, or (maybe) just relocate to another state or country?! Your constant "side eye" to the State of Hawaii & tourist/transplants is a bit too much (at times) Personally, I'll tune into this channel periodically, but to be honest I enjoy Photo Luke, or Dwayne around Town channels. I even enjoy watching Hawaii John - just driving around (unspoken) - looking at the beautiful island is just so refreshing!!🌴. Move to my state (with all of its issues & drama)- I give you 2 yrs and want to return to Hawaii and basically shut up!!😊
@@HelloFromHawaii I think we (humans) like to generalize about most things, which allows us to organize and catalogue them in our minds. It's a survival strategy that taught us what to avoid, what was safe to eat, etc.. In modern life, though, this leads to stereotyping, which can sometimes have negative consequences. When I went away for college and military service in the 80's, a lot of the friends I met thought we still lived in grass shacks and were surprised that we had electricity and indoor plumbing. Funny thing is, this was often coming from people who grew up in wooden shacks with outhouses and oil lamps. 😂 Yeah, it's always a good idea to keep an open mind, increase knowledge and apply critical thinking, but sadly, a lot of this has been lost in America, and this is partially responsible for the mess we find ourselves in.
I just watched it. It featured news clips and perspectives from locals. Life in Hawai'i ain't all rainbows, it was short but it was honest and can be used to prompt the government and those who have negatively impacted the islands to literally clean up their acts and take care of their own and their land, instead of brushing the problems aside to protect their image. Do the right thing and they'll never have to worry about perceptions. John Oliver used humor to make his points, and I think that lands easier with people who don't already know.
I’m Native Hawaiian, born in ‘88. I grew up with my family being involved in Ka Lāhui Hawaiʻi and actively protesting the construction of the H-3 in Hālawa Valley (which we now admittedly and reluctantly drive on), as well as the fight against the military for their negligence and ongoing negative environmental impact. No one gets it right on the first try, especially outside media sources. But getting attention to these matters is key, and more importantly, so is the format in which the content is delivered. I thought the content was great for the intended audience: people outside of Hawaiʻi. Yes, the Last Week Tonight team got some things wrong, like mistaking Curtis Iaukea for a mustached haole oligarch and not mentioning that Hawaiians gave their lives to get Kaho‘olawe out of military hands. However, they also highlighted key issues that other reports have started to bring more attention to, such as the fact that the majority of Native Hawaiians didn’t want to become part of the U.S., with specific examples like the Kū‘ē (anti-annexation) petitions. I think it’s important to lower expectations just a bit.
It wasn't a criticism of the PEOPLE OF HAWAII, but a criticism of the history of COLONIALISM and the outside GENTRIFICATION and it's effects on the local population. His audience was not the locals that know fully well the end results, but the broader world that don't know or understand the history or grievances.
Agreed. At the end of the day I am not really sure what his beef is; every vague criticisms he suggests is followed up with a ‘but I totally get it-I understand.’ The last half of his vid is basically making arguments about voter participation, which was not even the subject of the Oliver episode. This reaction condescending to me more than anything, and I am local-I feel like I gotta say that because guy says he “assumes” comments are mostly non-locals which can be a convenient assumption when you feel inclined to just dismiss comments to this so-called reaction.
I didn’t see John Oliver “laughing at” Hawaii in any sense at all - he was pointing out the issues, which are pretty much all caused by outside factors - and if he makes fun of anyone, he makes fun of the outside forces that are negatively impacting those of us who are raising our families here. You mentioned that as a local, we already know all of this stuff and you feel like there’s nothing you can do - I didn’t feel like I (as a long-time Hawaii resident) was his target audience. It felt more like he’s trying to raise awareness for the rest of the world about issues that are going on here, and letting them know what THEY can do (and not do) to help us out. I thought it was a great segment! Could he have talked about the need for us to be more engaged in local politics? Yeah, but again, we weren’t his target audience. We’re a tiny sliver of his viewership - why would he use his HUGE international platform to talk to only us? He used his platform appropriately - to inform the rest of the world about what we already know. He wasn’t trying to offer US solutions, he was spreading awareness OUTSIDE Hawaii. I’m thankful there are people willing to use their platform in this way!
I think he did a good job. What do you want from him? His show is like the Daily Show. No one has really said anything on this topic on a nationally televised show. We, the people, all need to stand up as one. To make the changes.
I think this guy(OP) didn't understand the video or he just wanted a clickbait video. John Oliver did an amazing job. Not everything needs a think piece
@@HelloFromHawaiilmao, dude you talk about the same issues. All this to promote your videos but never once offered or shown that you’re working on a solution. I honestly liked your videos at first because they were silly but now you come off as pompous and stubborn. You’re upset that he’s talking about the same issues. Well here’s something he has a bigger and better platform than you do. So let him talk. No ack lolo
I liked Oliver's dry humor over ALL of what Hawai'i Tourism Authority does not want tourists to know ... because his dry humor makes it easier for the average tourist to actually hear.
I was born and raised in Hawaii with family still living on Oahu. I for one appreciated Oliver's spotlight on the Islands. I learned a lot about all the secret military goings-on which I didn't realize were pretty extensive. Growing up in Honolulu, I think us kids and locals in general were kept in the dark about all that. I'm just happy that Oliver is putting out the info to the greater public, hoping it will reach those tourists coming to the islands, reminding them to honor kupuna lands and sacred sites, as well as show respect to the locals living on the islands. I also had no idea how much these tech billionaires are buying up all the lands - Zuckerberg, Ellison -I knew they owned property but didn't realize how they pretty much scammed their way into purchasing the land from lawful Kupuna ancestors who owned it. People in Hawaii are so gracious and hospitable to these tourists and foreigners that I am so mad the spirit of Aloha we were all taught to embody growing up has been taken advantaged of to this extent. Kudos to Oliver for bringing these issues to light. I know-- no easy solutions, but at least now more people are aware.
One of the huge issues is that without tourism, what other industries would set up and help the economy? I remember when I was at UH as an exchange student in the mid 80s, there was talk about diversifying the economy. When I returned in 1990 heard the same thing. The party that controls the state has done nothing to make that diversification happen.
@dhn. What a dumb and uninformed comment. It's the Republican Party that pushed using 30,000 acres in Hawaii as a target range and refusing to clean it up. It's Republicans receiving 65% of all welfare. Republicans pushed for privatized land over indigenous land ownership by Hawaiians. Republicans are so delusional, as your comment illustrated.
Diversification does not happen if individuals don't make it happen. Government can open the door, but people need to step through it. And they are not.
I thought it was good that he touched on the issues he discussed. He has a huge audience that probably learned a lot of things they didn't know before. Seems like a benefit for as many people as possible to know some history, especially if folks plan to visit. I saw him making fun of the military and rich folks taking over land, not making fun of Hawaii itself or local residents. He sympathized with displaced people and Lahaina residents and how tourists should be more compassionate. It seems like exposure and sharing facts and knowledge is a first step towards addressing problems, even if the source is a comedic political commentator.
Just watched it. I think it was fantastic to get some of the Hawaiian/US history story out to masses. I would guess over 95% of the people who watched the show, had ZERO knowledge on the topic. As a non Hawaiian, but someone who's heart is in Hawaii, I know a lot of the story, but I know most people on the main land have no clue. Hell, most on the main land think Oahu is "the big island". I don't think any of the jokes were meant to insult Hawaiians at all.
I think it's great that Hawaii's history and story has been shared, albeit in a comedic fashion. And I agree that the majority of the audience probably knew nothing about Hawaii before watching the video.
@@HelloFromHawaii Comedy is his platform and more generally a way to cope. There's a saying in french, ''better to laugh it out than cry it out''. Not that there's anything wrong with crying. I was happy to learn more about Hawai'i from a somewhat 'maintream' yet reliable source. I'm from french polynesia, so I'm always curious about how other polynesian islands manage through the western culture. It's such a clash and there are good things to take from either side, but it's a delicate balance as well, not easy to achieve. And it sadly tends to be unilateral.
John Oliver takes on serious issues, serious injustices. He may use witty and humorous lines to punch the point across, but he is always trying to point out serious inequities, things that should never have been done. Hawaii is a beautiful place and how it has been treated is shameful. I commend John Oliver for exposing it as he does with so many topics that people may be unaware of. Doing anything about it is a whole other thing, as you say.
@5:28 you say _“maybe Hawaiians should be allowed to establish a sovereign nation”_ … we already did that in 1843. We gained international sovereign recognition in 1843 through the Anglo Franco proclamation and became the first “non European” (their way of saying non white) members of the Family of Nations, which was the precursor to the UN. Once granted, international law dictates that the sovereignty of a country must be presumed to continue to exist _(conveniently called “the presumption of continuity” in legal jargon)_ until or unless another country claiming to have extinguished that sovereignty can exhibit proof of the mechanism used to extinguish that sovereignty. Once sovereignty is granted, it cannot be taken away, it can only be relinquished by the sovereign nation via a treaty wherein one party relinquishes its sovereignty to the other party… that’s called annexation. Short of the US providing a treaty of annexation they used to acquire our sovereign Hawaiian Kingdom, a treaty that DOESN’T EXIST, because the US UNLAWFULLY overthrew us, our sovereignty must be presumed to still exist, the burden of proof lies upon the US to prove otherwise. Until the US can provide a bilateral treaty of annexation used to annex the Hawaiian Kingdom, it must be presumed that the Hawaiian Kingdom continues to be a sovereign country, albeit OCCUPIED by the American regime.
He bought to light a lot of injustice’s that no one knew about and needed to hear. The jokes weren’t personal. When he talked about DHHL (Department Of Hawaiian Homelands) aside from everything else he talked about, that one struck a deeper chord. In 1978 My Mom and Grandma both signed up. My Grandma passed in 2016, and only this year she was awarded houses in Oahu and Maui, both got passed down to my Mom and my Uncle. The irony is, she still has to take out a Home Loan. And I get it, that’s just how it was set up. But how long had to wait? Technically, my Mom still on the wait list.
I get that but I do think Oliver is a net positive more than a net negative shedding light on a story that might force some much needed change I hope!🤞🏽🙏🏽
So I’m also born and raised in the islands and am Hawaiian on both parents sides. I don’t think it was as bad as you think it is. It’s not like he was “making fun” of Hawaii. He was using humor to make it more appealing to watch to some. And a lot the people who watched it probably didn’t know anything about Hawaii. At least he’s shining a light on it to some who have no idea. The amount of people I’ve met in the mainland who have no idea about our history is crazy to me. Like I said I don’t think he was trying to paint us in a bad light it is laughing at us. I think it’s important for Hawaii to have a spotlight shined on the issues as much as possible. Otherwise things won’t change. And who knows maybe it will make people think twice about buying property up or acting ignorantly when they do visit.
What I feel like you aren't factoring in is that Hawaii is effectively a one party state (and has been for awhile). As I type this, the State Senate (25 people) is 23 Democrats and 2 Republicans and the House (51 people) is 44 Democrats, 6 Republicans, and 1 Vacancy. This doesn't mean that voting isn't important (I agree with you that it is), but what it means is, pretty much everyone in the state knows the outcome before we begin. One party is going to rule (even if there are 20 massive shocking unforeseeable upsets, it wouldn't shift the party in power). Also, I got my Primary ballot in the mail, in my district, there wasn't even a Primary challenger. In other words, my option to vote was either to select the person running, or send in essentially a blank ballot (or change parties I guess just to say I cast a vote). This all means, if you are a Democrat, then you don't feel much incentive to vote because you know your party will win, and there likely isn't even a primary challenger. If you are a Republican or independent, then you know your views have and will continue to have zero power in the government and you don't feel much incentive to vote either. The result? Lower voter turnout.
@@DanHolmes-b5l I will push back on this a little bit. This is a very simplistic way to view things. It is true that at the federal level, because SOO much of the federal government is run by unelected bureaucrats and big money movies policy, it doesn't feel like either party really has much change to them and everything is a seesaw. But on the local and state level, which party is in control actually does make quite a bit of difference, especially if that party ends up in control of both sides of the legislature and the executive branch for any length of time. The state level is where most of the laws and regulations that directly affect your every day life are created and enforced. So when you end up with many decades of one party rule in a state (like Hawaii has had) you end up with no balance. You just end up with never ending movement in one direction.
