For more than a decade, Hawaiians have gathered on July 31 to raise the colors of the Hawaiian Nation, often in place of the American Flag, to recognize the day in 1843 when British Adm. Richard Thomas ordered the Hawaiian flag raised and the kingdom restored after five months of British rule on the islands.

Following Thomas' order to restore sovereignty to the kingdom under London's new law that 'native government be treated with forbearance and courtesy, and their laws and customs be respected,' King Kamehamea III proclaimed a 10-day holiday and July 31 became an annually celebrated holiday.

In the past decade, the observance of Sovereignty Restoration Day has taken on new significance for Hawaiians seeking independence from the United States.

"I'm trying to educate my children on the true history of Hawaii," Waimea resident Issac Hart said while making offerings at the summit's alter, as his son Jacob Cherish and niece Pua stood behind him carrying the Hawaii state flag upside-down in protest.

"It's the history not taught in public schools. Hopefully, it will set an example for the U.S. to follow the example of the British to restore the Hawaiian nation."