Native Hawaiian groups traditionally hold somber observances on or near Jan. 17 to commemorate the day Queen Lili'uokalani was overthrown, but this year's events appear to be more emotionally charged due to the recent debate over the use of ceded lands.

Organizers say tens of thousands are expected to participate in a march and rally in Waikiki today to protest Gov. Linda Lingle's appeal to the U.S. Supreme Court of a January 2008 Hawai'i Supreme Court ruling that bars the state from selling or transferring ceded lands until Native Hawaiian claims to those lands are dealt with.
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Tomorrow, the independence group Living Nation will hold its own gathering commemorating the overthrow and its impacts. Group spokeswoman Lynette Cruz said added emphasis will be put on the impacts of statehood, adding there is a sense of urgency among Native Hawaiian groups in the face of the Supreme Court fight.

The gathering is from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at 'Iolani Palace grounds.