More than half of Hawaiians now live outside Hawaii. This reality raises an urgent question: What happens to a lahui oiwi (ethnic group) when its people are disconnected from their ancestral home?

The diaspora is diverse, spanning displaced Hawaiians, those who left for opportunity and those in a generational diaspora who have never lived in Hawaii. Yet many of us share a profound longing for home. For generational diaspora, this craving often fuels a desire to return, but the journey is not simple. A lack of access to Hawaiian perspectives, history and cultural grounding makes returning home a tough and, at times, isolating transition.

If we are already grappling with identity struggles today, and Hawaiians are leaving at an alarming rate, what will this mean for future generations?

This is not just a diaspora issue — it’s a lahui issue, and it demands our attention now.

Ipo Alkhaldi

Renton, Wash.

COUNT YOUR BLESSINGS

In the spirit of this season, take a moment to count your blessings. Recent times might’ve been tough — politically, economically or otherwise — but surely there are positives.

Here’s your chance to reflect on what you appreciate. Today through Dec. 9, we’ll be accepting “Count Your Blessings” letters (150 words max) or essays (500-600 words). A collection of these will run in mid-December.

Email to letters@staradvertiser.com; or send to 500 Ala Moana Blvd., Bldg. 2, room 200, Honolulu 96813, c/o Letters.

EXPRESS YOURSELF

The Honolulu Star-Advertiser welcomes all opinions. Want your voice to be heard? Submit a letter to the editor.

>> Write us: We welcome letters up to 150 words, and guest columns of 500-600 words. We reserve the right to edit for clarity and length. Include your name, address and daytime phone number.

>> Mail: Letters to the Editor, Honolulu Star-Advertiser 7 Waterfront Plaza, 500 Ala Moana, Suite #7-500 Honolulu, HI 96813

>> Contact: 529-4831 (phone), letters@staradvertiser.com, staradvertiser.com/editorial/submit-letter