Hard to believe voting here is so low. I mailed in my primary ballot the day after I got it. It took less than 5 minutes to fill out. I do miss voting in person. My local place to vote was the primary school and I miss seeing the local politicians waving signs and encouraging you to vote for them as you drove by.
I filled in my ballot and mailed it in the same day I got it. Yes, it took less than five minutes and it was easy. I haven't voted in person in Hawaii, as I've always done absentee. However, I do remember when we would go to Ahuimanu Elementary and my dad would vote.
John Oliver has an unconventional way to deliver important areas to light. 2 weeks before this segment, he did a video about "The West Bank" to highlight what is missed from the mainstream media on Israel and Palestine conflict. And from someone from that region, he did deliver a well rounded background about the topic - of course cant be complete in 20-30min video but interesting enough to keep little informed audience engaged while learning something. I knew some stories about Hawaii and through his video I learnt a lot more about this. I dont think the main goal in both videos "Hawaii" and "West Bank" is to make you laugh - They are not laughing matters :) and I appreciate his work on both topics (and most topics he does).
I’m glad that Oliver brought up this topic; although he make it into a joke, I can clearly see that he was exposing the disparities and inequities going on in Hawaii, along with Hawaii’s history of annexation. Makes us “think”.
I'm Irish. I watched this a few days back. I didn't think it's was making fun of Hawaii. It fact I told it pointed out that the locals/natives are getting screwed over by the corporate/tourism industry.
It's supposed to be tragic laughter. That's his way of addressing social topics. It's like jumping out of a plane with a backpack instead of a parachute and saying, "At least I brought a book"
I am from Northern Virginia and went to Hawaii back in 2008. I’ve always wanted to go back but haven’t had the chance. I don’t mean to offend anyone here. I know that tourism helps in some ways and that most people who visit have good intentions and respect the locals and their traditions. I just think that your identity, your connection to the land, your history is worth more than anything. People should be able to come and experience its beauty, but not at the expense of the locals.
Years ago I was working for a company that planned to move to Hawaii to do business acquiring golf/resort properties. Big job with lots of money being thrown around. I brought up in a meeting that I thought it was vitally important and responsible to learn about Hawaiian history and culture from native Hawaiians to give us a better understanding on how to navigate the business and workforce while being respectful and sensitive to the islands people. I also mentioned that all these leadership positions we planned on hiring should be equally searched locally, not just implanting people from the continental US, and we should be cognitive on those optics, but from a genuine place, not to tick some boxes. Well, in the meeting they disagreed, said that Hawaii is "just another state" and I shouldn't worry about it. I left the company after that, I knew that they had a shit attitude towards the natives and locals and I didnt want to be a part of it, because I knew that I would be working side by side with them, learning, relying, hopefully calling them friends, and I couldn't live that way.
John Oliver’s Last Week Tonight points out injustice everywhere with a satire nature. But it’s always facts mixed with jokes. Having watched the show on and off for years, the show is a legitimate news show. The Daily Show and alumni always uses legit news with humor. Sometimes there is a solution, sometimes it’s just to get you to think. The Hawaii episode had an impact on me, because I wasn’t aware of these issues before. If I ever visit Hawaii, I’ll be way more conscience of where I spend my dollars and generally very respectful that I’m a visitor and not to bring harm. But voting is important. It’s ironic because the original idea behind US public schools was to generate educated voters in our republic.
You are so well spoken and poignant. You are thoughtful and well versed in your commentary. I’m Canadian and love Hawaii with all my heart and soul but I’m looking at the state from a tourist perspective and don’t fully understand the politics. The one thing I do know for sure is you would be an excellent government official or political spokesman. You are not mean, you don’t raise your voice, you are kind. Well done 👏🏼👏🏼
You folks out here might think his is crazy, but I love to vote. I would receive my ballot in the mail, and I would review all candidates, state propositions, judge positions, and choose my candidates.I would mail my ballot in to the county. I highly recommend voting..
Voting is a waste of time. These politicians are gonna do what they want regardless. All politicians are in it for power and to get rich quick. Even Tulsi Gabbard, who I thought was the outsider, I just read her net worth is over $30M and she owns many multi-million $$ properties across the US and Hawaii, but downplays it by claiming she's a renter.
@@HelloFromHawaiiyou made a great point that the dept. of elections should also provide information to voting districts(where I used to live, the district changed twice in 23 yrs), candidates as well as anything else that would be on those ballots.
I think that the laughter is not targeted at Hawaiian people. The humor is to keep a vested interest from the audience. I watch another channel called "Some More News" which adds humor to the narrative as well. Again, the Humor is added so people don't fall asleep or change the channel. And again the humor is deliberately placed on objects, and subjects that aren't part of the real story. John Oliver typically is followed up by some very real changes for the better. I live in Florida, the butt of most jokes. However, John Oliver did a piece about Drug Treatment Centers in the State, that where robbing insurance companies, and killing young adults. That brought about some very real changes in the state. A lot of treatment centers where closed down, some people went to jail as a result. And the Treatment Centers that survived are much more effective at actually getting people off from drugs, instead of robbing and killing them.
You're absolutely correct.. The right to vote is a privilege as an American. Use it or lose it. If you decide not to make your vote count, you relinquish your right to complain. I am a 3rd generation Japanese born in Hawaii. I left the state when I was 24, and my formidable years are based on Hawaii's values. My family owned a retail business for 46 years on an outer island. I lived for 24 years in the once beautiful golden state of California, now unrecognizable. I have been residing in Florida for 26 years, but my core values of family are still Hawaii based. On the national level, reports show Hawaii as such a deep blue state, no ifs ands or buts.. and your report now informs me that one-third of the State rules all. WOW!
You aren't too bright. That's for sure. Half of California's governors over the last 50 years have been Republican. Over half of the last 50 years REPUBLICANS have had the majority in the California state senate. How can you cry about California being " unrecognizable " without knowing it's directly because of the intentional sabotage by the Republican Party. Republicans made country clubs exempt from having their property taxes raised in 1978. This has cost California over 43 Billion in tax revenue. That's one single loophole the Republicans created. Ironically it's Republican investment groups that falsified Environmental claims in Bodega Bay to force people from their homes. Everyone knows how much Republicans care about the environment. 🤦 They care so much , they falsified water reports, dumped contaminants in the bay, and bribed politicians. Now who owns that land ? You guessed it, a Multi Billion corporation that sells commercial property. What happened to these criminals? Pardoned by a Republican Governor and records expunged by Republican judges. I could write 30 pages of what Republicans have done to damage Hawaii, but Republicans hate facts. The Republican voters only care about their feelings, not evidence.
@@HelloFromHawaiiwithin the last 10 years, information concerning the U.S. occupation of Hawaii could be contributed to the low voter turnout in recent years. The more people are beginning to learn about the fraudulent annexation the less people will vote.
Thank you for making this video. While the John Oliver video will not change anything, none of his video ever do, the do provide an impetus to get things going. This is part of the process, use your platform.
John Oliver's Hawaii piece was truthful and informative, exposing the challenges we face here even using history as a background to why things are kapakahi here. It's the old adage of the golden rule. "He who has the most gold rules," with both locals and Hawaiians getting the raw end of the deal both currently and historically. While I agree that change politically could help, history has also shown Hawaii to be a one party state(not how our government was designed and a shame to the rest of the union) with unions contributing to a lion's share of this problem setting up, like with our Queen Liliuokalani, the perfect climate for corruption only inflating the injustice. There is no reason why any local family should remain homeless while our government can fund wars wasting the people's money. Lahaina has been a proving ground for this. Born on Oahu yet living on Maui, I watched as 100's of locals helped locals with the government and its agencies hindering help with its Bureaucratic ischemia. True change can only come from Hawaii 's people on a grass roots level who truly believe that the life of the land is perpetuated in righteousness.
Consider that John Oliver has an international audience on YT, and noting that a large part of that audience did not and had not really thought about what they thought was just a another state of the US without thinking about its origins and the issues that come with being part of the US, such as an underpaid hospitality sector serving the tourists and the low barrier to entry for wealthy mainlanders to simply buy up and waste its natural resources hurting its self sufficiency and affordability of housing. I became aware of the homelessness crisis on YT and being astounded by what I always assumed must be an affluent economy. John Oliver has done an amazing thing in getting this out to to larger audience
Texan here. I knew almost nothing about what John Oliver said regarding Hawaii before watching his video on it, so it was eye-opening. Then I watched your video, which mentioned low voter turn out. If your ballots are mailed, but you have a high homeless population, doesn't that mean a lot of people are not receiving their ballots? I hope there's still places the displaced and homeless can go to physically to vote there. Educationally, y'all could get some young people to design a website that lists all the candidates and what they're running on so everyone knows to go to that website to read up on who's promising to do what (if you can get some non-partisan people to maintain such a website). From Oliver's video, I thought maybe y'all should look into getting lawyers to draw up legal documents protecting the rights of landowners who inherited their land so people like Zuckerberg can't come in and legally steal it from them. Sorry you're facing so many challenges there right now! Wishing you well and hope Hawaii finds solutions that will make the native people and locals there happy.
Mahalo for the comment. Great point about the homeless population. I'm not sure how they would get their ballots or if they are registered to vote. I suppose they could still vote in-person at certain locations.
One of many problems I've experienced here on Maui is the erosion of access to public information . Yeah I know everybody's going to say, Not true we got the internet, and that's true, but I' only have the internet. I'm retired, and can't afford to pay for all the news chanels I used to get for free on the TV. those of you under a certain age don't even know our political system sold us down the drain, here on Maui. We use to have a broadcast system that reached most of the island, then the cable companies pushed through congress a bill that limited most of our access to television forcing us onto cable, a for profit service, and doing away with half of Maui's access to free TV. Next our local Paper lost most of it's readership due to competition from the internet, wiping out most of our local political new, and information on candidates. Then we finish with our local politicians taking bribes and gaming the system, do they get caught? Usually ,but not always. We here in Hawaii have a tradition of not liking to talk stink about others, and as admirable as that may be in most things it really hurts us when it comes to our politicians, we locals get f#cked and now have to pay to clean up the mess they've failed to prevent. I'm not including the current Mayor or Governor since they weren't in office long enough to be responsible when last years fire came down, but that's a whole other can of worms. I've voted in every election in the last fifty five years, but I hate to say I don't know who most od these people are or where they stand, and I' not sure where to get the information any more, ( as in true and accurate) A friend once said if you don't know who to vote for, don't vote for the incumbent, because they if they had goals they've probably already done them and new people with new ideas is usually better than old ideas, and people just wanting to keep their jobs. I've also found that when you call most of our local officials about something, they never seem to get back to you, and I've even had one, when I got through, try to pick a fight with me when I was trying to find out why a person who was running the upcountry farmers market on public property was able to decide who could sell their farm products at the market and who couldn't.. I thought it was public property. I wasn't the only farmer having a difficult time getting my produce to market. I only have the internet now so if you can give me some ideas where to access local info on the people running for office and their stand on issues I'd love to hear them. Thanks for allowing me the opportunity comment and point out why so many people have given up on trying to make a difference, in my opinion. If we give up we lose. Aloha. Pat
I saw Oliver’s piece as well-researched, very respectful to locals and bringing important awareness to a wider audience about our issues. He and his team did a terrific job and spoke to the right local and Hawaiian people, giving us a voice. No one has easy solutions to these complex issues (and we shouldn’t expect them to) but it starts with broadening the conversation. I thought his humor was great! Very surprised by your reaction, and I don’t think it reflects most locals’ thinking. Aloha from another public school grad.
I think his heart was in the right place, John Oliver. I don’t take it that he was being funny at Hawaii’s expense. And of course, Hawaiians know all of this. But most Americans didn’t. And a few more do, now. Not a bad thing.
Oliver’s comments were presented in the usual way. The humorous approach was directed towards the powers that more often than not, subjugate and take full advantage of the people where they just happen to be. At no time, did I feel like laughing at the people of Hawaii. His humor is to get your attention in an ironic way. Your point about voting and bringing civics and ethics back to the classroom (having been removed by the great Reagan and his sidekick Edmund Meese) is extremely important! I appreciate your time and point of view. Thank you
my take on the Hawaii episode from J Oliver was that the rich have taken over in Hawaii - like everywhere else. it wasn't in anyway a joke on Hawaii... if anything, it was about us enduring to care about Hawaii, which has was successful in doing. it made me want to hear your perspective
You need to realize that John Oliver is bringing to light what is going on. I had no idea this was even happening. I’m sorry that you’re going through this and it’s causing you pain, but you need to be mad at your local representatives for allowing these things to happen. They are who you need to direct your pain and anger towards.
