In Hawaii, especially on Big Island. There is a very common image displayed on T-shirt, Decals for cars, and other paraphernalia, the AR-15 rifle, along with the words “Defend Hawaii”. This has been a local phenomenon for many years in Hawaii, and has gotten the attention of very prominent figures.
In one news report a state representative, a UH Professor, and other local officials comment on the use of the “DEFEND HAWAII” (with the AR-15 silhouette)
This particular article dates back to 2013 from Hawaii News Now: https://www.hawaiinewsnow.com/story/22640034/defend-hawaii-popular-despite-some-controversy/
But lately since the end of May 2020, there has been a new movement that uses both the AR15 imagery, as well as Hawaiian shirts. A nationwide movement that appears to be a response to police violence called “The Boogaloo” or the “Boogaloo Bois”.
Since this has come around, the main stream media has been labeling this as a “Alt-right” and a “White Supremacist” movement. But is it that simple?
This is a vehicle recently spotted in Hilo Hawaii and posted on social media, that followed with many death threats, because of this association with “white supremacist”.
At the time of this screen shot there are over 400 comments, and over 102 shares.
What is interesting, is while many of the comments point to a Wikipedia article labeling it as “racist”.
Many of the commentators are identifying something different.
The decal appears to be a knock-off of a sticker being sold online which as a long list of black, white and hispanic victims of police violence who died at the hands of police.
According to academic articles online the groups try to distance themselves from racists or extremists.
So is it “Defend Hawaii” or “Boogaloo”? What is the difference? They both appear to be sporting AR-15s and Hawaiian Shirts.
Let us know if you have more information.
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