Opponents of Shinnyo-en Lantern Floating Hawai'i BOYCOTT

BOYCOTT Opponents

The families of five Nisei soldiers who died in 1945 were presented Purple Hearts for their loved ones during at ceremony at Pearl Harbor. On August 13, 1945, a plane carrying troops from the Philippines to Okinawa crashed into a cliff as it tried to land amid poor visibility. These fallen five are now added to the more than 53,000+ at rest at Punchbowl. Don't these heroes and their families deserve ONE DAY for their ultimate sacrifice?

Families of Fallen Five Receive Overdue Honors [StarAd]

Tulsi Gabbard continues to REFUSE our requests to defend the honor of our fallen heroes. Her father, Hawai'i State Senator Mike Gabbard, promised to correct this disrespect, but betrayed our efforts at the last minute. Told us his office forgot. FORGOT !!! Officals claim they care. They do not walk the walk.

Senator Gabbard could have resolved this conflict. Veterans ONLY asked Shinnyo-en to host their heartwarming event on Sunday, not Memorial Day. Together we would enlarge the love and remembrance over a Memorial Weekend. More, not less! We counted on the senator. He assured us, "I got this." We held back out of respect. The senator failed over 53,000+ fallen heroes.

Wed, May 30, 2023, at 5:20 PM

Aloha e Pete and Scott…agree 100%…I’ll draft a petition to my colleagues in the Legislature asking them to sign on asking Shinnyo-en to change their event to the Sunday before Memorial Day. If Shinnyo-en doesn’t comply, we could introduce a concurrent resolution in the House and Senate next session, and formally ask them to change it to Sunday.

Your thoughts? [We agreed]

Mahalo,
Senator Mike Gabbard, father of Tulsi Gabbard

Tulsi refused to answer and help. Apparently a potential Republican VP candidate isn't going to take a risk standing for 53,000+ fallen heroes.

Tulsi Gabbard, Mike Gabbard Refuse to Defend the Troops

Tulsi Refuses to Help Fallen Heroes in Hawai'i. Goes to Texas

Tulsi invites followers to "Join us on May 27th at Staccato Ranch in Central Texas to celebrate freedom & honor our fallen. Get your ticket now — All proceeds go to support Gold Star families left behind."

Mayor Rick Blangiardi Refuses to Defend our Fallen Heroes

OPPOSE Blangiardi for Honololu Mayor
Mayor Blangiardi: MORE HOMELESS; No MORE Affordable housing; NO FIX Chinatown; MORE crime. Only FOOLS vote Blangiardi. NO RESPECT for our fallen, heroic Veterans. Supported Japanese Buddhist Order taking over Memorial Day. [see Vote NO to Blangiardi]

Lt Col (Ret) Pete Tingstrom worked tirelessly to contact the mayor. Spoke with Chief of Staff Andy Sugg. Andy told us he presented our request. Mayor did not allow an in-person meeting. Denied care for our 53,000+ fallen heroes. Honolulu Mayor Rick Blangiardi continues to refuse to meet with our team.

Blangiardi recently named Honolulu a "Purple Heart City." Claims to defend those who were injured, wounded or died of wounds received while in armed combat. Blangiardi however refused to protect Memorial Day by creating a Memorial Weekend.

"Purple Heart recipients are true heroes, deserving of the utmost admiration, and today we recognize the extraordinary sacrifices they have made on behalf of this country and all of us. Signing this bill means that our City will forever demonstrate an unwavering appreciation for Honolulu’s Purple Heart recipients and their remarkable bravery, and we thank them for their service to our island and our country." UNWAVERING? Blangiardi refused to protect Memorial Day

The designation doesn't give our true heroes or their families an extra dollar, a flower or even a free ride on a city bus. Just Blangiardi's political pretense that he honors the troops without actually honoring them. Blangiardi refused to protect their day, Memorial Day, which was given to them over 150 years ago.

We didn't ask the mayor to end Shinnyo-en's event; requested only to re-issue the park permit Sunday, not Memorial Day. Make it a Memorial Weekend. As GM of Hawai'i News Now, Blangiardi promoted Shinnyo-en Floating Lantern. Didn't serve our country and does not show unwaivering loyalty to our fallen heroes. Blangiardi is up for re-election. Remember his fake support of Veterans in November.

Howard High, JAVA President, Afraid of Possible Negativity

On May 1, 2024, at 5:30 PM, Pete Aloha wrote:

You have absolutely an amazing way with words ... I really loved the "PERHAPS? Perhaps the Americans of 1941 can work on the issue of Japanese internment next year, right? Is that the COURAGE of JAVA?"

