The grand opening of another Pentagon creation in the Pacific has generals, political leaders and even editorial boards applauding the cutting of the ribbon. However, in the year of the U.N. Culture for Peace, the Asia-Pacific Center for Security Studies is a Cold War creation doomed to continue the outdated doctrine of human violence and aggression. Elected officials claim peace is the goal at the security center, and that the center is a global boost for the Isles. There is an international movement for peace and human rights through nonviolence politics and promotion of fundamental freedoms. Hawai'i can lead the way toward peace, but we can't remain frozen in the mentality of missiles and military.
Peace is the way.
At the opening, people peppered their speeches with Hawaiian language, noting how the center will promote these values of aloha and ho'oponopono in the region. This is almost as misguided as naming stealth bombers and submarines whose purpose is to kill people and murder women and children. Aloha does not mean bringing together generals. The militarization of Hawai'i is as vile as its commodification for profit. The Asia-Pacific Center for Security Studies will sow seeds for future sorrow if we invest money and resources into the military.