The highly-strategic Mediterranean islands of Malta were repeatedly
occupied by outside forces over thousands of years. Recent transitions were from
a British colony, to an independent Commonwealth state, to an independent
Republic from 1974 (with British forces still resident). But renegotiated
lease agreements at much higher rents led to British military withdrawal in 1979. I
enjoyed 31st March 2016 "Freedom Day" in Malta, and dream Hawai'i finds a similar peaceful path to self-government. The US military, perched
on confiscated Hawaiian lands, can't justify or properly pay for their
half-dozen military golf courses on O'ahu. Hearty goodbye with Aloha.
