The Pacific and the world are mourning the loss of Hawaiian scholar and activist HaunaniKay Trask, who died at the weekend aged 71.

In 1991 Tagata Pasifika had the privilege of interviewing Professor Trask for the documentary The Hawaiians. Trask, a fearless advocate for the Kānaka Maoli, spoke passionately about Native Hawaiian rights and indigenous sovereignty.

"As far as I'm concerned, I'm a patriot of the Hawaiian nation. The Hawaiian nation burns in our hearts. It's still alive. It's right here on my land."

Our alofa to HaunaniKay Trask's family, friends and the Hawaiian community.

Dr HaunaniKay Trask 03 October 1949 03 July 2021