@hellofromhawaii! The show wasn't meant to be comical but to spotlight big corporations and the wealthy's impact on Hawaii. Watching the John Oliver segment was truly eye-opening for me, especially as someone who travels to Hawaii regularly. I now see the daily struggles of the hardworking individuals in the hospitality industry who are striving to put food on the table and keep a roof over their heads. As a content creator on TH-cam, have you considered delving into the underprivileged communities of Hawaii? Exploring why owning a home is challenging for them and why the cost of preschool surpasses that of rent. This approach could make a significant difference for the locals, rather than focusing on unconventional aspects of Hawaiian culture or property investments for financially well-off people. It's essential to spotlight the continued plight of "Native Hawaiians" who are still awaiting the lands promised to them. This approach could also attract more viewers due to the informative nature of your content.
I just watched the John Oliver video. I thought the humor fell a little flat because it talks about such serious subjects, but Oliver's in the entertainment business, not the journalism business. I wasn't offended. And if it provides the vehicle for thoughtful discussion on any of these problem areas, then I support it.
John Oliver interjects comedy into serious topics to make it more palatable for a larger audience. Learn while you laugh, or laugh so you don’t cry sometimes too. That is just his comedy style and the structure of the show. I think it’s really smart and has been proven to work as he learned from his days on the Daily Show with Jon Stewart. The addition of comedy makes it less “preachy.” I 100% believe he’s on the side of the locals/native Hawaiians and brings light to these topics that a large portion of the audience might not be familiar with in order to educate.
5:31 for the next 30 seconds Often when a complex problem is being discussed and someone has your best interests at heart, there is not a specific solution presented, because the intention of declaring there is a problem is to start a conversation about the problem. When he says that we need to approach the problem systemically, that means from a societal level, that means politics. It means getting involved with the system above you as an individual. It means, if you care as an individual, then to talk about it your neighbors, local, and state governments. It means finding the solution that the majority wants, which hopefully is what is in the best interest of the individuals that make up that majority. Money and messaging in politics is powerful, and this game is well known to the elites that do control things. Their tactic is to divide and conquer the majority position. That translates to them spending big bucks to get you to fear or be suspicious of your neighbor, your coworker, your peers, and their weapon of choice is the pen. It is messaging.
One: He’s a comedian , not a politician. Two: He’s pushed “VOTE, VOTE, VOTE!!” forever!! Three Do you have any idea how hard it is to give a couple thousand years history in ONE HALF HOUR!?! You added about one minute’s additional information. The whole point of all of his work is to rope people in at least far enough to bring them to awareness. I always lesrn something - to one degree or other - from this guy! Was it you or he or both who finished up with an image of organizations who are still working hard? Did you know how much criminal damage due to government arrogance, greed and disrespect the islands have and continue to suffer? Do you have a recorded history of the voting rates in all the Hawaiian islands? Compare it to “the continent” (humor me?) and see where it puts you in conjunction with the rest of the states.
I think John did a huge service to your state. It made me more aware for what is happening in Hawaii. No one is laughing at you - it was using humor to make the rest of the United States realize how stupid we are about how much our government and we have treated the state. It makes me want to help all of you
I’m Hawaiian homestead born and raised and I believe John is spot on. I wished that he spent more time on the unconstitutional (US) annexation of our beloved aina. I’m thankful John did this piece.
John put a spotlight on this issue. Here we are with Hawaiians talking about the issues, and getting attention. It gives the OP a platform, yet he mainly seems to be thinking Oliver should not talk about this…. I am so confused about this video. Anyways, peace out from Europe. Here because I watched John Oliver and got interested in what is going on.
You were spot on when you said locals don’t vote. People like Kim Coco Iwamoto ran 3 times and only won by 200 votes. If people realized that people like her are here to protect the rights of locals and protect Hawaii’s fragile environment. Let’s focus on learning who is running in local elections and vote more people in who are here to protect us.
I'm a Floridian. We make fun of our state and ourselves all the time. With that being said I am dating a Hawaiian native. And I see the tears in her eyes when she watches the news about the things that continue to happen in Lahaina. So from an outsider's perspective I feel that John Oliver's piece brought light to the tragedy that is still ongoing in Maui. Even Tulsi Gabbard has done a recent piece on this. For people who aren't as invested in the story of maui, everybody that bring it up shed some new light on it. Things like opening Maui back up a month later to tourism would have never been known by people on the mainland. In my mind that's kind of sick.
Yea braddah, idk what he said is very true tho, he covered the major issues we see especially here on Oahu. He's John Oliver. It would be like Jon Stewart or Steven Colbert doing a piece on anything. It 100% has to come from a place centered around laughter. Main thing is they're getting it out there and across at all. Not like they can get it all in a single episode, let alone solve all of these either. They run a platform and brand based exclusively around humor, so that's really the only way they can slice such issues. Personally tho, with everything he was talking about being true, I needed the laughs to even broach the subject. Sometimes facing tough issues can be made easier when having a few laughs to get you thru it. It's getting hard out here man..I bet you got that Costco membership too lol.
Born and raised, then priced out of Hawai'i. Just recently went back, and even then had convo about HI politics. The segment included jokes, but many of those points are made by Natives. So maybe your point about "complaints" might have some validity since most of us Natives are outside the state, and we still follow politics from home, but we can't vote on those politics.
I can relate to what had happened in Hawaii. Born and raised in norcal and am being forced to move because l can no longer afford it as an old person. Tourism isn't really helping Hawaii if the people that work for it have to have multiple jobs, so really it only helps out the rich who own these places. Hawai's survived many years without tourism and before the english arrived they seemed to be doing just fine without all the crap we think we need in the modern world. And l agree, because it is such a small place no one that isn't living there should be able to buy a home. If you are a resident that is fine. But second homes are vacant much of the year. Let them buy a condo in a high rise or better yet a time share so more than one set of people can ualse it and put a transient tax on it like hotels. Everyone write to your representatives from all states stating that you want the Hawaiians to get there homesteaders lands now and not in the end of life phase. Unfortunately the united states has a mixed history when it comes to doing the right thing.
I was born and raised in Hawaii and spent over 20 years there. I've lived on the mainland for over 30 years. I find myself agreeing with some of the comments here. I learned a few things from John Oliver that I didn't know at all. There were a few things that I knew from a high level, but did not know the details. I don't feel like Oliver tried to slight the people of Hawaii. He's a comedian, humor is his trade. I had the impression that he was supporting the island people. I know that you know this too. But I saw "Not Funny" in the thumbnail. His presentation exposes the issue to Americans and the rest of the world. I left for personal reasons, and I wanted better opportunities. I concur, there should be more of a sense to vote, and improve the situation.
My biggest takeaway from this is that if Hawaiians are ever to turn the course of what outsiders are doing to their islands, this time is NOW! Lahaina is still in the cleanup stage after a year with actual rebuilding still in the future. The rich and powerful were quick to start making their moves to capitalize on the tragedy to their financial gain. No one but the corporations wants Lahaina to emerge from the ashes as a Disneyfied version of Hawaii for the wealthy. Only Hawaiians can prevent this from occuring, and they need to move fast before the contracts are signed and another piece of genuine Hawaii is obliterated for the financial gain of the already wealthy.
As a mainlander, I felt he was trying to change the mindset that people who aren't from Hawaii tend to view it as a big resort or resource to exploit, instead of something that deserves to be treated with respect, at the very least, but even more so, as a place to protect from big money, exploitative industry, and gentrification, and allow locals to thrive instead of being cast aside on their own lands. But I suppose it feels different when you're the one under the spotlight?
It does feel different when the spotlight is on you. Like I mentioned, I'm glad that Hawaii got national attention. I just want to see what happens as a result of his video.
I haven’t watched his video yet but I’ve listened to yours. Please keep up reminding us here in Hawaii to vote this November. It’s a very important election on many levels. We voted in July ‘24 and years past. It’s a privilege to do so.
I understand what you’re trying to do, but your intro made me think Oliver had given some disinformation. I watched your whole video thinking you were going to refute the info. From my perspective, I’m from Oklahoma and had never realized that was going on. Unfortunately it seems we get more accurate info from political satire. The other 49 states can help with the problem if the public is aware and encourage their representatives to address the issues. The same goes on here on the mainland (although to a lesser extent) and Oliver did make people aware of the ridiculous situation. I had someone else tell me about Oliver’s clip and I might have missed it otherwise. You made very good points and I was glad you didn’t end it telling me I had listened to some disinformation 😀🦍👍
Mahalo for the comment. I guess typical reaction videos tend to dispute what was presented. Instead, I didn't want to do that with this video. It's hard to argue with what the news has reported and I agree with most of what was said. Just wanted to offer a local's perspective and offer possible solutions since those were lacking toward the end.
I understand what you're saying. I also think John O did an excellent job in unveiling the major issues. I lived on the island 20 years. After I retired, I had to sell all and move. There was no way I could afford to retire and live in HI. I miss it so much. I do not miss the systemic issues that never seem to get resolved. The dysfunction is mind boggling. The graft. The disingenuousness. The incompetence. And yes, I voted in every election from 2000-2020. Although John O pulled the covers off for the rest of the country to see (very effectively), it is only the people who live in Hawai'i that can change it. This dysfunction has been going on for 100 years or more. It is time for all residents of the 50th State to declare that you will no longer play the victim of the White man. It's their fault up to a point. But only up to a point.
1:26 I don't think Oliver is attempting to criticize the individual people, you directly, or your neighbor, but rather the US and its foreign and domestic policies in this case. Also another thing to always check yourself on when watching a segment is asking: who is the target audience? Is this directed at people living in Hawaii? no it is not. The audience is the national late night crowd of North America. Almost all of the problems he points out are problems that hang over Hawaii and are not necessarily rooted here.
this was the reason why Oliver made the program, I don't know about the US army and the lack of housing because of the tourists, another side the same problem in the Canary Islands or the Balearic Islands or even Munich so I learned something, and to be honest, without him I would not found this section. And maybe if more people are ware the problem can become less.
I wasn't really a fan of John Oliver, but I reckon this segment was solid. It's getting people talking. There were a lot of well-crafted takeaways that will now be in the minds of people previously unfamiliar with the issues covered. That's a good thing. With his momentum, you (the host) are getting people to focus on elections. I love it. Well done.
I was born and raised in HI during the Vietnam war. Pearl Harbor scars were very fresh then. John Oliver sometimes tries to put too much into too little time. You can’t do that with the Hawaii islands. When I was little we would canoe to Aloha tower and then cross along fields and roads to the Moana Surfrider, so mum could visit the owners who were family friends. It is in those years that gardenia and jasmine mixed with a metal and oil smell around the piers. A clearer landscape that made the differences between the US invaders and Hawaiians very stark. There were lands we did not dare walk on, sacred, that are now contaminated with US bullets and mortars. Today I can’t see the sacred lands, only massive ugly buildings. It is at this time I feel fortunate to be older -I lived in it back when almost all of this crap was not here. Now we can only show what used to be in a shitty 20 min sum up. A show is what it is. That is the saddest part. The US destroys cultural heritage, in every US state. But the Hawaiian goddesses are still here. Hawaiians are still fighting. Yet it is the same fight everywhere of inequality and mass greed in the US. Nothing pisses me off more than seeing a Hawaiian wait 19 years for land that is theirs. Oprah sure as hell isn’t hosting a show with property deeds hidden under the seats for local Hawaiians to embrace. That would be a great show Oprah. But no, greed, inequality, voting the fat assed, wealthy man in a spray tan to run the US, run HI, now that is something the Hawaiian goddesses will punish Hawaii for. We must choose our leaders carefully, because the ones picked so far, well you see it, Hawaii is a US shit show, but that’s all US states. Hawaiian exception is that we are still here fighting!! We still have a tree given to us from India in the 17th century. These things we must protect. We must make it so all Hawaiians can come home.
