Strangers in Our Own Land

Hawaii is indeed a beautiful state and reflective of many cultures. Set apart from the natural beauty of the Island of Kauai is the urban area of Waikiki, a center of development and tourism.

The rapid development of Waikiki is the focus of the tension between those looking to make commercial profit and those who see development as a threat to native culture. This tension is at the heart of this second episode of the series. While it makes no judgment, it raises the question of the cost of what is often defined as "progress."

Having visited Hawaii many times, we enjoyed many visits to Hilo Hattie, the states most popular clothing and gift outlet. What a surprise then to see that the real Hilo Hattie had a featured role in this second episode!

I haven't been to Hawaii but yearn too. This series ran twelve seasons from 1968 to 1980. Hawaii has become a hog tourist destination and many including myself would love to live there if given the opportunity. I can relate to the natives in Hawaii who want to stay living there. Unfortunately most native Hawaiians can't afford to stay and move to the mainland. Las Vegas has become a popular destination for Hawaiians. I live in New Jersey which is also very expensive. Many can't afford to live in my state so they go elsewhere. This episode displayed the reality of Hawaii in 1968. Hawaii is still beautiful.

One of the best of the early episodes. Yes, it had some goofs, but what TV show doesn't. At least it had real acting, writing, and directing, unlike today's 99% CGI movies, which I don't even watch.

The reason I gave it a 10 despite a few miscues is because of the subject matter. It hit pretty close to home. First of all, I was in Oahu about 2 1/2 years ago. They have turned the place into a giant recreational park. Everything there costs a fortune, and most native Hawaiians can't afford to live there. The truth is, I would not WANT to live there if I could afford to. That was my first trip to Hawaii, so I can only imagine what it was like before the developers took over.

I am living in a similar situation. First of all, I live in the state of AZ, some 30 miles southeast of Phoenix. When I was a kid it was all desert and farmland. Now it is all cookie cutter stucco houses, shopping malls, and freeways. So I can understand how the character played by Simon Oakland would have felt. I feel the same way. My homeland (I'm a native, lived here for 56 years) has been totally destroyed. There is nothing left of what it used to be.

On top of that, we have no southern border to speak of, and out state is being flooded with illegal immigrants from Mexico and South America. Half the people where I live don't speak English, and many are here illegally.