Mission

Posted by laurelmei

dmz mission image

DMZ Hawai’i / Aloha ‘Aina is a network of organizations and individuals working to counter the military’s negative social, cultural and environmental impacts in Hawai’i.  Intrinsic to our work is support for the human rights of Kanaka Maoli (Native Hawaiians) and promotion of aloha ‘aina (love for the land).   The name of the network derives from the acronym “DMZ” for “demilitarized zone” to describe the spaces that have been reclaimed and liberated from militarization. The network works toward four goals:

1. Stopping Military Expansion in Hawai’i.

2. Cleaning up, restoring and reclaiming military controlled land in Hawai’i

3. Promoting the development of environmentally sustainable, socially just and culturally appropriate economic alternatives for Hawai’i.

4. Seeking just compensation for the military use of Hawaiian land and for damages to the environment and communities caused by decades of military occupation.

What We Do

The DMZ Hawai’i / Aloha ‘Aina network is guided by the ancient Kanaka Maoli prophesy, Ka Pule Wanana o Kapihe:

E Iho Ana o Luna       All that is above shall be brought down

E Pi’i Ana o Lalo         All that is below shall be lifted up

E Hui Ana na Moku    The islands shall be united

E Ku Ana ka Paia          The walls (of the structure) shall stand

  • We work to confront powerful and oppressive institutions through research, analysis, public education, strategic communications, and direct action.
  • We support efforts to build the power of grassroots communities to change social conditions through training and popular education, organizing and campaigns.
  • We work to unite the islands, communities and constituencies in Hawai’i and globally that may be separated by distance and difference to create a broader movement.
  • We engage in actions that confront unjust conditions and institutions and support efforts to develop sustainable alternatives.

Who We Are

Groups that have been active in the network include: the American Friends Service Committee Hawai’i Area Program, ‘Ohana Koa / NFIP, Malu ‘Aina, Ka Pakaukau, KAHEA, Life of the Land, Malama Makua, Hui Malama o Makua, ‘Ilio’ulaokalani, Hui Ho’okipa, Save UH / Stop UARC Coalition, Kipuka, Na Imi Pono, Kaua’i Alliance for Peace and Social Justice, World Can’t Wait, and other groups and individuals.

Our Supporters

  • Funding Exchange
  • Pohaku Fund
  • Hawai’i People’s Fund
  • Unitarian Universalists Fund for Social Justice
  • A.J. Muste Institute