During a recent government meeting, passionate testimonies were presented advocating for the preservation of traditional Hawaiian birthing practices. A speaker, a father of five, emphasized the importance of instilling cultural values in his children, highlighting that their connections to Hawaiian culture and land begin at birth. He urged officials to support and protect these customary practices, framing it as a fundamental right for families like his.

Another speaker, Sovereign Dorr, shared her lifelong aspiration to become a midwife trained in traditional methods. Having testified on this issue since childhood, she expressed her dismay at the ongoing struggle for Native Hawaiians to maintain their cultural practices without facing legal challenges. Dorr called for legislative support to ensure future generations have the freedom to choose their birthing attendants and to practice traditional midwifery.

The testimonies reflect a broader concern among Native Hawaiians about the preservation of their cultural heritage and the rights to practice traditional customs in the face of modern legal frameworks. The meeting underscored the urgency of addressing these issues to safeguard the cultural identity of the Hawaiian community.