Native Hawaiians Confront Billionaire’s Megayacht in Hawaii
A group of Native Hawaiians gathered in Honolulu’s Waikiki Harbor on Tuesday to protest the presence of a billionaire’s megayacht, the “Azzam,” which is owned by the Emir of Abu Dhabi. The yacht, which is one of the largest in the world, was docked in the harbor as part of a multi-day visit to the islands.
The protesters, who were organized by the Native Hawaiian sovereignty movement, were upset about the yacht’s presence in the harbor, which they claimed was a symbol of the exploitation and colonization of Hawaii by foreign powers. They also expressed concerns about the environmental impact of the yacht’s visit, including the potential for oil spills and other pollution.
The protesters, who were mostly Native Hawaiians, held signs and chanted slogans as they confronted the yacht. They also distributed flyers and spoke with tourists and locals who were visiting the harbor.
The visit by the “Azzam” has sparked controversy in Hawaii, with some people expressing support for the Emir’s visit and others criticizing it. The Emir’s visit is seen as a symbol of the close relationship between the United Arab Emirates and the United States, and some people have expressed concerns about the potential for the visit to undermine Native Hawaiian sovereignty.
The Native Hawaiian sovereignty movement has been advocating for greater autonomy and self-governance for Native Hawaiians, who make up about 20% of the state’s population. The movement has been gaining momentum in recent years, with many Native Hawaiians expressing frustration with the lack of representation and recognition of their rights and interests.
The visit by the “Azzam” has also sparked concerns about the potential for environmental damage and pollution. The yacht is massive, measuring over 590 feet in length, and its presence in the harbor has raised concerns about the potential for oil spills and other pollution.
Despite the controversy surrounding the visit, the Emir’s delegation has expressed a desire to learn more about Native Hawaiian culture and history. The delegation has also pledged to support efforts to preserve and protect Native Hawaiian cultural sites and resources.
The visit by the “Azzam” is expected to continue for several more days, and the controversy surrounding it is likely to continue to be a topic of discussion in Hawaii.