The Oliver segment was interesting, but I admit that I'm glad to see a local's reaction to issues in the islands, and I can sympathize in the battle to encourage social and civic engagement. It's a problem we face on the mainland as well, and I can only imagine just how troubling it can be for the folks dealing with long-standing systemic problems on the islands. I will always be plugging for these situations to improve. There's limits for what I can do other than remember fondly the times I visited those beautiful islands as a child, so very long ago, but I will always hope that the circumstances of land ownership and the relationship with entities like the military can be fixed over time to be fair and proper for the people of Hawaii. I don't know what I can do other than sending good vibes, but ... just know that there are folks on the mainland who are going to keep plugging for you folks. I want, hope and pray that the situation improves, and I wish you all the best of luck in improving civic engagement. It's a battle everywhere in aging systems of government.
Aloha e' Chris. I realize it wasn't perfect, but any information to the main stream, any education, any conversation about injustice is, in my opinion is beneficial. I'm a Californian and I was never educated in school about Hawai'i other than Cook's "discovery." I agree with you on the point that change must come from within, but it's also important to accept allies. Mahalo and be well ✌️
Oliver is irritating at times but he shed light on what the local people are going through ! And the over-throw that a lot of mainlanders never knew before . Great segment. Don’t be so critical
I use to think that if you don't vote don't complain, but then I have been voting since I was 18 which was a very long time ago (over 30 years) and when nothing changes you start to say why vote if nothing ever changes. Part of it is discovering all these politicians that are corrupt. The Supreme Court didn't help when they made it so people can give politicians tons of money anonymously, then they recently made it so it's legal to give politicians money as long as it's done after they do your favor for you. Hawaii had Democratic governors, Republican governors, and nothing has changed, so why vote. Some people would be like, stop voting for the Democrats and things will change. Linda Lingle was there for 8 years and didn't change anything. There was a Hawaiian governor and he didn't make anything that much better for the Hawaiians. Also, I think you were probably taught about voting in high school you just didn't pay attention. I went to Castle and they taught us about voting, but then again I was watching the news and reading the newspaper when I was in high school which a lot of kids didn't do.
Mahalo for the comment. I guess maybe we need to raise better leaders in Hawaii. Not sure how to do that, but maybe we need new leaders from the community to get involved and facilitate that change. Again, appreciate the comment 🤙
I have been voting for 45 years and have seen that many people here and elsewhere vote based on name recognition, party affiliation and how “nice” a person is instead of looking at the policies of each candidate. Policies are what will impact your life, not if a person is nice. So if you want things to change for the better, please do your research from ALL news channels, not just only liberal or conservative channels. Find out the truth and fact check what is being said. Unless we vote based on policy, we will always get the status quo and people will say, “I voted but nothing changed.”
I had the pleasure and honor to grow up on Oahu as millitary brat (both parents in the army) but we lived in Mililani and went to Hale Kula elementry. My parents were big on learning and respecting different cultures. So very quickly i became immersed in the history and culture of the Island...and it led to me having a very unpopular opinion amongst many of my military brat peers...I am not proud of what my country or the military (and i say this serving as a Marine myself) has done to or is currently doin to the Islands now...now i definitely dont have all the answers...i just know whats happining now and has been happening for decades is not right...and i always just want to give as much love and respect both too the Native hawians and all the locals who have come to love the islands for what they were and for the beauty of the people and culture that is still survivng...it was the people of Hawaii that made it the paridise that is unfortunately being abused by so many outsiders....I always have felt akward with these feelings and how strongly i felt them even from an early childhood...what does some military brat "hoale" have to say or feel on something like this...but u cant truly experiance the islands and not get the sence of love and wonder that permiates the entire chain of islands....
The low voter turnout, the lack of Kanaka Maolis in the local government, the feeling/ sense of defeat and hopelessness are the few of the reasons why the corrupt, foreign investors, and ultra wealthy people continue to control the islands. I’m a doctor in Hawaii known to have the lowest salaries for doctors and yet these millionaires/billionaires that do not even live in the islands are benefiting tremendously Bec of the policies of their puppets
I'd like to see an economic evaluation of Hawaii and what could be done to improve its situation. Handouts can only go so far when a healthy economy is not there to support it.
Comedy, especially for folks in Hawaiʻi, is usually the best way to convey a point or idea. Unfortunately, comedy is a flavor, and some flavors ain’t for everyone. You are right about complacency in Hawaiʻi residents. Next to being a candidate, the best way to facilitate change is getting involved, and voting.
I reckon in the short segment the show has for each topic, this taught me, a non-US citizen, a lot about Hawaii that i never knew. I did know tourists were messing up the place, and many are entitled, but i didnt know about the land rights and Zucks literal underground bunker city?!
Maui resident here. I got my ballot, and none of the offices I'm familiar with had a challenger. The others, I have no idea who any of the people are. So I didn't send my ballot back,im not voting when I don't have any knowledge who or what is offered. But garanz I'm voting in November.
The horrific facts of both the history and the fire far outclass the laughter! And no one uses comedic flair to put a spotlight on where it's needed the most than top-level comedians!
Even though you are in tropical paradise, be educated, do know about national level of political issues not just local. Vote and work smart live smart. Don’t think like mentalities from third world south East Asian countries.
Taking shots at John Oliver is shooting the messenger. They pretty much nail the issue and the way he closes saying local voices need to rise to the top is perfect. For anyone that is criticizing him for simply bringing awareness - I’d ask if you bring that level of energy to actually solving problems here. It’s my experience that people don’t like to be talked about by people not from here - yet they ignore all the internal forces here screwing them over.
You should watch some other examples/episodes from Last Week Tonight. Bringing humor to situations and injustices that need to be addressed is the show. I'm not a local or a Hawaiian, and I learned something from the show.
Whenever you talk da kine I always want to know what you think of the following two books, assuming you have seen them at all: 1) Da Kine Dictionary (compiled and edited by Da Pidgin Guerrilla, Lee A. Tonouchi). And, 2) The 25th Anniversary edition of “Pidgin to Da Max” (published by Bess Press) containing all the words and phrases from the books, Pidgin to Da Max and Pidgin to Da Max Hana Hou. Chris, the latter book is especially hilarious! 😂
Are the voting options any good (in presenting real roads to generate those necessary systemic changes)? Might the lack of options be a reason not to vote?
Do you ever read Beat of Hawaii? The ignorance and arrogance of offshore owners and mainland visitors is astounding. If you think Oliver was ridiculing anything about locals, you should watch it again with sensitivity blinders off. And then go read the comments of people at the Beat of HI site. What Oliver did was important, and it was not covered any any other mainstream media, despite all the coverage of the fire.
Dude… you don’t get it… John Oliver’s show is always in that comedic/informative format. His piece on Hawaii was awesome. It wasn’t meant to solve the world’s problems. It was meant to bring attention to the wrongs that was and is done to Hawaii. Why are you complaining about it? Omg. You should be praising his piece not whining about it.
I am not from Hawaii, even not from the us. But now I am on vacation at O'ahu. As a tourist, my question to all you locals. What can I, as a visitor do, for better future? What I should not do? Please be nice, not all tourists leave trash or so. I care about people (locals life), nature an so on. ❤ Thank you
I'm not sure if it was clear in the video, but I enjoyed the John Oliver segment. A lot of Hawaii's history and social issues were presented for a general audience, many of which I'm sure were not familiar with Hawaii beyond it being a vacation destination. However, I wanted to add that the bigger systemic changes that will be required to change things in Hawaii will need to start with civic engagement by locals. And 32 percent voter turnout in the primary election last week isn't going to cut it. 🤙
I got that, but felt you might have misunderstood the laughter.
It's the laugh through your rage, laugh through your tears, laugh to keep from killing the perpetrators of the grotesque outrages by trying to keep your cool by laughing at the very outrageousness and grotesqueness.
In other words, it's not really laughter, it's frustration and outrage-- like, for example, someone saying of their ex, "s/he took all my money and left me a note with a dime for a cup of coffee" and laughing at the brutality, injustice, etc.-- a totally different kind of laughter than that which you described when talking about laughing at the kid who was different, and then his laughing at himself.
Oliver was not laughing at Hawaii, much less making light of the injustices and problems. He was screaming in pain and outrage-- did you not hear that?-- and using laughter as a way to deal with strong feelings and also as a vehicle, as others here have said, to get people to be listen to the urgent information they might otherwise turn off.
So the laughter serves two functions, niether of which is in the least insulting, belittling, minimizing, disrespecting, etc., Hawaii or its people.
What I heard was quite the opposite.
@hellofromhawaii I get what you are saying, voting needs to be taught, along with other adulting skills needed to function after high school. However, IMHO I believe that people don't vote in general because they feel they don't have a choice. The voting system is outdated and there is no good choice sometimes. @equalvote is working to change that with STAR voting. If STAR voting was allowed, people would be able to score the candidates (much like we do for Google and Amazon reviews). The top 2 candidates then run off and everyone's scores are taken into consideration! No lesser evil, vote splitting, or other nonsense. When everyone can do this we all win!
@@Alice-xy3fi - I watched the whole segment. You’re correct! Oliver was not laughing at Hawaiians.
Easier to blame others instead of looking in the mirror and taking accountability. John Oliver just playing into the narrative with added humor. Him being a non Hawaiian feel it comes off a bit gross he just uses Hawaii as a political stage to make jokes.
Sorry, can’t follow you anymore! It’s good for all malahini know what it’s like for us in “Paradise”. The history wasn’t as clear as it could have been but it’s not a documentary it’s comedy. Yes, we’re still in it, we will always be in it…vote and help out in your community and you feel that you can’t do anything about it because you CHOOSE to do nothing. You’re just whining…as you usually do. You get on my LAST nerve! Whiner!
John Oliver’s segment was absolutely siding with the Hawaiian locals and natives. Jokes were only thrown in to lighten the message with spurts of levity, which is the formula of the show… but if there was a target for derision, it was absolutely the tourists, billionaires, and government that have muddied the waters and taken much of the spirit of Aloha and forced it to relocate elsewhere.
That episode was fighting for YOU, my friend, and asking for humility and respect for Hawaii and Hawaiians from outsiders like me 🌺
John Oliver brings up an important topic that quite literally NO ONE ELSE in the entertainment industry will EVER bring up. Especially because the topic is sensitive towards Hawaiians (and quite frankly all indigenous native American people as well). I feel as a local born and raised in the 808 State as appreciative that this topic was brought up because mainstream tends to sweep it under the rug so often.
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I don't think anyone is laughing at you, but with you. John Oliver talks about all sorts of horrible issues, and honestly, none of them are funny in themselves, but it's a whole lot easier to stomach them with a dose of humor. People are laughing AND horrified at the same time. Hugs
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@@HelloFromHawaii Why listen to Mainland comedians like John Oliver?
Listen to Locals like Andy Bumatai and Frank Delima.
@@user-l4y7r04wy6iv How about both? I think we live in a great (if terribly flawed) world in which we can have multiple sources to create a complete perspective _thanks_ to multiple comedians instead of just one.
Speaking of which, I know little about Andy Bumatai and Frank Delima. Can you fill me in on their material? Based on your reaction, they must be lovely.
John Oliver and his team produce a long form video every week with the intention of shining a light upon and informing the audience on a controversial topic that people “should” be up in arms about. The comedy woven into the video is simply a cover intended to keep the audience watching a video covering a difficult topic to listen to. They are truly awesome. My first suggestion: outlaw all short term vacation rentals that are not on Beach Front Property. The voters in my California tourist city did exactly that. So lots of housing actually became housing again.
I feel John Oliver did a service to Hawai'i and Hawaiians. He brought into the larger public awareness, the history and impacts of natural resources, militarism, tourism, economics, nature, and culture. Now maybe more people will understand the harsher realities.
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Yes< I agree. I saw the John Oliver segment after my sister-by-marriage forwarded it to me... she lives in the Netherlands.
John Oliver is using his platform to shine a light on the many injustices we (I'm also local) face. I don't recall a moment where he made fun of us. It's a messy web of complicated issues that we find ourselves in and the only way to untangle ourselves is to take a long, hard look at the issues, the underlying causes and trying to right the wrongs. Hopefully, non-residents and potential visitors won't just walk away, but will walk away with more knowledge, a better understanding of the challenges we face, broader empathy for Kānaka Maoli (and locals), and a deeper sense of respect for the people and culture of Hawaii. Hopefully they leave with a sense of aloha. Thanks for promoting the vote. We also need a more educated electorate.
You’re absolutely correct. John Oliver has a huge audience. He uses comedy to hook viewers into awareness of key issues not covered by mainstream media - but it always comes from a core of altruism and warmth.
