By Noelle Barnes on 15 March 2009 in The Garden Island -
Image above: Still image from SNL skit. Dwayne "Rock" Johnson and Fred Armisen in "Hawaiian Hotel" skit from Saturday Night Live from www.Hulu.com. Note: There is an advertisement presented with this link. Here's another link with some more advertising.
Angry with the wrong people
Regarding the skit on Saturday Night Live on March 7 featuring “The Rock” in Kaua‘i doing tableside hula for tourists, I noticed that some people found it to be offensive and others found it to be hilarious but if you looked at it closer without getting angry or taking it to lightly you would realize that this is how visitors are treated most of the time.
I am certainly guilty of it and I have made my fair share of rude comments about tourists, but when you see it played out on SNL it is not so funny and it shouldn’t be taken lightly. It is a shame that we are perceived this way and it is a shame that our problem with crystal meth, development and early pregnancy are so well know that SNL is doing skits about it. What I am trying to say is we need to clean up our island. All of us need to show more aloha to visitors and each other. I realize that a few bad apples spoil the bunch and I am aware that there is aloha on Kaua‘i, but we need more and we need to show it more.
When is the last time we had a major drug bust? I think our tourism commission should take a long hard look at this skit and use it as a way for us to fix the way we are perceived.
More of an effort needs to be made to clean up crime. What are our police officers doing to combat crystal meth on Kaua‘i? Can Chief Darryl Perry answer this question?
Who else is going to have to get stabbed 18 times before we act? If we are under the illusion that crystal meth is not a problem then that really saddens me. If you ask me the whole thing smells fishy.
Our crime rate is growing and our development is as well. The skit goes deeper for me as a Kaua‘i resident and made me ashamed of my behavior and has made me realize that without the visitors, how would I put food on my table, feed my kids, drive my car, take my vacation and pay my rent?
If you work in any jobs that have to do with tourism and yet you hate tourists then you should look for other means of employment. We need to move forward as a community, and as people.
We are so caught up in the issues of the past that the present is being neglected. We are angry with the wrong people.
Noelle Barnes, Hanalei:
The skit isn't so much about people in Kauai as it is about waiting on tourists who have some illusion they're unusual and have a set of misconceptions about how people in the land of aloha just live to serve people, and must be happy because they live in what tourists call paradise. Which is a myth ... and fair game to satirize.
Video above: SNL 34th season -17 edisode skit about hotel on Kauai with Dwayne "Rock" Johnson. From (http://www.nbc.com/saturday-night-live/video/hawaiian-hotel/1056148). .
15 comments :
My stepson and his wife served food to tourists for years in Honolulu while they put themselves through school at UH. He was asked to wear a hula skirt when he worked at Cheeseburgers in Paradise on the strip in Waikiki. I'm sure the Rock Johnson has seen the place with his own eyes.
My stepson did make more than minimum wage but came to dislike many of the attitudes tourists had towards the people who served them. A note to Dwayne... it's tough to live 15 miles inland on Kauai.
Simply put, to me this skit is funny - AND it acurately represents some of the same frustrations i have heard others articulate. SNL is often banal, but this struck me as on the mark.
How about letting the Hawaiians take back their land and then see what happens to crime, drugs, ha'oles, corrupt cops that do/sell the drugs, a very corrupt government which only cares for money over human life and earth and stupid but wellmeaning tourists.
Well, I just saw it, and it was GREAT. Finally, the truth is told!!!! Been a long time since I laughed that much....
Hawaii needs to STOP BEING DEPENDENT upon tourists like we need to get off our oil addiction....Self sufficiency is a goal accomplished when people can return to live off of the land without having to OWE some jackoff in government or a landloard money to be "allowed" somewhere to live.
The ancient Hawaiian way of life needs to return to the Hawaiian islands (before the Tahitians arrived), and it will, with time and effort.
Ok, I've said everything now...
