Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of books can I donate? The primary objective is to create a Hawaiian reference library that supports spiritual and cultural growth along with Hawaiian language. Thatʻs the idea behind "Embracing the past to navigate the future". These books will provide a cultural and spiritual link to our brothers and sisters in prison and is intended to be a source of empowerment and healing in preparation for release.
Iʻd love to donate conscious-raising political books such as those by Franz Fanon, Steven Biko or even Angela Davisʻ book on the prison industrial complex. Is that okay?
While we think books by Davis, Fanon, Friere, Biko etc. are absolutely important, we need to remember that the books will be scrutinized by the prison administration on whether they are conducive to "their" agenda. Angela Davis' book may be seen by the prison as a security threat. Anything that is counter to their politics or values is usually just eliminated. So we ask that those who want to contribute please do so by donating books that emphasize Hawaiian culture and history.
Can I donate used books?
Used books in fair condition will be accepted by the book drive though normally the prison system prefers new books shipped directly from the vendor because of the fear that things can be hidden in the books. I know this can be frustrating and sometimes just doesn't make sense but as we all know, we're dealing with a huge bureaucracy that thrives on fear, suspician and distrust, main thing is we try to get what we can to our brothers and sisters on the inside.
What about magazines, zines or hand made materials?
We are still working out the details with the Department of Public safety and the prison libraries. All materials must be properly catalogued through the prison library or they are at risk of being confiscated as "contraband". If we work out details on non-book materials, we will post it here. Until then we ask that the focus remain books.
Where can I drop off books?
We are currently working on establishing a number of drop sites throughout the UH Mānoa Campus and may have a few at other community college locations as well. As of now you can drop off books UH Mānoa at either of Native Hawaiian Student Services locations:
We will update drop sites upon confirmation.
If I canʻt make it to the University or any of the drop locations, can I send in a book donation?
Yes and mahalo! You can send book donations to
2645 Dole Street
Kamakakūokalani Room 211
Honolulu, HI 96822
Attn: Nālani Balutski
What are examples of books you are looking for?
Here's a sample list:
Hawaiian Dictionary: Hawaiian-English, English-Hawaiian
Ka Lei Haaheo: Beginning Hawaiian
Ka Lei Haaheo: Teachers Guide and Answer Key
Ka Oihana Lawaia
Olelo Noeau: Hawaiian Proverbs and Poetical Sayings
Ku Kanaka: Stand Tall, A Search for Hawaiian Values
Aloha Betrayed-Native Hawaiian Resistance to American Colonialism
Dismembering Lahui: A History of the Hawaiian Nation to 1887
From a Native Daughter, Revised Edition
Haena: Through the Eyes of Our Ancestors
Hawaii's Story by Hawaii's Queen
Hawaiian Antiquities: Moolelo Hawaii
Ka Poe Kahiko: The People of Old
Mai Paa I Ka Leo
Native Men Remade: Gender and Nation in Contemporary Hawaii
Native Land and Foreign Desires
Polynesian Family System in Kau
Ruling Chiefs of Hawaii
Ua Mau Ke Ea: Sovereignty Endures
Sites of Oahu
Wind Gourd of Laamaomao
Kumulipo: A Hawaiian Creation Chant
Legends of Laieikawai
Kamapuaa, The Hawaiian Pig-God
Links to the Past: The Work of Early Hawaiian Artisans
Queen and I
Keaomelemele
Native Planters
True Story of Kaluaikoolau
Hawaiian Sculpture: Revised Edition
Fornander’s Ancient History of the Hawaiian People
Na Kaua’aina: Living Hawaiian Culture
Kamehameha and his Warrior Kekuhaupio
Kepelinos Traditions of Hawaii
Lua: Art of the Hawaiian Warrior
Tattoo Traditions of Hawaii
The Water of Kane and Other Legends of the Hawaiian Islands
Iʻd love to donate conscious-raising political books such as those by Franz Fanon, Steven Biko or even Angela Davisʻ book on the prison industrial complex. Is that okay?
While we think books by Davis, Fanon, Friere, Biko etc. are absolutely important, we need to remember that the books will be scrutinized by the prison administration on whether they are conducive to "their" agenda. Angela Davis' book may be seen by the prison as a security threat. Anything that is counter to their politics or values is usually just eliminated. So we ask that those who want to contribute please do so by donating books that emphasize Hawaiian culture and history.
Can I donate used books?
Used books in fair condition will be accepted by the book drive though normally the prison system prefers new books shipped directly from the vendor because of the fear that things can be hidden in the books. I know this can be frustrating and sometimes just doesn't make sense but as we all know, we're dealing with a huge bureaucracy that thrives on fear, suspician and distrust, main thing is we try to get what we can to our brothers and sisters on the inside.
What about magazines, zines or hand made materials?
We are still working out the details with the Department of Public safety and the prison libraries. All materials must be properly catalogued through the prison library or they are at risk of being confiscated as "contraband". If we work out details on non-book materials, we will post it here. Until then we ask that the focus remain books.
Where can I drop off books?
We are currently working on establishing a number of drop sites throughout the UH Mānoa Campus and may have a few at other community college locations as well. As of now you can drop off books UH Mānoa at either of Native Hawaiian Student Services locations:
- Queen Liliʻuokalani Center for Student Services Building (QLCSS)
- Kamakakūokalani Center for Hawaiian Studies
We will update drop sites upon confirmation.
If I canʻt make it to the University or any of the drop locations, can I send in a book donation?
Yes and mahalo! You can send book donations to
- Paʻahao Book Drive
2645 Dole Street
Kamakakūokalani Room 211
Honolulu, HI 96822
Attn: Nālani Balutski
What are examples of books you are looking for?
Here's a sample list:
Hawaiian Dictionary: Hawaiian-English, English-Hawaiian
Ka Lei Haaheo: Beginning Hawaiian
Ka Lei Haaheo: Teachers Guide and Answer Key
Ka Oihana Lawaia
Olelo Noeau: Hawaiian Proverbs and Poetical Sayings
Ku Kanaka: Stand Tall, A Search for Hawaiian Values
Aloha Betrayed-Native Hawaiian Resistance to American Colonialism
Dismembering Lahui: A History of the Hawaiian Nation to 1887
From a Native Daughter, Revised Edition
Haena: Through the Eyes of Our Ancestors
Hawaii's Story by Hawaii's Queen
Hawaiian Antiquities: Moolelo Hawaii
Ka Poe Kahiko: The People of Old
Mai Paa I Ka Leo
Native Men Remade: Gender and Nation in Contemporary Hawaii
Native Land and Foreign Desires
Polynesian Family System in Kau
Ruling Chiefs of Hawaii
Ua Mau Ke Ea: Sovereignty Endures
Sites of Oahu
Wind Gourd of Laamaomao
Kumulipo: A Hawaiian Creation Chant
Legends of Laieikawai
Kamapuaa, The Hawaiian Pig-God
Links to the Past: The Work of Early Hawaiian Artisans
Queen and I
Keaomelemele
Native Planters
True Story of Kaluaikoolau
Hawaiian Sculpture: Revised Edition
Fornander’s Ancient History of the Hawaiian People
Na Kaua’aina: Living Hawaiian Culture
Kamehameha and his Warrior Kekuhaupio
Kepelinos Traditions of Hawaii
Lua: Art of the Hawaiian Warrior
Tattoo Traditions of Hawaii
The Water of Kane and Other Legends of the Hawaiian Islands