Hawaii's Quarter : The Sovereignty of the Land

Star-Bulletin story on the design for Hawaii's commemorative quarter, which "will feature the likeness of King Kamehameha I stretching his hand toward the Hawaiian islands and the state motto, 'Ua Mau Ke Ea O Ka 'Aina I Ka Pono,' the U.S. Mint has announced."

The article says the motto means: "The life of the land is perpetuated in righteousness."

But check out the definition of ea.

1. n. Sovereignty, rule, independence.

Today it is interpreted as life of the land, which it also means, but one has to remember the historical context in which the motto was created. Briefly, in 1843, Lord Paulet had proclaimed Hawaii as a protectorate of Great Britain. After five months, Admiral Thomas, Lord Paulet's commanding officer, arrived in Honolulu and after an interview with Kamehameha III, apologized for the actions of Paulet and restored the sovereignty of Hawaii. The phrase was used in an address by King Kamehameha III at ceremonies following the restoration of sovereignty, and became the motto of the kingdom. It remained the motto of the territory and the state, but is usually translated as above, "the life of the land..." However, it is clear from the context of the origin of this saying that the meaning of Ea as "sovereignty" was obviously intended.

Lingle says, "As people read more about the background and the history of the state -- that we were a nation, that we were a territory -- people who collect quarters will learn that and I think that's a very positive thing."

So when those quarters hit the streets, remember, what they actually say is this:

"The sovereignty of the land is perpetuated in righteousness."

Now remember the definition of sovereignty, including:

The supreme, absolute, and uncontrollable power by which any independent state is governed; supreme political authority; the supreme will; paramount control of the constitution and frame of government and its administration; the self-sufficient source of political power, from which all specific political powers are derived; the international independence of a state, combined with the right and power of regulating its internal affairs without foreign dictation; also a political society, or state, which is sovereign and independent.

Some people who see the quarters will learn the true meaning of the motto, and learn even more about the real history – and current status – of Hawaii.

Posted: Wed - November 28, 2007 at 08:20 AM

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Hawaii's Quarter : The Sovereignty of the Land

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