I was born and raised on Kauai and I thought it was totally hilarious. People need to stop taking things so seriously not everything is scandal or racial. IT IS COMEDY!!!! If you no like den no watch braddah and sistas
Anonymous I totally agree with you. I also was born and raised on Kauai. This skit was hilarious. People should chill out. The world has more problems then worrying about a comedy skit Stop taking things so serious. CAN YOU SMELL WHAT THE ROCK IS COOKING!!! COMEDY PEOPLE
I too and others have experienced what you have and your family has been through. Officer Barry DeBlake badge #104 choked me twice and tried to force me to attack him but I didn't so he filed erroneous charges, He tried to kill me, he choked to the point where I couldn't speak or breathe. His partner Naihe acted in misconduct. KPC 08-07 Officer De Blake acted in misconduct, assaulted, and used excessive force against me complaint sustained April 2008, attempted murder was not sustained. Naihe acted in misconduct KPC 08-07 complaint sustained April 2008. Naihe has been fired since. but in trial officer DeBlake continued to act in misconduct for he committed perjury. He said that I choked myself on his hand in his official report. He testified in court that he grabbed me with both hands on my shirt. Two totally different things, This officer is dangerous and the general public on Kauai are at risk because nothing is being done. Go to KPinkerton.com and you will find out that Mr. Pinkerton has suffered through torture and the County of Kauai rewards these officers. KPD awarded Deblake officer of the month for March 08 after I filed the complaint I filed in FEB 2008 a day after the incident. The Prosecutors office and the Publlic defenders office suppressed evidence and witnesses in my case. The prosecutor Mauna Kea Trask made factually eroneous statements. Two jurors violated court orders. Witnesses weren't contact to testify on my behalf, violating the 6th Amend under the Compulsory process Clause ( Dena Renti Cruz represented me in the most dishonest ways/ she made numerous false statements, she did not contact any of my witnesses even though they were approved by the Judge, she didn't get any evidence or use any evidence that I had or requested for as in police records, when you know she not telling the truth she studders for a long period of time, she didn't Stip any all 3 jurors in which we agreed upon, only one was stip, I don't know what they said in chambers or what they agreed upon, We didn't have a strategy, there was no plan and there sure wasn't no action being done on her part, I didn't even get to talk to the investigator even though I went to the Public defenders office many times, and the lists goes on I wonder if she conspired against me and with whom she did it with.) The Prosecutor violated the 5th Amend Due Process, when he made false statements. Kauai has the most corrupt Police department, Prosecutors Office, Public Defenders Office, crime victim/witness advocates, Ombudsman, and the lists goes on. Kauai needs help from the State and Federal government ( but they are also very corrupt) so hope and prayer is what we can wish for. Unless Kauai is willing to organize against this abusive and terroristic acts.
We are responding to the article pertaining to Officer DeBlake. First off..the person who wrote the article knows he was wrong and is getting his punishment. It is very obvious that he is wrong because he can't even give his name. Don't worry we know who wrote the article. When Mr. Anonymous had his little meeting in Lihue, the prosecutors went to the meeting at which time Mr. Anonymous said nothing. So the attempt to make contact on the part of Mr. Anonymous is FALSE. Also, every step of Officer DeBlake's investigations were conducted and he was found "NOT GUILTY". Just because you don't understand the laws doesn't mean you have an excuse to talk bad about a police officer. I know for a fact since the incident took place, you have not heard one peep out of Officer DeBlake. He has never tried to contact you, hurt you, or even retaliate against you. Why, because that is not his style. He just does his job 110 percent and people who violate the law take it as he is beating them up. The sad truth is that if you were in trouble and your life was in danger, even how you treated him, he would not hesistate to save your life. Granted, there might be some things wrong with the Kauai Police Department but that does not mean that Officer DeBlake is corrupt. The bottom line is that you screwed up and now you are trying to get out of your mistake at the cost of Officer DeBlake's reputation. Sorry Bruddah, it's not going to work. You need to take responsibility for your actions. We challenge you to make contact with Officer DeBlake and when you finally meet him, you will see first hand that every accusation you assumed about him is totally false. We as Officer DeBlake's family find it hard to watch him go to work everyday to include cancel days off and give his all to the safety and welfare of the people of Kauai knowing that he carrys the weight of people trying to discredit him. In closing, we should have a hundred more Officer DeBlakes that way we can rid the island of corrupt cops.
Sign,
Family members of Officer DeBlake
This person who represents as the family member of Officer Deblake, is stating things from a second hand account. This person or persons was not present at the time of the incident. So how can you factually discredit what occurred. Yes you know who I am, but you also state "Don't worry, we know who you are" in a threatening way. The months following the Kauai Police Commission complaint report number KPC 08-07, there were police cars parked at my residence at all times of the day and night. The officers in those patrol cars would shine their spot lights in our house windows. They even issued tickets to tow vehicle(s) in our yard. This person states that there was a " Little meeting in Lihue" in which the prosecutor attended and I did not say anything. Can you be more specific because I will tell you that every person I have talked in the form of a public official has a 18 page account of what occurred. This factual account of the incident was notarized by the countys office and then went to the Kauai Police Commission. The person states steps were taken to investigate criminal charges against officer Deblake. The detective and The prosecuting attorney refused on many occassions to review and accept any of my evidences or witnesses Unlike the Kauai Police Commission, who gave me the opportunity to testify in front of the commission and answer questions regarding the incident. I might not understand the law completely, like many people out there don't. But that is why we have attorneys and the use of law books, materials, internet,Libraries and other ways to gather information so you can better understand things. Read on KPinkerton.com and learn what has happened to him. You say he would saved my life, So violating the use of force policies he saved my life( I know I saved my own life that night). He states in his police report that he followed PPCT guidelines, but in court he never mentions the open hand heel strike to the clavical area( which he never deployed, rather a blantant right hand extended choke hold to the my neck, cutting off air and blood circulation, making me not able to talk or breathe. This person says I am trying to get out of this. Well you are wrong again, please state correct facts and not erroneous assumptions. I am all for being responsible for one's actions or inactions. But what you're saying is that Officer Deblake can't possibly do this, he doesn't make any mistake like this. I am a forgiving person but what I have tried to do here, is probably not to your liking. I am here to identify a problem, and find solutions to solve it. The public officials that I have made contact with, totally disregared anything that I have said. He might be a fine officer and a good man, but that is not what I was a victim of the night of the incident. All I can say is what happened when officer Deblake and former officer Naihe did to me on the night of the incident. I want you to know that I support the Kauai Police officers that are doing the right thing, swearing an oath to protect and defend the citizens and visitors of kauai, following proper procedures, and not acting in misconduct. It is a very tough, difficult, and demanding job. I applaud all who volunteer to take on this responsibilty. I would like to thank you for the opportunity to discuss this topic, and clear up what is fact and fiction. I want to wish the best for you and your family. I just wanted to identify the problem, the hazards, public safety and health issues. I only want to find solutions to this matter, I have contacted many people and they seem to know that there is and has been problems like this that exists. But seem reluctantly to find answers, they would rather turn a cheek and try to silent and discredit anyone by any means possible. Peace be with you and God Bless
Sign,
Kauai Against Racism and Corruption in Law Enforcement.
