The Hawaii Okinawa Relationship
by Laverne Higa
The Hawaii Okinawa Relationship is one of long history which has evolved into a strong, supportive and enduring relationship. From the landing of the first group of immigrants from Okinawa to Hawaii, this relationship has grown in many aspects. This relationship has crossed borders and eventually intersected into an enriching framework that we experience today. These aspects encompass culture, politics, education, religion, language, economics, arts and crafts, music, dance, food, war, and history.
Stepping back in time, we have experienced this relationship even in the battlefields of the Battle of Okinawa. Though this time left so much pain in our hearts, we overcame the suffering and became people of peace and harmony.
After the war, many Okinawans were transferred to internment camps in Hawaii. Local Hawaii Okinawans visited the camps to provide necessary goods, to console and to uplift their spirits. Back in war-devasted Okinawa, daily necessities were depleted. Hawaii collected relief goods to send to Okinawa which included goats, medicine, clothes and school supplies and especially the 550 pigs.
Now progressing in time, we witnessed the creation of the Okinawa Hawaii Kyokai (OHK) in Okinawa and the Hawaii United Okinawa Association (HUOA) in Hawaii. Both of these organizations promote the preservation of the Okinawan culture and heritage and are dedicated to each other to cultivate the “Uchinanchu Spirit.” Through these two organizations, relationships emerged and the many aspects between Hawaii and Okinawa strengthened.
OHK dedicated itself to support HUOA in fundraising for the Hawaii Okinawa Plaza (HOP). In Okinawa, OHK raised funds donated by government entities, private organizations and businesses, community groups and individuals. The HOP will support HUOA to ensure that the Hawaii Okinawa Center will survive for generations to come.
The World Uchinanchu Center will serve as the hub for all Uchinanchus world-wide to gather, exchange, and promote our interaction in the preservation of our rich culture in Okinawa, our Motherland.