Hawaii's Harsh Reality

1. Tourism vs. Local Needs: While tourism is crucial to Hawaii's economy, many locals struggle with low wages and high costs of living.
2. Homelessness Crisis: Approximately two-thirds of residents show signs of financial stress, with many living on the streets or in precarious housing situations.
3. Environmental Degradation: Military practices and tourism have led to environmental damage, with unexploded ordnance and water contamination from military facilities affecting local communities.

Historical Context

1. Annexation and Overthrow: Hawaii was annexed against the will of its native population. The Queen was overthrown in 1893, a fact often glossed over in American history.
2. Cultural Erasure: Native Hawaiians face a longstanding struggle against cultural and land dispossession, with many still waiting for reparations or recognition.
3. Recent Developments: In 2016, Congress issued a formal apology for the overthrow, yet exploitation continues, affecting the local populace.

The Billionaire Effect

1. Wealth Inequity: Just 37 billionaires own 11% of private land in Hawaii, meaning wealth flows disproportionately to outsiders.
2. Housing Crisis: Many homes owned by outside buyers contribute to skyrocketing housing prices, resulting in a lack of affordable options for locals.
3. Zuckerberg's Legal Maneuvering: Mark Zuckerberg’s attempts to purchase disputed lands have strained relations with native Hawaiians, revealing ongoing tensions about land ownership.

Proposed Solutions

1. Military Lease Re-evaluation: Current military leases, expiring in 2029, should not be renewed without local consent.
2. Affordable Housing Initiatives: There is a need for stricter regulations on vacation rentals to ensure they do not further marginalize locals.
3. Community-Led Recovery: Following disasters, local voices must lead recovery efforts, ensuring that rebuilding efforts benefit the original residents.