CELEBRATE HAWAI`I INDEPENDENCE DAY
Showing posts with label Independence Day. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Independence Day. Show all posts
Tuesday, July 05, 2011
WHAT DOES HAWAI`IʻS MOTTO REALLY MEAN?
Honolulu Star-Advertiser - July 3, 2011
By David Kauila Kopper and Camille Kalama
Most people in Hawai`i have heard of or are familiar with the state motto, "Ua mau ke ea o ka `āina i ka pono." Today, many translate it as "the life of the land is perpetuated in righteousness."
But how many truly know its meaning or origin? As Americans celebrate their independence from Britain, a deeper look at this commonly used phrase provides invaluable insight into the differences between the American and Hawaiian understandings of independence and sovereignty.
On July 31, 1843, after the nation of Hawai`i regained its independence from Britain through stealth diplomacy, King Kamehameha III, Kauikeaouli, said to his people, "Ua mau ke ea o ka `āina i ka pono." So in that context, ea did not mean "life"; it meant "sovereignty." That's why July 31 is known and celebrated as "Sovereignty Restoration Day."
But Kauikeaouli was not referring merely to individual, personal sovereignty. It was sovereignty of the `āina, of which we the people are a part.
`Aina carries significant meaning and encompasses much more than just "land." Translated as "that which feeds," `āina captures a relationship people had and have with this land, ka pae `āina o Hawai`i.
For example, after the illegal overthrow of Queen Liliu`okalani, loyalists to the queen and patriots of the Hawaiian Kingdom called each other aloha `āina. On Sept. 6, 1897, James Kaulia, president of the Hui Aloha `Aina, said to the maka`āinana gathered - "Do not be afraid, be steadfast in aloha for your land and be united in thought. Protest forever the annexation of Hawai`i until the very last aloha `āina!"
To Hawaiians of 1843 and of today, freedom and independence are not about individual "unalienable" rights vested in "all men" by the Creator.
Independence of the individual was permanently woven into the fabric of `āina, our relationship to our lands, resources, and to our one hānau, the sands of our birth.
This concept of sovereignty and `āina developed over 2,000 years of living in these islands and supporting, cultivating and living on the land — to ensure that together they could feed a people, a lāhui, in one of the most physically isolated places on Earth. It is continued in part in our "traditional and customary" practices we continue to fight for, engage in, and protect today.
Some people in Hawai`i hear the word sovereignty and independence and immediately fear exclusion. Perhaps they are envisioning a Honolulu Tea Party, complete with natives throwing prized belongings off of Matson containers, or haole being sent to the continent like so many defeated and dejected redcoat soldiers.
These are unfortunate, misplaced reactions to a very sophisticated sense and state of being that has been marginalized through a western paradigm which misses the mark.
Indeed, the Hawaiian belief that life, independence and governance are intertwined within `āina stands in stark contrast to the stated ideals that support America's independence, wherein the rights of "Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness" are secured by "Governments … instituted among Men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed."
Understanding sovereignty on our terms, not America's, is to understand that sovereignty is not based on independence for some individuals at the expense of others. It is sovereignty for our `āina, which includes land, people, and the reciprocal relationships between them that in turn gives us life, liberty, and true happiness.
So, "ua mau ke ea o ka `āina i ka pono." Ua mau — it has been continued, perpetuated. Ke ea — the sovereignty, independence. O ka `āina — our lands, our people, our resources and the traditions and practices that enable us to feed each other. I ka pono — in justice. In righting a wrong.
We are still waiting. The `āina is still waiting …
Aloha `āina `oia ‘i ‘o.
Honolulu Star-Advertiser - July 3, 2011
By David Kauila Kopper and Camille Kalama
Most people in Hawai`i have heard of or are familiar with the state motto, "Ua mau ke ea o ka `āina i ka pono." Today, many translate it as "the life of the land is perpetuated in righteousness."
But how many truly know its meaning or origin? As Americans celebrate their independence from Britain, a deeper look at this commonly used phrase provides invaluable insight into the differences between the American and Hawaiian understandings of independence and sovereignty.
On July 31, 1843, after the nation of Hawai`i regained its independence from Britain through stealth diplomacy, King Kamehameha III, Kauikeaouli, said to his people, "Ua mau ke ea o ka `āina i ka pono." So in that context, ea did not mean "life"; it meant "sovereignty." That's why July 31 is known and celebrated as "Sovereignty Restoration Day."
