Hawaiian Identity: A Matter of Ancestry
Given Hawaii’s distinctive history, a clear distinction exists between “Hawaii residents” and “Hawaiians.” The term “Hawaiians” is reserved for individuals with Hawaiian ancestry.
Others simply go by the name “Hawaii residents.” This distinction is unique to Hawaii and is absent in the mainland United States. In contrast, everyone is called a Floridian in a place like Florida. The initial settlers of Hawaii, arriving around 800 years ago, hailed from various Polynesian islands, establishing the foundation of Hawaiian culture.
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