Aloha,
Pete

Howard High, JAVA President, stated the Japanese American Veterans' Association, which is dedicated to "perpetuating the memory and history of our departed comrades," is afraid to stand for our fallen heroes — many who are Japanese Americans. The fallen 53,000+ likely were quite afraid as well. They courageous stood to defend us. Shame on Howard High.

Executive Director, Antoinette Phelps, informed us that JAVA understands our sentiments and supports the principle behind our efforts. However, taking any action at this time will leave 40K+ people with a negative view of Veterans.

We made this request with sufficient time to shift seemlessly. Moving to Sunday from Monday is preferred by partipants. Why would asking for this minor change to protect remembrance of our fallen brothers and sisters "leave 40+ people with a negatigve view of Veterans?" There are over 53,000+ forgotten heroes lying at Punchbowl. Doesn't JAVA leave them with a negative view of us?

Antoinette added, "However, we do understand your frustration. Our president suggested that perhaps we can work on this matter next year to the benefit of both parties and combine the Memorial Day and the Shinnyo Lantern Floating event by lighting the lanterns for our fallen service members."

PERHAPS NEXT YEAR??? ... will the 40K+ people have a more positive view of Veterans next year? Benefit of both parties? We suggested Shinnyo-en Floating Lantern be held on Sunday, which is better for participants; Monday for our fallen heroes, which respects American tradition. We transform Memorial Day into Memorial Weekend so ALL can be honored; nobody is forgotten or diminished. How do you claim to understand our frustration?

Edward R. Cruickshank, President O'ahu Veterans Council
Doesn't Want to Get Involved in Politics

Lt Col (Ret) Pete Tingstrom and Scott Goold gave empassioned requests to the O'ahu Veterans Council, Saturday, April 27, 2024. Numerous leaders thanked the duo for their action. One Buddhist Veteran leader told Scott about his religious beliefs and that he fully supported their action. Claimed Shinnyo-en was not adhering to the teachings of Buddha. Thanked the two for their defense of America's fallen heroes. Other leaders expressed dismay that nobody had spoken out sooner.

The next day, Pete and Scott received excellent news:

PETE to SCOTT: I talked to the executive director of the O'ahu Veterans Council and [Claire Levinson] will email it to all the veteran service organizations, even ones that weren't there yesterday with whatever we want to tell them. I have an event to go to today. If you could draft something up, that would be great.
[DOWNLOAD Scott's Draft Letter]

Claire Levinson reported to Pete and Scott that O'ahu Veterans Council president, Edward R. Cruickshank, blocked distribution of their letter. Ruled he didn't want the Council to be involved in politics. Cruickshank had claimed he would do anything to save one of his combat buddies — except protect their sacred day.

Cruickshank told a Story of Valor, made possible by funding from the National Purple Heart Honor Mission. As a commander serving in combat, he described how "you become like brothers. And you will do anything you can to save that individual from being hurt even if it means putting your life at stake" ... and that "the hardest thing [was] to send men into battle not knowing whether they were going to be coming back or not and to prepare them for that inevitable if it did happen."

There are over 53,000+ valiant American heroes lying six feet down at Punchbowl. They did not come back! Cruickshank won't get involved.

Cruickshank reminded Americans of the importance of their sacrifice, "They're the ones that's keeping us free because Freedom isn't Free and everybody feels well, we have a uh have an army that's going to protect us but they're the ones that are really protecting us against the enemy."

They kept us free. They don't deserve the One Day they were promised?

YouTube Video [2:36] "And that drive that the military taught me carried through in my entire personal life and because you learn certain values like honesty, integrity, honor, duty and that's very important in any profession. The hardest thing to send men into battle not knowing whether they were going to be coming back or not and to prepare them for that inevitable if it did happen. And that was always the hard part not only for me but for any leader. You just protect your country and do the job that you can do to the best of your ability because they're the ones that's keeping us free because Freedom isn't free and everybody feels well, we have a uh have an army that's going to protect us but they're the ones that are really protecting us against the enemy. People don't understand how close you get to your buddy when you go to combat because there isn't any experience that you can put through that can come close to that because you become like brothers. And you will do anything you can to save that individual from being hurt even if it means putting your life at stake."

USA and America Haters

For the record, we adore Japanese people. Japanese Americans are many of our nation's Best & Brightest. Japan is a strong ally. This however is America; not Japan. These are America's fallen heroes. Why is a Japanese Buddhist Order trampling on our traditions? These deaths represent great sacrifices and have inflicted deep and painful suffering on American families, as well as our nation.

Shinnyo-en spends tens of thousands of dollars to advertise on social and local media to attract participants to Floating Lantern Hawai'i. Few remember this is Memorial Day and is dedicated to our fallen heroes.

