ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

his being my first endeavor at writing a treatise of such scope, I have rediscovered the meaning of the term fledgling. Until I began this project I had found it easy to quip - "Been there - Done that!" What is most humbling is the realization that, were it not for the people who supported, assisted and encouraged me to see it through, I would probably be selling pencils on a street-corner instead.

I am deeply indebted and grateful to Calvin and Lee Wilson, who provided much of the research material and spent so many hours in discussion, revealing insights and revelations concerning historical events and personages with which, and whom, it had been their opportunity to have lived with and experienced an intimate proximity. Their lives have been nothing less than extraordinary.

In addition, it was a blessing to have such a patient, enthusiastic and capable typist as Lola "Fleet Fingers" Ledbetter, who typed, retyped and made corrections, not only in the presentation of my text, but also in my perceptions of how true Christianity manifests in a person, not to mention that professionally, the words fly off her fingertips like sparks off a Fourth of July sparkler! Thanks are due also to Bruce Sim, Anthea Hovel, Jason Horncy, and Robert Bresner at SIMTREK in the beautiful country of New Zealand for the final layout and preparation for printing. They truly do make technology work for the people. I can‘t forget Stacey Butterfield and Bruce Batchelor at TRAFFORD PUBLISHING in British Columbia, as this book would not be in your hands were it not for them.

It has also been my extreme privilege to share the friendship and company of some truly heroic people of the very finest American and Hawaiian heritage, who are quietly, but steadfastly, making history in their efforts to restore justice, freedom and a deeper sense of artistic appreciation for the qualities our respective cultures have bequeathed us. For these efforts and the inspiration they have given me, I thank Keola and Moanalani Beamer, the Beamer family, Gerald Michaud, Paralegal, and Dave Carroll, host and moderator of my international Internet discussion group, whose many hours of stimulating discussion nurtured me along. Thanks also to Barbara Price, Paul Wood, and my very talented Webmaster, Robert Shawn Reid, Design Architect at iTouchMedia. And, to add a note of intrigue, this work would not appear in its present form if it were not for the advice and fine-tuning of the brilliant couple, "Isis" and "Osiris", and a very fine and respected banker, a gentleman who, because of his circumstances has asked not to be identified. Mr. "X" you have my undying gratitude.

 

Thanks are also in order to Col. L. Fletcher Prouty for his provision of source material, copy-editing, insistence on accuracy, historical insights and bringing clarity and understanding to what was for me an otherwise difficult period of awakening. There are many more to whom I am indebted and I would be remiss if I did not thank Col. James "Bo" Gritz for waking me out of a long slumber in time for the Great Event.

Finally, I arrive at the one who has made my life bearable and this book possible. Without the constant nurturing and faith, continuing patience and support of my understanding partner in life, Virginia Ka‘ai, I, most probably, would be selling pencils on a street-corner somewhere. As life would have it however, if we are able to find our purpose and direction, Providence sends us angels to assist us.

Thanks also to Mom and Dad (Hal and Nell to their friends), who brought me into this world and raised me free in the hope I‘d have the sense to stay that way. It is my hope that this will be the message I convey to my two wonderful and enterprising children, Oushyn and Kahn, their beautiful mother, Lynda, and of course, those of you who choose to read my efforts.

R.H.B.