Respect is a word you see and hear a lot in Kauai.

I assume it to mean newcomers should respect the original Hawaiian culture.

original

The biggest problem in Kauai, so far as I could tell, was resentment on the part of “Hawaiians” for mistreatment on the part of invaders, like myself.

Hawaiians of European background tell tales of racism against the Whites.

The Hawaiian sovereignty movement consists of organizations and individuals seeking some form of sovereignty for Hawai’i.

Generally, the movement’s focus is on self-determination and self-governance for people of whole or part Native Hawaiian ancestry or, in some cases, for “Hawaiian nationals”, without regard to race or ancestry.

In some instances the focus also includes redress from the United States for the 1893 overthrow of Queen Lili’uokalani, and for what is seen as a prolonged military occupation beginning in 1898 with the annexation of the Republic of Hawaii to the United States, and continuing until the present day. The movement generally views both the overthrow and annexation as illegal, and holds the U.S. government responsible for these actions. The historical and legal basis for these claims is one of considerable dispute.

Wikipedia

Sadly there are perhaps no pure blood indigenous Hawaiians left. But some of those who identify themselves as “Hawaiians” have taken up the Hawaiian sovereignty movement. Thugs and vandals use Hawaiian pride as an excuse for misdeeds, at times.

I went to visit the spot where Captain Cook first stepped on to Hawaiian soil in 1778 on Kauai, the mouth of the Waimea river:

It’s a rundown hangout for local kids. There’s very little mention of Cook in this rural town. I could not even find the one statue they have of the great seafarer.

Some have no regrets that Cook was later killed by Hawaiians.