In the 1800's, missionaries may have shared the word of God, but they also acquired a vast share of God's land and businesses in Hawaii. "The “Big Five” sugar companies — Alexander & Baldwin, American Factors, C. Brewer, Castle & Cook and Theo. H. Davies — once held a tight control of business and government in the Territory of Hawaii, including the banks. With interlocking directors, they could decide who would receive money and who would not." (Richard B. Dole)
The big "5" companies the 1890's In Hawaii
Images courtesy of Wallace Farrington History of Later Years of the Hawaiian Monarchy
"Some of the families and firms behind Queen Liliuokalani’s overthrow more than a century ago still wield power in Hawai‘i. Castle & Cooke, one of the companies founded by the first Christian missionaries to the islands, was intimately involved in her overthrow". (Interview with Julia Flynn Siler author Lost Kingdom: Hawaii’s Last Queen, the Sugar Kings),
The Apology but no economic restitution
Image courtesy of William J. Clinton Presidential Library)
"In 1993, President Bill Clinton signed the “Apology Resolution,” which was a joint congressional resolution apologizing for U.S. involvement in the queen’s overthrow 100 years earlier. The resolution asserted the U.S. was directly involved, and that Native Hawaiians never relinquished their sovereignty... DISCLAIMER: Nothing in this Joint Resolution is intended to serve as a settlement of any claims against the United States. Approved November 23, 1993." " (President Clinton, New York Times).
Hawaii's Current Economic Strength's:
The Hawaiian economy is strong in many areas but many natives remain in poverty or hold menial jobs.