Tracie Kiyota is interested in a lantern; not honoring our dead heroes who died to protect our Freedom

Due to the sacrifice of our fallen brothers and sisters, Tracie Kiyota had the privilege of attending James B. Castle High School and studying at Heald College. Tracie lives in Pearl City, Hawai'i, and is from From Kaneohe, Hawai'i.

Tracie Kiyota got to go to college due to the sacrifice of those who gave ALL. Can she give SOME back now?

Okamura: Democrats ONLY Goal in Hawai'i is to remain in power

Jonathan Okamura, professor emeritus at the University of Hawaii Manoa, 35-year academic career, 20 years with Department of Ethnic Studies, refers to Japanese, Chinese, Filipinos, Koreans, African Americans, Blacks ... but with White Americans, he uses the slur "haole" — generally used as "f_cking haole." Haole for White folks is like N_GGER for Blacks. (*haole does not mean white)

With regard to haoles, unlike men, women continue to intermarry below the overall rate for Hawaii and, in fact, have never outmarried at or above that rate. Demographically, because haoles have been the largest group in the state since the 1960s, females find it easier to obtain a marital mate from their own group than if the white population was small. [source]

Japanese people, Okamura, further this racial slur. Okamura also does not capitalize "white," although capitalizing ALL other ethnic groups. The professor displays the discrimination and racism in Hawai'i that is common toward White families. Shinnyo-en also works to diminish the memory of America's fallen heroes, as a majority are White Americans.

Okamura provides an example, Before discussing contemporary notions and manifestations of local identity, I’ll begin with its origins more than 90 years ago during the well-known Massie-Kahahawai case. In 1931, Joe Kahahawai and four young friends of his — another Native Hawaiian, a Chinese-Hawaiian, and two nisei Japanese — were charged with raping Thalia Massie, the 20-year-old wife of a U.S. Navy lieutenant stationed at Pearl Harbor.

Honolulu newspaper accounts of the case and trial referred to the five accused youths, all from the working-class Kauluwela area of Honolulu, as “local” in distinction to their white, military accusers from the continental United States. This initial differentiation between locals and haoles had obvious class and racial components. [source]

Veterans didn't ask to end Floating Lantern Hawai'i — no, simply shift Floating Lantern to Sunday. We'll turn Memorial Day into Memorial Weekend. We'll increase love, harmony and aloha. What honorable Buddhist Order denies this peaceful request? We're confused. Why are Japanese fueling anti-American animosity in Hawai'i?

Hawaii's education system is dominated by Japanese people. Along with Native Hawaiians (Kanaka Maoli), they teach a perverted history about the islands. Many young Americans have little respect for USA history and enjoy speaking negatively about our nation. Some people believe dimming the light of others makes their light shine more brightly. The United States of America has given freedom and opportunity to millions around the world. Millions today break down our doors to get in. Spoiled and entitled people harbor much guilt. They believe by speaking negatively about America, they are being righteous.

One example is John Wagner. Posting to Facebook "The Hawaiian Islands," he wrote:

Just because you were born or raised in Hawaii doesn't entitle you to shit. True Hawaiians deserve their land back and the United States should be ashamed of what they did in stealing their land. I was raised Hawaii as a haouli [sic] and took modern history of Hawaii classes and was heartbroken and embarrassed that this happened to the native hawaiian people, who are the most loving, caring and gracious people i have ever met and was blessed to live amongst and with, it was the best times of my life and unmatched by any place i have ever lived since, and i mean the people made the difference, all i experienced elsewhere was rude and selfishness. Hawaii is number 1 of beautiful people "despite what they had taken from them" they were always giving and sharing...called Ohana, something i will never forget and is how i live my life...from what they showed me it's eternal.

We agree with John that the Native Hawaiian people are some of the most loving, caring and gracious people in the world. Like all groups, they have their dark side as well. John reported he took "modern history of Hawaii classes." He added that he "was heartbroken and embarrassed." CORRECT. Japanese and Native Hawaiian disparage the US and White people in local schools. Here's a short, but accurate, history:

USA DID NOT STEAL lands in Hawai'i. USA had plenty of land 1887 & 1893. Local People ... actually The Corporations, business and plantation owners INVITED to Hawai'i to work for the monarchy overthrew the kings & queens. Local People were angry with King David Kalakaua for his lavish spending and high taxes. Local People, led by William W. Hall, who founded Hawaiian Electric in 1891, demanded a NEW constitution in 1887. They turned the monarchy into a ceremonial role; the legislature would govern the small kingdom; kings & queens would be on an allowance — as England had at the time, as England has today.

In 1893, David's sister, Lydia, under the royal name of Queen Lili'uokalani, attempted to UNDO the 1887 agreement, which the king had signed. Local People of the corporate community arrested her, imprisoned Lydia in the 'Iolani Palace. USA was not involved officially.

