Clarifying misconceptions in Bad Bunny’s ‘Hawaii’

Bad Bunny on stage during his residency at the Coliseo de Puerto Rico José Miguel Agrelot in San Juan, Aug. 9, 2025. Is Bad Bunny’s comparison of Puerto Rico and Hawaii in his song “Hawaii” an apt one? Contributing columnist Gregorio Igartúa has his doubts. (Amy Lombard/The New York Times)

By GREGORIO IGARTÚA

Special to The STAR

In his song “Hawaii,” singer Bad Bunny presents a misleading narrative about the historical relationship between Hawaii and the United States. He also draws a parallel to Puerto Rico, suggesting it should avoid Hawaii’s “fate.” The song claims that the U.S. exploited Puerto Rico’s natural resources and labor, forcing many to emigrate, and urges Puerto Ricans not to abandon their flag. Is this a call for independence?

Error – Part II

Puerto Rico Resident Commissioner and Popular Democratic Party President Pablo José Hernández Rivera publicly supported Bad Bunny’s message, stating he “wouldn’t allow Puerto Rico to suffer the same fate as Hawaii.” But what exactly happened to Hawaii?

They seem to have overlooked key historical facts:

In 1903, the Territory of Hawaii formally petitioned Congress to become an incorporated territory, paving the way to statehood.

Today, Hawaii enjoys significant economic progress compared to its pre-statehood days.

Consider the following economic data (2025):

Metric Puerto Rico (ELA status) Hawaii

(statehood)

Per Capita Income $39,000 $69,000

Poverty Rate 40% 11%

Unemployment Rate 5.6% 2.7%

SSI Benefits No $580/month

Financial Status Bankruptcy Solvent

It’s worth noting that former President Biden’s Justice Department went to the Supreme Court to deny Puerto Rico access to Supplemental Security Income (SSI), while simultaneously promising to introduce legislation to grant it -- but failed to follow through. Reliable?

Questions for Hon. Resident Commissioner Pablo José Hernández Rivera:

* Did you thoroughly analyze the lyrics of Bad Bunny’s “Hawaii” before endorsing its message?

* Why are over 10 million undocumented immigrants fighting to stay in the United States?

* Why have five million Puerto Ricans moved to the mainland?

* Do you believe culture would be lost under statehood, even though it has endured for 127 years within the American nation?

* Why do you continue to defend federal aid, culture, and autonomy -- concepts that are legally incompatible?

* As an American citizen, do you believe in federalism and loyalty to the American nation?

* Are you aware that your grandfather, Rafael Hernández Colón (may he rest in peace), predicted statehood would arrive within 15 years? Why not a Popular Party for Statehood?

Gregorio Igartúa is a lawyer and longtime advocate of statehood for Puerto Rico.