HONOLULU (KHON2) — Local organizers of today’s rally said a record number of demonstrators across the state joined the millions nationwide to demand a better government in Washington, D.C.
From Hilo, to Lihue, to Honolulu, they gathered to send the same message – America’s power belongs to the people.
“We’re all looking to work together, defend our constitution and our way of life,” said Joe Elm, a veteran protesting at the State Capitol.
“We fought for law and order, and what we’re seeing right now is not law and order,” said Kevin Dee, also a veteran.
The statewide rally, part of a nationwide demonstration organized by “Indivisible Hawaii Statewide Network, and supported by dozens of national and local groups, deliberately used the name “No Dictators” – a local choice meant to respect Hawaii’s monarchy.
“We’re all women, fighting for our rights, for our body rights. rights for our LGBTQ and more me, especially that from an immigrant family. I’m fighting for what my mom’s been here for, to sacrifice her dreams just for me and my brother,” said Vanessa Gallegos, a college student who was sign-waving along with her friends.
Organizers say today’s demonstrations are aimed at demanding protection against discrimination, embracing diversity and rejecting fascism.
Alison Danz, 77, protested in the Vietnam War. She said she never thought she would be back protesting against the government again. “I never thought we’d be in this mess. We’re losing our democracy,” said Danz.
Organizers emphasized that the “No Dictators’ movement is rooted in non-violence. But security was on standby to ensure safety.
Diane Akaka was sign-waving while dressed as a character from “The Handmaid’s Tale,” a television series that is set in a dystopian future society and ruled by a theocratic dictatorship that has taken over the US government.
“These men have decided that is going to be what our country’s like, and the women have no rights. There’s just total dictatorship, and I’m against it,” said Akaka.
Tara McKay, former Hawaii Republican Party chair and current president of the Aloha Conservative Alliance, says the emphasis on the Trump dictatorship comparison is exaggerated.
“We know that communist countries under real dictatorship would not allow protests like this, and they wouldn’t and they wouldn’t happen,” said McKay.
McCay says no matter what party people in Hawaii belong to, we share the same values, and that is how to start working towards the important issues in our country.
“Everyone truly believes in the foundation of faith, family and freedom, and that’s where we need to start learning how to come together and work together,” said McCay.
Organizers of today’s rallies say a total of 22,600 people turned out across the state.