But Kauikeaouli was not referring merely to individual, personal sovereignty. It was sovereignty of the `āina, of which we the people are a part.
`Aina carries significant meaning and encompasses much more than just "land." Translated as "that which feeds," `āina captures a relationship people had and have with this land, ka pae `āina o Hawai`i.
For example, after the illegal overthrow of Queen Liliu`okalani, loyalists to the queen and patriots of the Hawaiian Kingdom called each other aloha `āina. On Sept. 6, 1897, James Kaulia, president of the Hui Aloha `Aina, said to the maka`āinana gathered - "Do not be afraid, be steadfast in aloha for your land and be united in thought. Protest forever the annexation of Hawai`i until the very last aloha `āina!"
To Hawaiians of 1843 and of today, freedom and independence are not about individual "unalienable" rights vested in "all men" by the Creator.
Independence of the individual was permanently woven into the fabric of `āina, our relationship to our lands, resources, and to our one hānau, the sands of our birth.
This concept of sovereignty and `āina developed over 2,000 years of living in these islands and supporting, cultivating and living on the land — to ensure that together they could feed a people, a lāhui, in one of the most physically isolated places on Earth. It is continued in part in our "traditional and customary" practices we continue to fight for, engage in, and protect today.
Some people in Hawai`i hear the word sovereignty and independence and immediately fear exclusion. Perhaps they are envisioning a Honolulu Tea Party, complete with natives throwing prized belongings off of Matson containers, or haole being sent to the continent like so many defeated and dejected redcoat soldiers.
These are unfortunate, misplaced reactions to a very sophisticated sense and state of being that has been marginalized through a western paradigm which misses the mark.
Indeed, the Hawaiian belief that life, independence and governance are intertwined within `āina stands in stark contrast to the stated ideals that support America's independence, wherein the rights of "Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness" are secured by "Governments … instituted among Men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed."
Understanding sovereignty on our terms, not America's, is to understand that sovereignty is not based on independence for some individuals at the expense of others. It is sovereignty for our `āina, which includes land, people, and the reciprocal relationships between them that in turn gives us life, liberty, and true happiness.
So, "ua mau ke ea o ka `āina i ka pono." Ua mau — it has been continued, perpetuated. Ke ea — the sovereignty, independence. O ka `āina — our lands, our people, our resources and the traditions and practices that enable us to feed each other. I ka pono — in justice. In righting a wrong.
We are still waiting. The `āina is still waiting …
Aloha `āina `oia ‘i ‘o.
Sunday, November 28, 2010
TODAY IS LA KU`OKO`A – HAWAIIAN INDEPENDENCE DAY ON VOICES OF TRUTH – ONE-ON-ONE WITH HAWAI`I’S FUTURE
In the Kingdom of Hawai`i November 28 was an official holiday called La Ku`oko`a, or Independence Day. This was the day in 1843 when England and France formally recognized Hawai`i's independence.
King Kamehameha III deemed it prudent and necessary to dispatch a Hawaiian delegation to the United States and then to Europe with the power to negotiate treaties and to ultimately secure the recognition of Hawaiian Independence by the major powers of the world.
The Hawaiian delegation, while in the US, secured the assurance of President Tyler on December 19, 1842 of its recognition of Hawai`i’s independence, and then proceeded to meet Sir George Simpson in Europe and secure formal recognition from Great Britain and France.
As a result of this recognition, the Hawaiian Kingdom entered into treaties with the major nations of the world and had established over ninety legations and consulates in multiple seaports and cities.
November 28 was thereafter established as an official national holiday to celebrate the recognition of Hawai`i's independence.
Come celebrate La Ku`oko`a with us today from Noon to 4 PM at `Iolani Palace in Honolulu.
Someone who discovered herself as she rediscovered Hawai`i’s independence is Keahi Felix. See and hear her amazing story of freedom for herself and her nation all this week on Hawai`i’s award winning Voices Of Truth – One-On-One With Hawai`i’s Future.
