Well said.  I've met many "transplants" who have taken more interest than local folks in  Hawaiian culture, including language, and local issues, evidenced by volunteering, joining local organizations, etc.  I once heard a very local man say that Hawaii is the best place on Earth to live, not that he had ever been anywhere else.  Just when I think the days of calling in "mainland experts" is gone, some high muckamuck calls in/interviews/hires mainland "experts."  Similarly, I've heard many local folks talk stink about White transplants they have never met.  That's just straight up racial prejudice.  Living in Hawaii is a mixed bag but, in the end, we only have ourselves and the leaders we elect to credit or blame.