Restoration Day at Thomas Square Sunday

Press Release from Kekuni Blaisdell

DATE: July 26, 2005
TO: Communications Media

KA LA HO'IHO'I EA (SOVEREIGNTY RESTORATION DAY) TO BE OBSERVED JULY 31, 2005
SUNDAY, AT THOMAS SQUARE, FOLLOWED BY A MARCH TO KAWAIAHA'O CHURCH AND 'IOLANI PALACE.

NATIONAL HOLIDAY MARKS PERSISTENT PUSH FOR INDEPENDENCE

Kanaka Maoli and non-Kanaka Hawaiian nationals and supporters will gather July 31, Sunday, at 10 am, to celebrate the 162nd anniversary and 20th annual revival of Ka La Ho'iho'i Ea (Sovereignty Restoration Day) at Kulaokahua Mauka (Thomas Square).

Details in the extended entry.

Other Restoration Day activities here.

Kahea Wehe (opening introductions) at 10 am, will be followed by Hula (dance) and Meahanohano 'Awa ('awa ceremony) to honor and connect with Kanaka 'aumakua (ancestors).

At 11:30 am, Mo'olelo (history) will recall the February 1843, five-month British military occupation of Kamehameha III's Kingdom by Lord George Paulet. How this occupation ended on July 31, 1843, when British Pacific Fleet Commander Admiral Richard Thomas arrived with London's new policy that "native governments be treated with forbearance and courtesy and their laws and customs be respected." At a gathering at Kaulaokahua, the admiral ordered the removal of the Union Jack, the hoisting of the Hawaiian Kingdom flag, and then saluted Kamehameha III as "Independent Sovereign," while cannons roared and the crowd cheered.

Similarly at 12 noon, the U.S. flag will be lowered, Hawaiian Kingdom banners will be unfurled and the U.S. will, as annually since 1985, be called upon to withdraw from its illegal occupation of Ka Pae'aina, the Kanaka Maoli Homeland, a wrong acknowledged in the 1993 US Congress Apology Resolution (PL103-150).

At 12:30 pm, a Huaka'i (march) will proceed from Thomas Square on King St., mauka sidewalk, to Kawaiaha'o Church front steps, recalling a similar event on July 31, 1843. On that occasion, Kamehameha III uttered the historic words: "Ua mau ke ea o ka 'aina i ka pono" (The life/sovereignty of the land/nation is preserved/continues in right action). The King then proclaimed July 31 to be an annual National Holiday.

At 1:00 pm, the Huaka'i will proceed to 'Iolani Palace Ahu (makaihikina altar) for Ha'i'olelo (speeches), Kanikapila (music and dance) and renewed commitment to Malama Hale Ka Mo'i (Care for the Palace), until Ho'oku'u (closing) at 4 pm.

This year, Kanaka and supporters will focus on the U.S.'s Akaka Bill, now pending in the U.S. Senate, an attempt to legitimize U.S.'s expanding occupation, militarization, exploitation and destruction of Ka Pae'aina to assure US imperialistic globalization.

Sponsors include: Kanaka Maoli Tribunal Komike, Ka Pakaukau, Pro-Kanaka Maoli Independence Working Group, 'Ohana Koa Nuclear Free and Independent Pacific Hawai'i Chapter, Hui Pu, Kipuka, Kosmos Indigina, DMZ Hawai'i/Aloha 'Aina, Ho'okipa Network, Na 'Oiwi O Hawai'i, Reinstated Government, American Friends Service Committee Sovereignty Education Sub-Committee, Nation of Hawaii, NOA - Not Of America, and Aloha 'Aina Gang.

Contact person: Kekuni Blaisdell, PH 595-6691

Posted: Wed - July 27, 2005 at 09:03 AM

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Restoration Day at Thomas Square Sunday

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