In 1894, Local People in the corporate business community created the Republic of Hawai'i. Selected Sanford Dole as the first and only president.

In 1895, Queen Lili'uokalani formally abdicated the throne, and along with about 20 other nations, which the USA was one, officially recognized the Republic. USA however did not TAKE Hawai'i or STEAL any land. Local People did.

USA has legal right to Pearl Harbor due to a 1875 Treaty with the kingdom in return for Special Trading Rights for sugar. A port in the Pacific was the ONLY USA interest in Hawai'i. USA did not need land 3,000m from US mainland. In 1898, due to US victory in Spanish-American war, USA added Puerto Rico, Philippines and Hawai'i under territorial jurisdiction. USA did not TAKE or STEAL any lands. USA simply told other nations of the world to STAY OUT.

Puerto Rico remains a US territory today. Filipinos and Americans joined in WWII to fight Imperial Japan. USA recognized Full Philippines independence in 1946.

The Last Prince, Jonah Kūhiō Kalanianaʻole, became the territorial representative from Hawai'i to the US Congress in 1902. He was FIRST to call for Hawai'i to become a US state in 1919. Voters decided to join the USA (93% yes) in 1959.

The USA did NOT steal any LAND in Hawai'i. Please correct your inaccurate and hurtful misrepresentations.

Dedrick Rittmeister writes FALSELY, "Pre contact www had about 800,000 Native Hawaiians throughout Hawaii nei. Post contact maybe 200,000. Olowalu had a massacre that happened by a Ship captain turning his cannons on innocent Hawaiians who just wanted to trade, that what they thought. Unprovoked attack on our kupuna. But that captain met his fate in Tahiti."

FALSE !!! When Captain James Cook arrived in 1778 (Kaua'i) and 1779 (Big Island), it's estimated about 700K-800K Kanaka lived in islands. Kanaka killed Cook on February 14, 1779. Kamehameha was involved in the party that killed Cook.

Each year, Kanaka celebrate the killing of Cook. The Kanaka stole one of Cook's long boats in 1779. Kanaka stole one of Captain Simon Metcalfe's long boats in 1790. Kanaka wanted nails, which they used for fishing and other purposes. Rather than trade or bargain, Kanaka stole ... and in some cases killed, as occurred with Captain James Cook in 1779.

Ship captains and crew learned to fear the Kanaka. Much different story than was taught to John Wagner in modern history of Hawai'i at UH Manoa. Captains Cook and Metcalfe did not find Kanaka to be "the most loving, caring and gracious people they had ever met."

The American Eleanora arrived in January 1790, and met chief Kameʻeiamoku who boarded the ship to welcome them. An unknown action by the chief offended Captain Simon Metcalfe, who had him flogged. The Eleanora then sailed north to the island of Maui to trade and resupply. One night a small boat was stolen and the night watchman was killed. Captain Metcalfe fired his cannons into the village, and captured a few Hawaiians who told him the boat was taken by people from the village of Olowalu.

He sailed to Olowalu but found that boat had been broken up for its nails. Nails were treasured in ancient Hawaii, which lacked metal smelting technology. Metcalfe invited the villagers to meet the ship, indicating he wanted to trade with them. However, he had all the cannons loaded and ready on the side where he directed the canoes to approach. They opened fire, killing about one hundred Hawaiians, and wounded many others.

About five or six weeks later the Fair American arrived at the Island of Hawaiʻi where Kameʻeiamoku was waiting at Kaʻūpūlehu. The schooner's crew of five were easily overwhelmed and four were killed, including Thomas Metcalfe. The lone survivor was Isaac Davis. King Kamehameha found out about the incident when another sailor, John Young, was captured by Kamehameha's men when he came ashore from the Eleanora to inquire about the Fair American.

Kamehameha spared the lives of Davis and Young, as they agreed to become valued military advisors during his subsequent battles and negotiations with later visitors: "Serve Kamehameha or die!"

Kamehameha then partnered with the British to acquire Long Guns & Cannons, which Kamehameha turned on Kanaka who only had sticks, spears and stone weapons. He massacred 10,000s. Kamehameha killed Kanaka en mass in the islands. Kamehameha furthered war in the islands for 25 years ... until 1810. Kamehameha then designed the Kingdom of Hawai'i flag ... eight red, white & blue stripes to represent the eight major islands, and the British Union Jack in the upper left hand corner. Kamehameha turned the Kingdom of Hawai'i into a British colony.

Kamehameha Turned Hawaiian islands into British Colony

Due to Kamehameha's wars and disease brought to islands by outsiders INVITED to the kingdom, Kanaka population fell from the estimated 700K-800K to around 40K in 1893. Kanaka population has flourished under USA protection: now exceeding 400,000+. USA saved Kanaka from extinction.