Aloha ‘Āina As Commitment to Demilitarization

Imiloa Borland

Project Description

Interrogating militarism and settler colonialism in Hawai‘i through aloha ‘āina, an Indigenous Hawaiian practice of land relations. This thesis used social scientific research, indigenous knowledge practices such as hula, and my own personal and familial histories and experiences to weave an analysis of the geopolitical realities entrenched in Hawai‘i.

What Form will your Final Project Take?

Thesis paper.

‘Imiloa Borland after her Lang graduation. ‘Imiloa stands in her graduation attire and is adorned in various lei. She smiles and shakas with one hand while holding bouquets of flowers in the other.

Who was supporting you in your work?

Alexandra Delano Alonso and Laura Liu. Ale was the professor my thesis cohort. Laura was my thesis advisor.

Project Themes:

Social Justice, Research.

How has this project has been impactful or transformative?

This thesis was a way for me to reconnect with Ke Awalau o Pu‘uloa--the harbors of Pu‘uloa. This is where I grew up, and where my family is tied to. Using aloha ‘āina as a method helped me interrogate militarism through my connections and my love with this land.

What would you do differently?

I would be less afraid to speak with my faculty advisors about my struggles in completing the thesis. At times I felt a little embarrassed when I was struggling, but every time I reached out for guidance I was met with support.

How was the experience connected to your work?

I've never written something as intense and comprehensive as a thesis, and it was a really rewarding academic process. It has left me wanting to pursue similar academic experiences.

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