Update 2: Kuhio has some good reflections on the event, comparing it to another event in August, with observations on what makes a successful action, and also ponders a question Hawaiian nationality… very worth reading.
Update: Lynette posted photos of the event and here’s a KITV News clip.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Leon Siu
(808) 488-4669
leon@hits.net
Honoring Kūpuna Reveals the Annexation Lie
McKinley High School Statue in Error
Honolulu, Hawaii – The Hawaiian Independence Action Alliance (HIAA), consisting of more than ten different Hawaiian groups, will present a “Circle of Witnesses” depiction at 12:00 noon on President’s Day (Feb. 15) at the William McKinley statue in front of McKinley High School.
Feb. 23, 2010 marks the 99th anniversary of the dedication of the statue of William Mckinley on the grounds of the present day McKinley High School. This statue holds in its hand the so-called Treaty of Annexation annexing Hawaii to the United States.
In 1897, more than 39,000 signatures were collected on two separate petitions reflecting the will of the citizenry of the Hawaiian Kingdom, both native and non-native citizenry, in opposition to the annexation of Hawaii to the United States. Those petitions were sent to congress and, as a result, the treaty of annexation being considered in the senate was defeated. There is no such thing as a “treaty of annexation” that pertains to Hawaii, despite attempts to rewrite history. Instead, in 1898 the United States resorted to the passage of a domestic law called the Newlands Resolution to illegally annex Hawaii, and celebrated this illegality through the perpetuation of lies embedded in an educational institution for the past 100+ years.
Over a century has passed, yet the lie continues. The efforts of our Hawaiian ancestors have not been fully appreciated nor recognized by most people of Hawaii, including those of Hawaiian ancestry. In effect, our ancestors‚ efforts have been nearly forgotten.
On Monday, February 15, on a day set aside to honor American presidents, the Hawaiian Independence Action Alliance will stage a demonstration art project, the first of many, to call attention to and honor our ancestors who protested the annexation of Hawaii to the United States. The McKinley statue, situated on McKinley High School grounds, will be enclosed by a Circle of Witnesses, representatives of those who signed the ku`e petitions against annexing Hawaii to the united states.
HIAA wishes to call attention to two significant issues:
1) Our ancestors ensured there was no treaty of annexation by signing petitions in opposition; those petitions were subsequently taken to the Washington DC and introduced in the US Senate, effectively stopping the treaty from being adopted
2) McKinley high school, which honors the U.S. president during that time period, continues to this day to teach a history that is incorrect. Public school students at McKinley, throughout Hawaii and elsewhere deserve to be taught a true and accurate history.
A press conference will be held at the McKinley statue at noon on Feb. 15. For more information, call Leon Siu at 488-4669.
Sensitive, Progressive, Out of the Box bringing past to present. Mahalo nui.
From every angle bringing the truth out, the movement gains momentum and authority.