The Hawaiian Stand Off: A Teachable Moment.

self ^ | jimjohn

[jimjohn]

The Hawaiian Stand Off: A Teachable Moment.

By J. Johnson

While watching with earnest about the happenings on Maui since August 8, 2023, a ran across a YouTube video of a man I believe named Eric West, who has been documenting actions there ever since. This video in question was a live stream where he and his son (I believe) ended up in a law enforcement matter that thankfully ended peacefully. During this standoff, Eric tried to assert his rights to film on a public road at or near Lahaina against the wishes of law enforcement. This was a teachable moment, and something we should all discuss in detail.

During the livestream, He repeated asked for advice in YouTube’s chat on what he should do to help resolve the matter since as he repeatedly said: “They were late for a funeral”.

I was able to see the chats on the replay with those giving advice during the live stream, but I was viewing after the stream had completed, therefore I could not have contributed any advice. But this is an opportunity to not only give a postmortem on the matter, but since we are in open conflict with the government (If you don’t believe me, ask a Hawaiian), everyone should know ahead of time, how to respond – especially when you have the tools are your side.

You can review the video here. Please take note of many of the comments. We will address these as well.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2fgSj8Y6kWM

And with that said, class is in session…

There were many that suggested that Eric (behind the steering wheel) made sure he got the names badge numbers of the officer(s) present. The driver then began repeatedly asking for that information; first to the lone officer we’ll call for the purpose of this class Officer “Resting Bitch Face” who started this whole mess, followed by the backup she called in. She never gave Eric that information. However, I did note there as a name on her vest and her badge was visible on her belt – like the other officers. If Eric could have simply garnered that information himself, along with the other officers, this is where the fun could have begun – since he was streaming live (a key data point here).

Instead of taking advice from some of the viewers that could have gotten him KILLED (I will address those later), it could have called out the name and badge number of each officer on the scene, along with details on the vehicles they were driving, then ask the viewers to follow up on THAT information.

I’ll pause here for those who feel my advice may appear somewhat ‘threatening’ to law enforcement. First, they started it by asking for a license, registration (for being pulled off on a public road), and then looking for something - ANYTHING – to charge him with. Knowing who and what is surrounding you in these altercations is fair game. Back to the classroom…

With the limited information I saw on the video, online enquiries could have been made by the viewers and fed back to Eric – or better yet, to the superiors of the officers on the scene. Screenshots of the officers in action (especially Officer R.B.F) being shown back at HQ via social media would have gotten someone’s attention.

We know in today’s political climate, there are at least 2 things government officials don’t like (especially in Maui these days): transparency and losing the element of surprise. Our subject was streaming but did not make it clear enough that the officers were all on film live until near the end of the broadcast. Perhaps a wise move, but it would have been much better if those officers got calls from HQ letting them know they were all live on YouTube broadcasting to thousands – due to the hundreds of complaints there were getting.

Now, here’s what I was missing from Eric (pay attention, those goes for everyone): His exact location, the time of day (and date), the number of officers surrounding him, patches on uniforms, vehicle insignias, etc. Many astute readers recognize this as a SALUTE report. Think for a moment if this altercation would have gone south. His equipment (and vehicle, etc.) could have been confiscated, and worse case, he could have been ‘Lahaina-ed’. After all, this video blogger has been doing a yeoman’s job exposing the questionable events that have taken place.

Rule #1 for Real American (or Real Hawaiian) independent journalists: DO NOT BECOME THE NEWS STORY – OR EVEN PART OF IT. Know your rights, and your responsibilities before confrontations like these happen. As you know, we are not too well liked in some government circles these days. No need to go into details. Also, know when to stop talking. Anything you say can will be used against you in a court of law (or whatever they call it these days).

One important matter I must say (and note: this is NOT directed at anyone on this forum, but it does apply in general): In the case of Eric desperately and humbly asking for legal advice from the audience, this is NOT the time to start preaching about tyranny, putting on your best Alex Jones, or giving horrible advice. Yes, I am referring to folks telling them to ‘get out of the vehicle’ when he wasn’t asked, or simply to ‘drive off’ while his drivers’ license is in their possession. I’m thinking while watching this, “What – are you people TRYING to get this guy killed??”

And another thing – and this one on behalf of Eric himself: If/when someone is asking for help on this nature, if you don’t have helpful advice at that moment, please do NOT respond in the chat (Free Republic Translation: STFU!) I saw about 20 posts complaining about the matters about Hawaii and the rest of the world for every one post of advice; most of it bad, and coming through so fast, the folks in the car couldn’t read it.

I need to emphasize that I am not picking on Eric or this audience. But the fact is, this could be anyone of us down the road. There is a confrontation; a standoff, or maybe even a [life threatening] siege, and the only affective weapon to call for help is a live stream, podcast, etc. If you are the target and have such abilities, be ready to gather and broadcast the key data points around you. Plain and simple, It may save your life. Remember the S.A.L.U.T.E report (see below). If you are in the audience and see and/or hear cries for help, save the preaching and proselytization for another time. Either give real, sound advice or be prepared to take real and sound action.

And a special Thank you to Mr. West and family for all they are doing to fight the good fight in Lahaina.

Carry on.

Just my $0.02

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The SALUTE Report* [sourced below]

The standard format for reporting enemy information is the SALUTE report.

SALUTE is an acronym that stands for Size, Activity, Location, Unit

identification, Time, and Equipment. The report body should be brief,

accurate, and clear. Facts and opinions are distinguished. If secondhand

information is reported, its source is included. SALUTE reports include all

information of value, first about the enemy, and then about the originator.

Messages are printed in block letters. Individual items of information are

numbered and separated into paragraphs.

 Information about the enemy must cover:

(1) Size and/or strength of the enemy.

(2) Actions or activity of the enemy.

(3) Location of the enemy and direction of movement.

(4) Unit identification. The designation of the enemy unit may be

 derived from unit markings, uniforms worn, or thorough

 information provided by enemy prisoners.

(5) Time and date the enemy was observed.

(6) Equipment and weapons observed.

 Information about the originator or writer must cover:

(7) Location at the time of enemy observation referenced to an

 identifiable terrain feature, by map coordinates, by the back

 azimuth from each of two identified points, or the back azimuth

 and distance from one known point.

(8) Intentions of the originator and/or observer. Examples include,

 remain in position? Continue on the mission?

 *Based on the United States Marine Corps, School of Infantry, Marine Combat Training Battalion Student Handout: REPORTING INFORMATION, CS11002, Section 4, Page 228-229

[SteveH]

“this video is private”

(so briefly, what happened in the video?)