Are you familiar with Howard Zinn and Noam Chomsky?
These men ARE teachers, both with a somewhat dry sense of humor. Zinn being the lighter of the two.
Chomsky is is someone you have to listen a little closer, hear a few more details far more quickly.
Ironically, they both have that long string of abbreviations following their names.
Good place to start (I’m a bit of a geek and a smartass to keep things interesting) if you haven’t already and ti share with people you know, and that’s not limited to the inter. My family’s useless. Let’s hope yours is not.
I'm hoping that the audience, who I assume is primarily non-locals, walks away with more knowledge and a better understanding of how life in Hawaii really is. Not that it's so horrible, but that it's a struggle for many and it isn't what social media predominately portrays.
@@HelloFromHawaii I just viewed the Oliver vid, and although I don't watch him - IMO he's not funny, he's like that big mouth neighbor, that you'd wish would shut up, however IMO, he seemed like he was trying to "educate" as well.as "set the record straight" to OTHERS / VIEWERS, that may not know Hawai'i past & present?? You seem like a really "aware" and nice guy, but you worry and stress over things that you may not be in a position to change??! Enjoy your life, to the best of your ability! and if you're that unhappy, run for political office! You may or may not be able to make the difference that you want, but at least you'll have a more formal platform to voice your concerns, or (maybe) just relocate to another state or country?! Your constant "side eye" to the State of Hawaii & tourist/transplants is a bit too much (at times) Personally, I'll tune into this channel periodically, but to be honest I enjoy Photo Luke, or Dwayne around Town channels. I even enjoy watching Hawaii John - just driving around (unspoken) - looking at the beautiful island is just so refreshing!!🌴. Move to my state (with all of its issues & drama)- I give you 2 yrs and want to return to Hawaii and basically shut up!!😊
@@HelloFromHawaii I think we (humans) like to generalize about most things, which allows us to organize and catalogue them in our minds. It's a survival strategy that taught us what to avoid, what was safe to eat, etc.. In modern life, though, this leads to stereotyping, which can sometimes have negative consequences. When I went away for college and military service in the 80's, a lot of the friends I met thought we still lived in grass shacks and were surprised that we had electricity and indoor plumbing. Funny thing is, this was often coming from people who grew up in wooden shacks with outhouses and oil lamps. 😂 Yeah, it's always a good idea to keep an open mind, increase knowledge and apply critical thinking, but sadly, a lot of this has been lost in America, and this is partially responsible for the mess we find ourselves in.
I just watched it. It featured news clips and perspectives from locals. Life in Hawai'i ain't all rainbows, it was short but it was honest and can be used to prompt the government and those who have negatively impacted the islands to literally clean up their acts and take care of their own and their land, instead of brushing the problems aside to protect their image. Do the right thing and they'll never have to worry about perceptions. John Oliver used humor to make his points, and I think that lands easier with people who don't already know.
Yes
Agreed 🤙🏽‼️
Thanks for doing that in far better constructed presentation than I managed to throw together!
I just get so pissed off all the way around.
@@DowntownsUptown Thanks! it's okay, honestly me too.
Great points, although I'm not sure a 26 minute video about Hawaii is short. Lots of things to cover and it was a good overview. 🤙
I’m Native Hawaiian, born in ‘88. I grew up with my family being involved in Ka Lāhui Hawaiʻi and actively protesting the construction of the H-3 in Hālawa Valley (which we now admittedly and reluctantly drive on), as well as the fight against the military for their negligence and ongoing negative environmental impact. No one gets it right on the first try, especially outside media sources. But getting attention to these matters is key, and more importantly, so is the format in which the content is delivered. I thought the content was great for the intended audience: people outside of Hawaiʻi. Yes, the Last Week Tonight team got some things wrong, like mistaking Curtis Iaukea for a mustached haole oligarch and not mentioning that Hawaiians gave their lives to get Kaho‘olawe out of military hands. However, they also highlighted key issues that other reports have started to bring more attention to, such as the fact that the majority of Native Hawaiians didn’t want to become part of the U.S., with specific examples like the Kū‘ē (anti-annexation) petitions. I think it’s important to lower expectations just a bit.
I was impressed they got the pronunciation right for some tricky names and places. 😆
It wasn't a criticism of the PEOPLE OF HAWAII, but a criticism of the history of COLONIALISM and the outside GENTRIFICATION and it's effects on the local population. His audience was not the locals that know fully well the end results, but the broader world that don't know or understand the history or grievances.
Exactly… it’s surprising and disappointing that this reviewer didn’t get that.
Agreed. At the end of the day I am not really sure what his beef is; every vague criticisms he suggests is followed up with a ‘but I totally get it-I understand.’ The last half of his vid is basically making arguments about voter participation, which was not even the subject of the Oliver episode. This reaction condescending to me more than anything, and I am local-I feel like I gotta say that because guy says he “assumes” comments are mostly non-locals which can be a convenient assumption when you feel inclined to just dismiss comments to this so-called reaction.
I didn’t see John Oliver “laughing at” Hawaii in any sense at all - he was pointing out the issues, which are pretty much all caused by outside factors - and if he makes fun of anyone, he makes fun of the outside forces that are negatively impacting those of us who are raising our families here. You mentioned that as a local, we already know all of this stuff and you feel like there’s nothing you can do - I didn’t feel like I (as a long-time Hawaii resident) was his target audience. It felt more like he’s trying to raise awareness for the rest of the world about issues that are going on here, and letting them know what THEY can do (and not do) to help us out. I thought it was a great segment! Could he have talked about the need for us to be more engaged in local politics? Yeah, but again, we weren’t his target audience. We’re a tiny sliver of his viewership - why would he use his HUGE international platform to talk to only us? He used his platform appropriately - to inform the rest of the world about what we already know. He wasn’t trying to offer US solutions, he was spreading awareness OUTSIDE Hawaii. I’m thankful there are people willing to use their platform in this way!
I think he did a good job. What do you want from him? His show is like the Daily Show. No one has really said anything on this topic on a nationally televised show. We, the people, all need to stand up as one. To make the changes.
I'm glad Hawaii was talked about. Like I mentioned, I think it's great exposure for the state. It's just where do we go from here.
I think this guy(OP) didn't understand the video or he just wanted a clickbait video. John Oliver did an amazing job.
Not everything needs a think piece
@@HelloFromHawaiilmao, dude you talk about the same issues. All this to promote your videos but never once offered or shown that you’re working on a solution.
I honestly liked your videos at first because they were silly but now you come off as pompous and stubborn.
You’re upset that he’s talking about the same issues. Well here’s something he has a bigger and better platform than you do. So let him talk. No ack lolo
I liked Oliver's dry humor over ALL of what Hawai'i Tourism Authority does not want tourists to know ... because his dry humor makes it easier for the average tourist to actually hear.
I was born and raised in Hawaii with family still living on Oahu. I for one appreciated Oliver's spotlight on the Islands. I learned a lot about all the secret military goings-on which I didn't realize were pretty extensive. Growing up in Honolulu, I think us kids and locals in general were kept in the dark about all that. I'm just happy that Oliver is putting out the info to the greater public, hoping it will reach those tourists coming to the islands, reminding them to honor kupuna lands and sacred sites, as well as show respect to the locals living on the islands. I also had no idea how much these tech billionaires are buying up all the lands - Zuckerberg, Ellison -I knew they owned property but didn't realize how they pretty much scammed their way into purchasing the land from lawful Kupuna ancestors who owned it. People in Hawaii are so gracious and hospitable to these tourists and foreigners that I am so mad the spirit of Aloha we were all taught to embody growing up has been taken advantaged of to this extent. Kudos to Oliver for bringing these issues to light. I know-- no easy solutions, but at least now more people are aware.
One of the huge issues is that without tourism, what other industries would set up and help the economy? I remember when I was at UH as an exchange student in the mid 80s, there was talk about diversifying the economy. When I returned in 1990 heard the same thing. The party that controls the state has done nothing to make that diversification happen.
So true
The definition of insanity: Hawaii voting Democrat.
Exactly CORRUPT POLITICIANS, DEMOCRATS 👈
@dhn. What a dumb and uninformed comment. It's the Republican Party that pushed using 30,000 acres in Hawaii as a target range and refusing to clean it up.
It's Republicans receiving 65% of all welfare. Republicans pushed for privatized land over indigenous land ownership by Hawaiians.
Republicans are so delusional, as your comment illustrated.
Diversification does not happen if individuals don't make it happen. Government can open the door, but people need to step through it. And they are not.
I thought it was good that he touched on the issues he discussed. He has a huge audience that probably learned a lot of things they didn't know before. Seems like a benefit for as many people as possible to know some history, especially if folks plan to visit.
I saw him making fun of the military and rich folks taking over land, not making fun of Hawaii itself or local residents. He sympathized with displaced people and Lahaina residents and how tourists should be more compassionate.
It seems like exposure and sharing facts and knowledge is a first step towards addressing problems, even if the source is a comedic political commentator.
Just watched it. I think it was fantastic to get some of the Hawaiian/US history story out to masses. I would guess over 95% of the people who watched the show, had ZERO knowledge on the topic. As a non Hawaiian, but someone who's heart is in Hawaii, I know a lot of the story, but I know most people on the main land have no clue. Hell, most on the main land think Oahu is "the big island". I don't think any of the jokes were meant to insult Hawaiians at all.
I think it's great that Hawaii's history and story has been shared, albeit in a comedic fashion. And I agree that the majority of the audience probably knew nothing about Hawaii before watching the video.
@@HelloFromHawaii Comedy is his platform and more generally a way to cope. There's a saying in french, ''better to laugh it out than cry it out''.
Not that there's anything wrong with crying. I was happy to learn more about Hawai'i from a somewhat 'maintream' yet reliable source.
I'm from french polynesia, so I'm always curious about how other polynesian islands manage through the western culture. It's such a clash and there are good things to take from either side, but it's a delicate balance as well, not easy to achieve. And it sadly tends to be unilateral.
John Oliver takes on serious issues, serious injustices. He may use witty and humorous lines to punch the point across, but he is always trying to point out serious inequities, things that should never have been done. Hawaii is a beautiful place and how it has been treated is shameful. I commend John Oliver for exposing it as he does with so many topics that people may be unaware of. Doing anything about it is a whole other thing, as you say.
@5:28 you say _“maybe Hawaiians should be allowed to establish a sovereign nation”_ … we already did that in 1843. We gained international sovereign recognition in 1843 through the Anglo Franco proclamation and became the first “non European” (their way of saying non white) members of the Family of Nations, which was the precursor to the UN. Once granted, international law dictates that the sovereignty of a country must be presumed to continue to exist _(conveniently called “the presumption of continuity” in legal jargon)_ until or unless another country claiming to have extinguished that sovereignty can exhibit proof of the mechanism used to extinguish that sovereignty.
Once sovereignty is granted, it cannot be taken away, it can only be relinquished by the sovereign nation via a treaty wherein one party relinquishes its sovereignty to the other party… that’s called annexation.
Short of the US providing a treaty of annexation they used to acquire our sovereign Hawaiian Kingdom, a treaty that DOESN’T EXIST, because the US UNLAWFULLY overthrew us, our sovereignty must be presumed to still exist, the burden of proof lies upon the US to prove otherwise.
Until the US can provide a bilateral treaty of annexation used to annex the Hawaiian Kingdom, it must be presumed that the Hawaiian Kingdom continues to be a sovereign country, albeit OCCUPIED by the American regime.
"good luck stormin' the Castle!"
He bought to light a lot of injustice’s that no one knew about and needed to hear. The jokes weren’t personal. When he talked about DHHL (Department Of Hawaiian Homelands) aside from everything else he talked about, that one struck a deeper chord. In 1978 My Mom and Grandma both signed up. My Grandma passed in 2016, and only this year she was awarded houses in Oahu and Maui, both got passed down to my Mom and my Uncle. The irony is, she still has to take out a Home Loan. And I get it, that’s just how it was set up. But how long had to wait? Technically, my Mom still on the wait list.
I get that but I do think Oliver is a net positive more than a net negative shedding light on a story that might force some much needed change I hope!🤞🏽🙏🏽
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So I’m also born and raised in the islands and am Hawaiian on both parents sides. I don’t think it was as bad as you think it is. It’s not like he was “making fun” of Hawaii. He was using humor to make it more appealing to watch to some. And a lot the people who watched it probably didn’t know anything about Hawaii. At least he’s shining a light on it to some who have no idea. The amount of people I’ve met in the mainland who have no idea about our history is crazy to me.