Kagawa case is a cover up. Kauai has corrupt police officers and public officials. FBI Lauren Kagawa, family and her friends need you. There needs to be a thorough investigation by government officials, look at the facts and see the similarities to other abuses. The corrupt person(s) has same tactics in all of their past abuses it is their blueprint to committ crimes and cover it up, read KPD blue. Help! Help! Help! Help! Kauai seek help from federal investigators.
Officer Barry DeBlake requires being taken off duty for a time. Too often, DeBlake has proven unstable, uptight and angry.
At this time, DeBlake's wife and kids are living at one of the wife's friend's house because DeBlake had finally gotten physical with his wife. Even so, DeBlake causing disruption for this family home, showing-up at uncivilized hours such as 5:30 am, demanding to see his wife--upsetting the whole household, including the children in the house.
What is wrong with the officer?
There have been a number of complaints against DeBlake. I,too, have witnessed his inappropriate conduct as an officer while at public meetings, and in call outs.
When I was informed KPD Officer DeBlake was placed on the campus of Kapa'a High School, this concerned a number of people--including me.
KPD Officer Barry DeBlake requires some type of intervention by the police department, or perhaps being a peace office is not only a poor fit for DeBlake, but dangerous for the community.
This officer simply is not measuring-up to his obligations, and repeatedly there are reports of his aggressions on others.
Will this officer be allowed to be on duty with KPD? He is remaining on duty at the high schools. This makes me very nervous.
Officer DeBlake might be suffering from PTSD. My braddah and fellow soldier get some help.
My nephew attends Kapaa High and he said that the students are glad Tumua got arrested but will down play the arrest in fear of retaliation. He also told me that everyone knows that that Tumua is part of a Tongan Gang on campus called R.C.B. (Rough Country Boyz)who claim to run the school. You can even find R.C.B. spray painted on the guard shack wall in the senior parking lot. Some of the Tongan students have R.C.B. tattooed on their hands. Since Tumua turned 18 he has not got into a lot of fights because he doesn't want to go to jail. Before he turned 18 he and the R.C.B. Tongan gang were involved with several attempts to mob a Waimea football player. R.C.B. was also involved with numerous fights at the high school football games. Tumua is still involved with the gang but other R.C.B. gang members (Penny & Sauva)do all the fighting. Penny was also calling out the cops to fight while Tumua was being arrested. My nephew also told me no one will say anything because the Tongans have been known to go to peoples houses to beat them up. They even threaten the teachers. The teachers are so afraid of them that if you come on campus at anytime you can see Tumua walking around and hanging out and he will never be arrested or busted for anything. I just think everyone should know this and I will be stopping by the school to see for myself the spray painted R.C.B.
Officer DeBlake has had several more civilian complaints against him in the three and a half years since this discussion was active. He should not be on the force. Also, the whole "RCB" and "Tongan Gang" business in the last post is completely exaggerated hogwash. Typical anecdotal story-telling. Actual witnesses to the tasing incident know what they saw - a student walking to class, being harassed by an unstable cop who NEVER should have had that job. Student calls the cop "dumb" while walking away, cop tasers student. Cop faces no charges, Maybe it's time to finally contact the state D.A. about DeBlake and KPD's cover ups. Latest word is DeBlake illegally detained and harassed a teacher after incompetently running her plates WRONG, and he somehow got it in his head that the teacher was affiliated with Rodney Cremer and had weapons in her car. Teacher was just going about her way, stopped in a church parking lot to check her phone, and he harasses, detains, and threatens her. Small island. Teacher tells one person about incident, and word spreads. Put this man in jail already.
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