Addressing Native Hawaiian historical trauma: Opportunities for increased economic, environmental, and social advancement

Abstract

Many people view Hawaiʻi as a tropical paradise where people can relax on idyllic beaches. However, for many Native Hawaiians, the Indigenous people of Hawaiʻi, the desire to continue to reside in their homelands has become impossible. Native Hawaiians have lower socio-economic status, home ownership, and educational attainment compared to non-Hawaiians. Simultaneously, Native Hawaiians have higher rates of chronic disease, asthma, and mental health issues, which impact their quality of life. Despite efforts to address these stubborn problems, the gap between the Indigenous Native Hawaiian community and those that settled these islands continue to exist. Native Hawaiian scholars have attributed these persistent challenges to the historical trauma that the community has experienced and continues to experience stemming from the mass trauma events of colonization. Although the community acknowledges the heavy impact that historical trauma has had on Native Hawaiians, many policymakers and individuals in position of authority have expressed a need for evidence of this concept. This project seeks to develop a scale to measure Native Hawaiian historical trauma to support evaluation and advocacy efforts. Moreover, healing Native Hawaiian historical trauma would facilitate increased economic mobility, improved environmental policies, and an enriched social advancement.