SHOWDOWN AGAINST STATEHOOD AT `IOLANI PALACE
HONOLULU - A day of celebration turned into one of confrontation.
As dozens tried to honor Hawai`i's statehood, many more showed up to put an end to the party.
The protesters were Native Hawaiian groups, fighting against what they say was the illegal overthrow of the monarchy.
The statehood celebration was on the grounds of `Iolani Palace.
"We found that it was extremely disrespectful, and ignorant and arrogant all at the same time," said Kealii Collier, one of the protestors.
Native Hawaiians felt it was disrespectful because the palace served as home to the Hawaiian monarchy, and prison to Queen Liliuokalani.
"The people who imprisoned her were the Americans of that time," said Collier. "And Americans of this time are continuing the same imprisonment."
There were numerous confrontations between both groups. But no one was hurt or arrested.