Like I said I don’t think he was trying to paint us in a bad light it is laughing at us. I think it’s important for Hawaii to have a spotlight shined on the issues as much as possible. Otherwise things won’t change.
And who knows maybe it will make people think twice about buying property up or acting ignorantly when they do visit.
I never thought he was making fun of Hawaii. I'm glad he brought many issues to light for a general audience. But where do we go from here?
I don't remember any point in the John Oliver bit where the jokes were aimed *at* Hawaii.
What I feel like you aren't factoring in is that Hawaii is effectively a one party state (and has been for awhile). As I type this, the State Senate (25 people) is 23 Democrats and 2 Republicans and the House (51 people) is 44 Democrats, 6 Republicans, and 1 Vacancy.
This doesn't mean that voting isn't important (I agree with you that it is), but what it means is, pretty much everyone in the state knows the outcome before we begin. One party is going to rule (even if there are 20 massive shocking unforeseeable upsets, it wouldn't shift the party in power).
Also, I got my Primary ballot in the mail, in my district, there wasn't even a Primary challenger. In other words, my option to vote was either to select the person running, or send in essentially a blank ballot (or change parties I guess just to say I cast a vote).
This all means, if you are a Democrat, then you don't feel much incentive to vote because you know your party will win, and there likely isn't even a primary challenger. If you are a Republican or independent, then you know your views have and will continue to have zero power in the government and you don't feel much incentive to vote either.
The result? Lower voter turnout.
Democrats and Republicans are two sides of the same coin
@@DanHolmes-b5l I will push back on this a little bit. This is a very simplistic way to view things. It is true that at the federal level, because SOO much of the federal government is run by unelected bureaucrats and big money movies policy, it doesn't feel like either party really has much change to them and everything is a seesaw.
But on the local and state level, which party is in control actually does make quite a bit of difference, especially if that party ends up in control of both sides of the legislature and the executive branch for any length of time.
The state level is where most of the laws and regulations that directly affect your every day life are created and enforced. So when you end up with many decades of one party rule in a state (like Hawaii has had) you end up with no balance. You just end up with never ending movement in one direction.
Hard to believe voting here is so low. I mailed in my primary ballot the day after I got it. It took less than 5 minutes to fill out. I do miss voting in person. My local place to vote was the primary school and I miss seeing the local politicians waving signs and encouraging you to vote for them as you drove by.
It’s why the same politicians usually get voted in. If the other half that don’t vote, did vote major changes could happen.
There is still in person voting :) I vote at Kapolei Hale. You should look for the voter service center near you
I filled in my ballot and mailed it in the same day I got it. Yes, it took less than five minutes and it was easy. I haven't voted in person in Hawaii, as I've always done absentee. However, I do remember when we would go to Ahuimanu Elementary and my dad would vote.
John Oliver has an unconventional way to deliver important areas to light. 2 weeks before this segment, he did a video about "The West Bank" to highlight what is missed from the mainstream media on Israel and Palestine conflict. And from someone from that region, he did deliver a well rounded background about the topic - of course cant be complete in 20-30min video but interesting enough to keep little informed audience engaged while learning something. I knew some stories about Hawaii and through his video I learnt a lot more about this. I dont think the main goal in both videos "Hawaii" and "West Bank" is to make you laugh - They are not laughing matters :) and I appreciate his work on both topics (and most topics he does).
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I’m glad that Oliver brought up this topic; although he make it into a joke, I can clearly see that he was exposing the disparities and inequities going on in Hawaii, along with Hawaii’s history of annexation. Makes us “think”.
I'm Irish.
I watched this a few days back. I didn't think it's was making fun of Hawaii. It fact I told it pointed out that the locals/natives are getting screwed over by the corporate/tourism industry.
It's supposed to be tragic laughter. That's his way of addressing social topics. It's like jumping out of a plane with a backpack instead of a parachute and saying, "At least I brought a book"
I am from Northern Virginia and went to Hawaii back in 2008. I’ve always wanted to go back but haven’t had the chance. I don’t mean to offend anyone here. I know that tourism helps in some ways and that most people who visit have good intentions and respect the locals and their traditions. I just think that your identity, your connection to the land, your history is worth more than anything. People should be able to come and experience its beauty, but not at the expense of the locals.
Years ago I was working for a company that planned to move to Hawaii to do business acquiring golf/resort properties. Big job with lots of money being thrown around. I brought up in a meeting that I thought it was vitally important and responsible to learn about Hawaiian history and culture from native Hawaiians to give us a better understanding on how to navigate the business and workforce while being respectful and sensitive to the islands people. I also mentioned that all these leadership positions we planned on hiring should be equally searched locally, not just implanting people from the continental US, and we should be cognitive on those optics, but from a genuine place, not to tick some boxes. Well, in the meeting they disagreed, said that Hawaii is "just another state" and I shouldn't worry about it. I left the company after that, I knew that they had a shit attitude towards the natives and locals and I didnt want to be a part of it, because I knew that I would be working side by side with them, learning, relying, hopefully calling them friends, and I couldn't live that way.
Mahalo for sharing. It's too bad that that was the attitude of those in charge.
John Oliver’s Last Week Tonight points out injustice everywhere with a satire nature. But it’s always facts mixed with jokes. Having watched the show on and off for years, the show is a legitimate news show. The Daily Show and alumni always uses legit news with humor. Sometimes there is a solution, sometimes it’s just to get you to think. The Hawaii episode had an impact on me, because I wasn’t aware of these issues before. If I ever visit Hawaii, I’ll be way more conscience of where I spend my dollars and generally very respectful that I’m a visitor and not to bring harm. But voting is important. It’s ironic because the original idea behind US public schools was to generate educated voters in our republic.
You are so well spoken and poignant. You are thoughtful and well versed in your commentary. I’m Canadian and love Hawaii with all my heart and soul but I’m looking at the state from a tourist perspective and don’t fully understand the politics. The one thing I do know for sure is you would be an excellent government official or political spokesman. You are not mean, you don’t raise your voice, you are kind. Well done 👏🏼👏🏼
If not you Chris who?
Mahalo for the kind words. 🤙
Thank you for another great video!
You folks out here might think his is crazy, but I love to vote. I would receive my ballot in the mail, and I would review all candidates, state propositions, judge positions, and choose my candidates.I would mail my ballot in to the county. I highly recommend voting..
Get to a voting booth lazy
Voting is a waste of time. These politicians are gonna do what they want regardless. All politicians are in it for power and to get rich quick. Even Tulsi Gabbard, who I thought was the outsider, I just read her net worth is over $30M and she owns many multi-million $$ properties across the US and Hawaii, but downplays it by claiming she's a renter.
You’re only crazy if you vote for the orange guy. 😂 Go Harris/Walz 2024.
That's great that you take the time to review the candidates and vote. Wish more people would do that.
@@HelloFromHawaiiyou made a great point that the dept. of elections should also provide information to voting districts(where I used to live, the district changed twice in 23 yrs), candidates as well as anything else that would be on those ballots.
I think that the laughter is not targeted at Hawaiian people. The humor is to keep a vested interest from the audience. I watch another channel called "Some More News" which adds humor to the narrative as well. Again, the Humor is added so people don't fall asleep or change the channel. And again the humor is deliberately placed on objects, and subjects that aren't part of the real story. John Oliver typically is followed up by some very real changes for the better. I live in Florida, the butt of most jokes. However, John Oliver did a piece about Drug Treatment Centers in the State, that where robbing insurance companies, and killing young adults. That brought about some very real changes in the state. A lot of treatment centers where closed down, some people went to jail as a result. And the Treatment Centers that survived are much more effective at actually getting people off from drugs, instead of robbing and killing them.
Good to know that things changed in Florida. Maybe things will also change in Hawaii.
You're absolutely correct..
The right to vote is a privilege as an American.
Use it or lose it.
If you decide not to make your vote count, you relinquish your right to complain.
I am a 3rd generation Japanese born in Hawaii.
I left the state when I was 24, and my formidable years are based on Hawaii's values.
My family owned a retail business for 46 years on an outer island.
I lived for 24 years in the once beautiful golden state of California, now unrecognizable.
I have been residing in Florida for 26 years, but my core values of family are still Hawaii based.
On the national level, reports show Hawaii as such a deep blue state, no ifs ands or buts.. and your report now informs me that one-third of the State rules all. WOW!
You aren't too bright. That's for sure. Half of California's governors over the last 50 years have been Republican. Over half of the last 50 years REPUBLICANS have had the majority in the California state senate.
How can you cry about California being " unrecognizable " without knowing it's directly because of the intentional sabotage by the Republican Party.
Republicans made country clubs exempt from having their property taxes raised in 1978. This has cost California over 43 Billion in tax revenue. That's one single loophole the Republicans created. Ironically it's Republican investment groups that falsified Environmental claims in Bodega Bay to force people from their homes. Everyone knows how much Republicans care about the environment. 🤦 They care so much , they falsified water reports, dumped contaminants in the bay, and bribed politicians. Now who owns that land ? You guessed it, a Multi Billion corporation that sells commercial property.
What happened to these criminals? Pardoned by a Republican Governor and records expunged by Republican judges.
I could write 30 pages of what Republicans have done to damage Hawaii, but Republicans hate facts. The Republican voters only care about their feelings, not evidence.
So basically you live around ass holes from Michigan.
It's sad that the voter turnout is so low. Maybe it will increase for the general election come November, but probably not by much.
@@HelloFromHawaiiwithin the last 10 years, information concerning the U.S. occupation of Hawaii could be contributed to the low voter turnout in recent years. The more people are beginning to learn about the fraudulent annexation the less people will vote.
Thank you for making this video. While the John Oliver video will not change anything, none of his video ever do, the do provide an impetus to get things going. This is part of the process, use your platform.
John Oliver's Hawaii piece was truthful and informative, exposing the challenges we face here even using history as a background to why things are kapakahi here.
It's the old adage of the golden rule. "He who has the most gold rules," with both locals and Hawaiians getting the raw end of the deal both currently and historically.
While I agree that change politically could help, history has also shown Hawaii to be a one party state(not how our government was designed and a shame to the rest of the union) with unions contributing to a lion's share of this problem setting up, like with our Queen Liliuokalani, the perfect climate for corruption only inflating the injustice. There is no reason why any local family should remain homeless while our government can fund wars wasting the people's money. Lahaina has been a proving ground for this. Born on Oahu yet living on Maui, I watched as 100's of locals helped locals with the government and its agencies hindering help with its Bureaucratic ischemia. True change can only come from Hawaii
's people on a grass roots level who truly believe that the life of the land is perpetuated in righteousness.
Consider that John Oliver has an international audience on YT, and noting that a large part of that audience did not and had not really thought about what they thought was just a another state of the US without thinking about its origins and the issues that come with being part of the US, such as an underpaid hospitality sector serving the tourists and the low barrier to entry for wealthy mainlanders to simply buy up and waste its natural resources hurting its self sufficiency and affordability of housing. I became aware of the homelessness crisis on YT and being astounded by what I always assumed must be an affluent economy. John Oliver has done an amazing thing in getting this out to to larger audience
Texan here. I knew almost nothing about what John Oliver said regarding Hawaii before watching his video on it, so it was eye-opening. Then I watched your video, which mentioned low voter turn out. If your ballots are mailed, but you have a high homeless population, doesn't that mean a lot of people are not receiving their ballots? I hope there's still places the displaced and homeless can go to physically to vote there. Educationally, y'all could get some young people to design a website that lists all the candidates and what they're running on so everyone knows to go to that website to read up on who's promising to do what (if you can get some non-partisan people to maintain such a website).
From Oliver's video, I thought maybe y'all should look into getting lawyers to draw up legal documents protecting the rights of landowners who inherited their land so people like Zuckerberg can't come in and legally steal it from them. Sorry you're facing so many challenges there right now! Wishing you well and hope Hawaii finds solutions that will make the native people and locals there happy.
Mahalo for the comment. Great point about the homeless population. I'm not sure how they would get their ballots or if they are registered to vote. I suppose they could still vote in-person at certain locations.
