KQED's Forum In Sara Kehaulani Goo’s ‘Kuleana,’ Culture and Capitalism Collide in Hawaii
Jun 26, 2025
Sara Kehaulani Goo, a veteran journalist and author of "Kuleana," shares her family's deep-rooted connection to their ancestral lands in Hawaii. She discusses the cultural significance of 'aina' as it intertwines with the pressures of modern capitalism and the emotional challenges of property ownership. Goo reflects on the impact of colonization, the importance of cultural identity, and the necessity of preserving Hawaiian heritage amid mounting economic pressures. Through personal stories and broader themes, she highlights her family's commitment to stewardship and cultural education.
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Childhood Discovery of Ancestral Land
- Sara Kehaulani Goo recounts hiking with her family at age eight on their ancestral land given by King Kamehameha III over 175 years ago.
- She discovered the land's cultural significance and the concept of kuleana, meaning responsibility to care for the land.
Contrast of Hawaiian Society Then and Now
- Pre-colonial Native Hawaiian society was self-sustained with a sophisticated system of growing crops and fishing.
- Modern Hawaii faces broken systems with food imports and housing challenges caused by capitalist pressures.
Land Privatization and Dispossession
- The Hawaiian monarchy adopted land privatization under pressure from missionaries and business interests.
- Many Native Hawaiians lost land because new foreign concepts like land surveys and taxes were confusing and burdensome.
