Who was the American navy holding against their will?

The San Pablo wasn't holding anyone against their will. All of the coolies on the ship were there because they wanted to be. However, someone on the shore spread propaganda that the coolies were being held prisoner and stirred up the people to go out on boats to protest.


"My name is Paikea Apirana, and I come from a long line of chiefs stretching all the way back to the Whale Rider."