One of many problems I've experienced here on Maui is the erosion of access to public information . Yeah I know everybody's going to say, Not true we got the internet, and that's true, but I' only have the internet. I'm retired, and can't afford to pay for all the news chanels I used to get for free on the TV. those of you under a certain age don't even know our political system sold us down the drain, here on Maui. We use to have a broadcast system that reached most of the island, then the cable companies pushed through congress a bill that limited most of our access to television forcing us onto cable, a for profit service, and doing away with half of Maui's access to free TV.
Next our local Paper lost most of it's readership due to competition from the internet, wiping out most of our local political new, and information on candidates.
Then we finish with our local politicians taking bribes and gaming the system, do they get caught? Usually ,but not always. We here in Hawaii have a tradition of not liking to talk stink about others, and as admirable as that may be in most things it really hurts us when it comes to our politicians, we locals get f#cked and now have to pay to clean up the mess they've failed to prevent. I'm not including the current Mayor or Governor since they weren't in office long enough to be responsible when last years fire came down, but that's a whole other can of worms.
I've voted in every election in the last fifty five years, but I hate to say I don't know who most od these people are or where they stand, and I' not sure where to get the information any more, ( as in true and accurate) A friend once said if you don't know who to vote for, don't vote for the incumbent, because they if they had goals they've probably already done them and new people with new ideas is usually better than old ideas, and people just wanting to keep their jobs.
I've also found that when you call most of our local officials about something, they never seem to get back to you, and I've even had one, when I got through, try to pick a fight with me when I was trying to find out why a person who was running the upcountry farmers market on public property was able to decide who could sell their farm products at the market and who couldn't.. I thought it was public property. I wasn't the only farmer having a difficult time getting my produce to market.
I only have the internet now so if you can give me some ideas where to access local info on the people running for office and their stand on issues I'd love to hear them. Thanks for allowing me the opportunity comment and point out why so many people have given up on trying to make a difference, in my opinion. If we give up we lose. Aloha. Pat
Mahalo for the comment and sharing what's been going on on Maui.
I saw Oliver’s piece as well-researched, very respectful to locals and bringing important awareness to a wider audience about our issues. He and his team did a terrific job and spoke to the right local and Hawaiian people, giving us a voice. No one has easy solutions to these complex issues (and we shouldn’t expect them to) but it starts with broadening the conversation. I thought his humor was great! Very surprised by your reaction, and I don’t think it reflects most locals’ thinking. Aloha from another public school grad.
I think his heart was in the right place, John Oliver. I don’t take it that he was being funny at Hawaii’s expense. And of course, Hawaiians know all of this. But most Americans didn’t. And a few more do, now. Not a bad thing.
Oliver’s comments were presented in the usual way. The humorous approach was directed towards the powers that more often than not, subjugate and take full advantage of the people where they just happen to be. At no time, did I feel like laughing at the people of Hawaii. His humor is to get your attention in an ironic way.
Your point about voting and bringing civics and ethics back to the classroom (having been removed by the great Reagan and his sidekick Edmund Meese) is extremely important!
I appreciate your time and point of view. Thank you
my take on the Hawaii episode from J Oliver was that the rich have taken over in Hawaii - like everywhere else. it wasn't in anyway a joke on Hawaii... if anything, it was about us enduring to care about Hawaii, which has was successful in doing. it made me want to hear your perspective
You need to realize that John Oliver is bringing to light what is going on. I had no idea this was even happening. I’m sorry that you’re going through this and it’s causing you pain, but you need to be mad at your local representatives for allowing these things to happen. They are who you need to direct your pain and anger towards.
@hellofromhawaii!
The show wasn't meant to be comical but to spotlight big corporations and the wealthy's impact on Hawaii. Watching the John Oliver segment was truly eye-opening for me, especially as someone who travels to Hawaii regularly. I now see the daily struggles of the hardworking individuals in the hospitality industry who are striving to put food on the table and keep a roof over their heads. As a content creator on TH-cam, have you considered delving into the underprivileged communities of Hawaii? Exploring why owning a home is challenging for them and why the cost of preschool surpasses that of rent. This approach could make a significant difference for the locals, rather than focusing on unconventional aspects of Hawaiian culture or property investments for financially well-off people. It's essential to spotlight the continued plight of "Native Hawaiians" who are still awaiting the lands promised to them. This approach could also attract more viewers due to the informative nature of your content.
I just watched the John Oliver video.
I thought the humor fell a little flat because it talks about such serious subjects, but Oliver's in the entertainment business, not the journalism business. I wasn't offended. And if it provides the vehicle for thoughtful discussion on any of these problem areas, then I support it.
John Oliver interjects comedy into serious topics to make it more palatable for a larger audience. Learn while you laugh, or laugh so you don’t cry sometimes too. That is just his comedy style and the structure of the show. I think it’s really smart and has been proven to work as he learned from his days on the Daily Show with Jon Stewart. The addition of comedy makes it less “preachy.” I 100% believe he’s on the side of the locals/native Hawaiians and brings light to these topics that a large portion of the audience might not be familiar with in order to educate.
5:31 for the next 30 seconds
Often when a complex problem is being discussed and someone has your best interests at heart, there is not a specific solution presented, because the intention of declaring there is a problem is to start a conversation about the problem. When he says that we need to approach the problem systemically, that means from a societal level, that means politics. It means getting involved with the system above you as an individual. It means, if you care as an individual, then to talk about it your neighbors, local, and state governments. It means finding the solution that the majority wants, which hopefully is what is in the best interest of the individuals that make up that majority. Money and messaging in politics is powerful, and this game is well known to the elites that do control things. Their tactic is to divide and conquer the majority position. That translates to them spending big bucks to get you to fear or be suspicious of your neighbor, your coworker, your peers, and their weapon of choice is the pen. It is messaging.
One:
He’s a comedian , not a politician.
Two:
He’s pushed “VOTE, VOTE, VOTE!!” forever!!
Three
Do you have any idea how hard it is to give a couple thousand years history in ONE HALF HOUR!?!
You added about one minute’s additional information.
The whole point of all of his work is to rope people in at least far enough to bring them to awareness.
I always lesrn something - to one degree or other - from this guy!
Was it you or he or both who finished up with an image of organizations who are still working hard?
Did you know how much criminal damage due to government arrogance, greed and disrespect the islands have and continue to suffer?
Do you have a recorded history of the voting rates in all the Hawaiian islands?
Compare it to “the continent” (humor me?) and see where it puts you in conjunction with the rest of the states.
Thanks for watching 🤙
I think John did a huge service to your state. It made me more aware for what is happening in Hawaii. No one is laughing at you - it was using humor to make the rest of the United States realize how stupid we are about how much our government and we have treated the state. It makes me want to help all of you
I hope that we see positive outcomes as a result of the video 🤙
@@HelloFromHawaii how can I help? How can I support your state?
I’m Hawaiian homestead born and raised and I believe John is spot on. I wished that he spent more time on the unconstitutional (US) annexation of our beloved aina. I’m thankful John did this piece.
John put a spotlight on this issue. Here we are with Hawaiians talking about the issues, and getting attention. It gives the OP a platform, yet he mainly seems to be thinking Oliver should not talk about this…. I am so confused about this video. Anyways, peace out from Europe. Here because I watched John Oliver and got interested in what is going on.
You were spot on when you said locals don’t vote. People like Kim Coco Iwamoto ran 3 times and only won by 200 votes. If people realized that people like her are here to protect the rights of locals and protect Hawaii’s fragile environment. Let’s focus on learning who is running in local elections and vote more people in who are here to protect us.
I think it's important for the public to learn about who is running. Yes, it takes effort, but only a few minutes to check their websites.
I'm a Floridian. We make fun of our state and ourselves all the time. With that being said I am dating a Hawaiian native. And I see the tears in her eyes when she watches the news about the things that continue to happen in Lahaina. So from an outsider's perspective I feel that John Oliver's piece brought light to the tragedy that is still ongoing in Maui. Even Tulsi Gabbard has done a recent piece on this. For people who aren't as invested in the story of maui, everybody that bring it up shed some new light on it. Things like opening Maui back up a month later to tourism would have never been known by people on the mainland. In my mind that's kind of sick.
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Yea braddah, idk what he said is very true tho, he covered the major issues we see especially here on Oahu. He's John Oliver. It would be like Jon Stewart or Steven Colbert doing a piece on anything. It 100% has to come from a place centered around laughter. Main thing is they're getting it out there and across at all. Not like they can get it all in a single episode, let alone solve all of these either. They run a platform and brand based exclusively around humor, so that's really the only way they can slice such issues. Personally tho, with everything he was talking about being true, I needed the laughs to even broach the subject. Sometimes facing tough issues can be made easier when having a few laughs to get you thru it. It's getting hard out here man..I bet you got that Costco membership too lol.
Costco and Sam's Club 🤙
@@HelloFromHawaii Truth. I don't have SC anymore tho. Sometimes they'd have veggies there and not Costco..you think it's worth it for both?
Born and raised, then priced out of Hawai'i. Just recently went back, and even then had convo about HI politics. The segment included jokes, but many of those points are made by Natives. So maybe your point about "complaints" might have some validity since most of us Natives are outside the state, and we still follow politics from home, but we can't vote on those politics.
Come back
I can relate to what had happened in Hawaii. Born and raised in norcal and am being forced to move because l can no longer afford it as an old person. Tourism isn't really helping Hawaii if the people that work for it have to have multiple jobs, so really it only helps out the rich who own these places. Hawai's survived many years without tourism and before the english arrived they seemed to be doing just fine without all the crap we think we need in the modern world. And l agree, because it is such a small place no one that isn't living there should be able to buy a home. If you are a resident that is fine. But second homes are vacant much of the year. Let them buy a condo in a high rise or better yet a time share so more than one set of people can ualse it and put a transient tax on it like hotels. Everyone write to your representatives from all states stating that you want the Hawaiians to get there homesteaders lands now and not in the end of life phase. Unfortunately the united states has a mixed history when it comes to doing the right thing.
How was it back home? Notice anything significantly different in Hawaii?
I was born and raised in Hawaii and spent over 20 years there. I've lived on the mainland for over 30 years. I find myself agreeing with some of the comments here. I learned a few things from John Oliver that I didn't know at all. There were a few things that I knew from a high level, but did not know the details.
I don't feel like Oliver tried to slight the people of Hawaii. He's a comedian, humor is his trade. I had the impression that he was supporting the island people. I know that you know this too. But I saw "Not Funny" in the thumbnail. His presentation exposes the issue to Americans and the rest of the world.
I left for personal reasons, and I wanted better opportunities. I concur, there should be more of a sense to vote, and improve the situation.
My biggest takeaway from this is that if Hawaiians are ever to turn the course of what outsiders are doing to their islands, this time is NOW! Lahaina is still in the cleanup stage after a year with actual rebuilding still in the future. The rich and powerful were quick to start making their moves to capitalize on the tragedy to their financial gain. No one but the corporations wants Lahaina to emerge from the ashes as a Disneyfied version of Hawaii for the wealthy. Only Hawaiians can prevent this from occuring, and they need to move fast before the contracts are signed and another piece of genuine Hawaii is obliterated for the financial gain of the already wealthy.
As a mainlander, I felt he was trying to change the mindset that people who aren't from Hawaii tend to view it as a big resort or resource to exploit, instead of something that deserves to be treated with respect, at the very least, but even more so, as a place to protect from big money, exploitative industry, and gentrification, and allow locals to thrive instead of being cast aside on their own lands. But I suppose it feels different when you're the one under the spotlight?
It does feel different when the spotlight is on you. Like I mentioned, I'm glad that Hawaii got national attention. I just want to see what happens as a result of his video.
I haven’t watched his video yet but I’ve listened to yours. Please keep up reminding us here in Hawaii to vote this November. It’s a very important election on many levels. We voted in July ‘24 and years past. It’s a privilege to do so.
I do hope that more local residents vote in November.
We all need to give back to the community and stop blaming others
I’m a local resident and I thought his video was enlightening and supportive of Hawai’i and Hawaiians getting to a better place
I understand what you’re trying to do, but your intro made me think Oliver had given some disinformation. I watched your whole video thinking you were going to refute the info. From my perspective, I’m from Oklahoma and had never realized that was going on. Unfortunately it seems we get more accurate info from political satire. The other 49 states can help with the problem if the public is aware and encourage their representatives to address the issues. The same goes on here on the mainland (although to a lesser extent) and Oliver did make people aware of the ridiculous situation. I had someone else tell me about Oliver’s clip and I might have missed it otherwise. You made very good points and I was glad you didn’t end it telling me I had listened to some disinformation 😀🦍👍
Mahalo for the comment. I guess typical reaction videos tend to dispute what was presented. Instead, I didn't want to do that with this video. It's hard to argue with what the news has reported and I agree with most of what was said. Just wanted to offer a local's perspective and offer possible solutions since those were lacking toward the end.
