Hawaii is the only state in the United States of America that has its own official language. In 1978, Hawaiian became the official language of the state of Hawai’i, and has remained so ever since.

The Hawaii Supreme Court states that because Hawaiian is the official language, people may testify and continue all other proceedings in court in Hawaiian if that is how they feel most comfortable and that they will have access to an interpreter.

“The Judiciary will provide or permit qualified Hawaiian language interpreters to the extent reasonably possible when parties in courtroom proceedings choose to express themselves through the Hawaiian language,” States the Hawaii State Supreme Court.

On January 24, 2018, a judge in a Maui courtroom ordered that a man be arrested for refusing to testify in English, and continuing to answer in Hawaiian.

Samuel Kaleikoa Kaeo was arrested last year in relation to a Haleakala protest and was supposed to have a bench trial. About a month before the trial, Kaeo requested a Hawaiian language interpreter, but was told that one was not available, and that the trial would continue in English. On Wednesday, Kaeo refused to answer any questions in English, but answered in Hawaiian.

“I’m going to give you another opportunity, Mr. Kaeo, to just identify yourself just so the record is clear,” said Judge Blaine Kobayashi. “I’m going to ask you one last time, is your name Samuel Kaeo?”

It was at this point in the trial that the Judge ordered the arrest of Kaeo.

This is not the first time an incident like this has occurred in a Hawaiian court. Many people feel as if they are not being treated fairly when they choose to testify in Hawaiian, even though the Supreme Court has stated that it is legal.

“We have to put this in context. As a Hawaii person representing myself on a criminal issue due to fighting on behalf of the rights of Hawaiian people and using Hawaiian language is the best way to express that this is a Hawaiian issue and that being taken away for me,” said Kaeo. “I will continue to demand through my words that I’ll be recognized as a human being. That we as Hawaiians have a right for the human right to speak our language.”

Kaeo plans to turn himself in, but will continue to testify in Hawaiian as long as he needs too to show the state that he will not have his rights taken from him.

This case is important to all Americans because it serves as a reminder that if we know and understand our rights, there is no reason that they should ever be taken away from us.