Nice to see you take a stand on something. If people don’t vote, they shouldn’t complain.
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I understand what you're saying. I also think John O did an excellent job in unveiling the major issues. I lived on the island 20 years. After I retired, I had to sell all and move. There was no way I could afford to retire and live in HI. I miss it so much. I do not miss the systemic issues that never seem to get resolved. The dysfunction is mind boggling. The graft. The disingenuousness. The incompetence. And yes, I voted in every election from 2000-2020. Although John O pulled the covers off for the rest of the country to see (very effectively), it is only the people who live in Hawai'i that can change it. This dysfunction has been going on for 100 years or more. It is time for all residents of the 50th State to declare that you will no longer play the victim of the White man. It's their fault up to a point. But only up to a point.
I agree that it will be up to us, those who live here, to bring about those changes. 🤙
1:26
I don't think Oliver is attempting to criticize the individual people, you directly, or your neighbor, but rather the US and its foreign and domestic policies in this case. Also another thing to always check yourself on when watching a segment is asking: who is the target audience? Is this directed at people living in Hawaii? no it is not. The audience is the national late night crowd of North America. Almost all of the problems he points out are problems that hang over Hawaii and are not necessarily rooted here.
this was the reason why Oliver made the program, I don't know about the US army and the lack of housing because of the tourists, another side the same problem in the Canary Islands or the Balearic Islands or even Munich so I learned something, and to be honest, without him I would not found this section. And maybe if more people are ware the problem can become less.
I wasn't really a fan of John Oliver, but I reckon this segment was solid. It's getting people talking. There were a lot of well-crafted takeaways that will now be in the minds of people previously unfamiliar with the issues covered. That's a good thing. With his momentum, you (the host) are getting people to focus on elections. I love it. Well done.
I'm glad a lot of people have seen his video. My question is whether it will result in real changes or not.
I was born and raised in HI during the Vietnam war. Pearl Harbor scars were very fresh then. John Oliver sometimes tries to put too much into too little time. You can’t do that with the Hawaii islands. When I was little we would canoe to Aloha tower and then cross along fields and roads to the Moana Surfrider, so mum could visit the owners who were family friends. It is in those years that gardenia and jasmine mixed with a metal and oil smell around the piers. A clearer landscape that made the differences between the US invaders and Hawaiians very stark. There were lands we did not dare walk on, sacred, that are now contaminated with US bullets and mortars. Today I can’t see the sacred lands, only massive ugly buildings. It is at this time I feel fortunate to be older -I lived in it back when almost all of this crap was not here. Now we can only show what used to be in a shitty 20 min sum up. A show is what it is. That is the saddest part. The US destroys cultural heritage, in every US state. But the Hawaiian goddesses are still here. Hawaiians are still fighting. Yet it is the same fight everywhere of inequality and mass greed in the US. Nothing pisses me off more than seeing a Hawaiian wait 19 years for land that is theirs. Oprah sure as hell isn’t hosting a show with property deeds hidden under the seats for local Hawaiians to embrace. That would be a great show Oprah. But no, greed, inequality, voting the fat assed, wealthy man in a spray tan to run the US, run HI, now that is something the Hawaiian goddesses will punish Hawaii for. We must choose our leaders carefully, because the ones picked so far, well you see it, Hawaii is a US shit show, but that’s all US states. Hawaiian exception is that we are still here fighting!! We still have a tree given to us from India in the 17th century. These things we must protect. We must make it so all Hawaiians can come home.
Preach!
@@Alex-rb5fs Ka Pule🫶🏼
Mahalo for the thoughtful comment 🤙
John Oliver makes people laugh “And THINK at the same time” He breaks it down and Brings out the truth in a way People will Listen !!!
I guess we'll see what happens as a result of his video. Maybe positive change.
The Oliver segment was interesting, but I admit that I'm glad to see a local's reaction to issues in the islands, and I can sympathize in the battle to encourage social and civic engagement. It's a problem we face on the mainland as well, and I can only imagine just how troubling it can be for the folks dealing with long-standing systemic problems on the islands.
I will always be plugging for these situations to improve. There's limits for what I can do other than remember fondly the times I visited those beautiful islands as a child, so very long ago, but I will always hope that the circumstances of land ownership and the relationship with entities like the military can be fixed over time to be fair and proper for the people of Hawaii. I don't know what I can do other than sending good vibes, but ... just know that there are folks on the mainland who are going to keep plugging for you folks.
I want, hope and pray that the situation improves, and I wish you all the best of luck in improving civic engagement. It's a battle everywhere in aging systems of government.
Mahalo for sharing. I hope civic engagement improves as well. Maybe the General Election numbers will be better.
Aloha e' Chris. I realize it wasn't perfect, but any information to the main stream, any education, any conversation about injustice is, in my opinion is beneficial. I'm a Californian and I was never educated in school about Hawai'i other than Cook's "discovery." I agree with you on the point that change must come from within, but it's also important to accept allies. Mahalo and be well ✌️
Oliver is irritating at times but he shed light on what the local people are going through ! And the over-throw that a lot of mainlanders never knew before . Great segment. Don’t be so critical
I use to think that if you don't vote don't complain, but then I have been voting since I was 18 which was a very long time ago (over 30 years) and when nothing changes you start to say why vote if nothing ever changes. Part of it is discovering all these politicians that are corrupt. The Supreme Court didn't help when they made it so people can give politicians tons of money anonymously, then they recently made it so it's legal to give politicians money as long as it's done after they do your favor for you.
Hawaii had Democratic governors, Republican governors, and nothing has changed, so why vote. Some people would be like, stop voting for the Democrats and things will change. Linda Lingle was there for 8 years and didn't change anything. There was a Hawaiian governor and he didn't make anything that much better for the Hawaiians.
Also, I think you were probably taught about voting in high school you just didn't pay attention. I went to Castle and they taught us about voting, but then again I was watching the news and reading the newspaper when I was in high school which a lot of kids didn't do.
Mahalo for the comment. I guess maybe we need to raise better leaders in Hawaii. Not sure how to do that, but maybe we need new leaders from the community to get involved and facilitate that change. Again, appreciate the comment 🤙
i respect your words and your delivery. well thought out
Mahalo 🤙
I have been voting for 45 years and have seen that many people here and elsewhere vote based on name recognition, party affiliation and how “nice” a person is instead of looking at the policies of each candidate. Policies are what will impact your life, not if a person is nice. So if you want things to change for the better, please do your research from ALL news channels, not just only liberal or conservative channels. Find out the truth and fact check what is being said. Unless we vote based on policy, we will always get the status quo and people will say, “I voted but nothing changed.”
I had the pleasure and honor to grow up on Oahu as millitary brat (both parents in the army) but we lived in Mililani and went to Hale Kula elementry. My parents were big on learning and respecting different cultures. So very quickly i became immersed in the history and culture of the Island...and it led to me having a very unpopular opinion amongst many of my military brat peers...I am not proud of what my country or the military (and i say this serving as a Marine myself) has done to or is currently doin to the Islands now...now i definitely dont have all the answers...i just know whats happining now and has been happening for decades is not right...and i always just want to give as much love and respect both too the Native hawians and all the locals who have come to love the islands for what they were and for the beauty of the people and culture that is still survivng...it was the people of Hawaii that made it the paridise that is unfortunately being abused by so many outsiders....I always have felt akward with these feelings and how strongly i felt them even from an early childhood...what does some military brat "hoale" have to say or feel on something like this...but u cant truly experiance the islands and not get the sence of love and wonder that permiates the entire chain of islands....
The low voter turnout, the lack of Kanaka Maolis in the local government, the feeling/ sense of defeat and hopelessness are the few of the reasons why the corrupt, foreign investors, and ultra wealthy people continue to control the islands. I’m a doctor in Hawaii known to have the lowest salaries for doctors and yet these millionaires/billionaires that do not even live in the islands are benefiting tremendously Bec of the policies of their puppets
Great message
John Oliver did a great job. I don't recall him denigrating Hawaii or the people.
Apathy is a strong force to overcome. Some people are not happy unless they are miserable.
And it's too bad some people think that way
Everywhere Bruda, not just da kine, we da people need to take control of our lives, adult time! aloha!
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I'd like to see an economic evaluation of Hawaii and what could be done to improve its situation. Handouts can only go so far when a healthy economy is not there to support it.
Comedy, especially for folks in Hawaiʻi, is usually the best way to convey a point or idea. Unfortunately, comedy is a flavor, and some flavors ain’t for everyone.
You are right about complacency in Hawaiʻi residents. Next to being a candidate, the best way to facilitate change is getting involved, and voting.
I reckon in the short segment the show has for each topic, this taught me, a non-US citizen, a lot about Hawaii that i never knew. I did know tourists were messing up the place, and many are entitled, but i didnt know about the land rights and Zucks literal underground bunker city?!
Maui resident here. I got my ballot, and none of the offices I'm familiar with had a challenger. The others, I have no idea who any of the people are. So I didn't send my ballot back,im not voting when I don't have any knowledge who or what is offered.
But garanz I'm voting in November.
The horrific facts of both the history and the fire far outclass the laughter! And no one uses comedic flair to put a spotlight on where it's needed the most than top-level comedians!
Even though you are in tropical paradise, be educated, do know about national level of political issues not just local. Vote and work smart live smart. Don’t think like mentalities from third world south East Asian countries.
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This comment section added more value than i feel like this video did
Taking shots at John Oliver is shooting the messenger. They pretty much nail the issue and the way he closes saying local voices need to rise to the top is perfect.
For anyone that is criticizing him for simply bringing awareness - I’d ask if you bring that level of energy to actually solving problems here.
It’s my experience that people don’t like to be talked about by people not from here - yet they ignore all the internal forces here screwing them over.
You should watch some other examples/episodes from Last Week Tonight. Bringing humor to situations and injustices that need to be addressed is the show. I'm not a local or a Hawaiian, and I learned something from the show.
Whenever you talk da kine I always want to know what you think of the following two books, assuming you have seen them at all:
1) Da Kine Dictionary (compiled and edited by Da Pidgin Guerrilla, Lee A. Tonouchi).
And,
2) The 25th Anniversary edition of “Pidgin to Da Max” (published by Bess Press) containing all the words and phrases from the books, Pidgin to Da Max and Pidgin to Da Max Hana Hou.
Chris, the latter book is especially hilarious! 😂
Are the voting options any good (in presenting real roads to generate those necessary systemic changes)? Might the lack of options be a reason not to vote?
Do you ever read Beat of Hawaii? The ignorance and arrogance of offshore owners and mainland visitors is astounding. If you think Oliver was ridiculing anything about locals, you should watch it again with sensitivity blinders off. And then go read the comments of people at the Beat of HI site. What Oliver did was important, and it was not covered any any other mainstream media, despite all the coverage of the fire.
I've never been to Hawaii but the series ProPublica did back in 2020(?) resonated with me. I was very glad to see John Oliver segment
When I moved to the mainland, it was talked about building the native Hawaiian' a casino.
Didn't work for American Indians.
I really like the discussion that is happening here. There is laughing with and laughing at though.
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We seem to be a popular topic no matter what. Thanks for talking about living here pros and cons.
Dude… you don’t get it… John Oliver’s show is always in that comedic/informative format. His piece on Hawaii was awesome. It wasn’t meant to solve the world’s problems. It was meant to bring attention to the wrongs that was and is done to Hawaii. Why are you complaining about it? Omg. You should be praising his piece not whining about it.
I'm very familiar with his show and thought the Hawaii piece was great.
All your jokes landed. Very funny.
I am not from Hawaii, even not from the us. But now I am on vacation at O'ahu. As a tourist, my question to all you locals. What can I, as a visitor do, for better future? What I should not do? Please be nice, not all tourists leave trash or so. I care about people (locals life), nature an so on. ❤ Thank you
I would suggest just being respectful is a great place to start. Learn about the culture if you can, but follow the rules and have a great time.