MONDAY, November 22nd At 6:30 PM – Maui – Akaku, Channel 53
MONDAY, November 22nd At 7:00 PM & FRIDAY, November 26th At 5:30 PM – Hawai`i Island – Na Leo, Channel 53
THURSDAY, November 25th At 8:30 PM & FRIDAY, November 26th At 8:30 AM - Kaua`i – Ho`ike, Channel 52
SATURDAY, November 27th At 8:00 PM – O`ahu, `Olelo, Channel 53
“Wahine Noa – A Visit With Keahi Felix"
Like most of us, Keahi Felix believed Hawaiians voted overwhelmingly to become the 50th US state. Then one day she discovered the Hawaiian Kingdom still exists. So she asked one simple question - “Where is this Kingdom?” That question not only launched her on a journey of self-discovery that changed her life, but caused her to write Wahine Noa, the tale of her own awakening. Join us in our remarkable visit with Keahi as she describes her amazing story - Watch It Here
Now you can become a fan of Voices Of Truth on Facebook by clicking Here and see behind the scenes photos of our shows and a whole lot more.
Voices Of Truth interviews those creating a better future for Hawai`i to discover what made them go from armchair observers to active participants. We hope you'll be inspired to do the same.
Voices Of Truth now airs on local access stations in Cape Town, South Africa, Sweden and 38 cities across the US. Check your local listings.
If you support our issues on the Free Hawai`i Broadcasting Network, please email this to a friend to help us continue. A donation today helps further our work. Every single penny counts.
Donating is easy on our Voices Of Truth website via PayPal where you can watch Voices Of Truth anytime.
For news and issues that affect you, watch Free Hawai`i TV, a part of the Free Hawai`i Broadcasting Network.
Please share our Free Hawai`i Broadcasting Network videos with friends and colleagues. That's how we grow. Mahalo.
In the Kingdom of Hawai`i November 28 was an official holiday called La Ku`oko`a, or Independence Day. This was the day in 1843 when England and France formally recognized Hawai`i's independence.
King Kamehameha III deemed it prudent and necessary to dispatch a Hawaiian delegation to the United States and then to Europe with the power to negotiate treaties and to ultimately secure the recognition of Hawaiian Independence by the major powers of the world.
The Hawaiian delegation, while in the US, secured the assurance of President Tyler on December 19, 1842 of its recognition of Hawai`i’s independence, and then proceeded to meet Sir George Simpson in Europe and secure formal recognition from Great Britain and France.
As a result of this recognition, the Hawaiian Kingdom entered into treaties with the major nations of the world and had established over ninety legations and consulates in multiple seaports and cities.
November 28 was thereafter established as an official national holiday to celebrate the recognition of Hawai`i's independence.
Come celebrate La Ku`oko`a with us today from Noon to 4 PM at `Iolani Palace in Honolulu.
Someone who discovered herself as she rediscovered Hawai`i’s independence is Keahi Felix. See and hear her amazing story of freedom for herself and her nation all this week on Hawai`i’s award winning Voices Of Truth – One-On-One With Hawai`i’s Future.
MONDAY, November 22nd At 6:30 PM – Maui – Akaku, Channel 53
MONDAY, November 22nd At 7:00 PM & FRIDAY, November 26th At 5:30 PM – Hawai`i Island – Na Leo, Channel 53
THURSDAY, November 25th At 8:30 PM & FRIDAY, November 26th At 8:30 AM - Kaua`i – Ho`ike, Channel 52
SATURDAY, November 27th At 8:00 PM – O`ahu, `Olelo, Channel 53
“Wahine Noa – A Visit With Keahi Felix"
Like most of us, Keahi Felix believed Hawaiians voted overwhelmingly to become the 50th US state. Then one day she discovered the Hawaiian Kingdom still exists. So she asked one simple question - “Where is this Kingdom?” That question not only launched her on a journey of self-discovery that changed her life, but caused her to write Wahine Noa, the tale of her own awakening. Join us in our remarkable visit with Keahi as she describes her amazing story - Watch It Here
Now you can become a fan of Voices Of Truth on Facebook by clicking Here and see behind the scenes photos of our shows and a whole lot more.
Voices Of Truth interviews those creating a better future for Hawai`i to discover what made them go from armchair observers to active participants. We hope you'll be inspired to do the same.
Voices Of Truth now airs on local access stations in Cape Town, South Africa, Sweden and 38 cities across the US. Check your local listings.
If you support our issues on the Free Hawai`i Broadcasting Network, please email this to a friend to help us continue. A donation today helps further our work. Every single penny counts.
Donating is easy on our Voices Of Truth website via PayPal where you can watch Voices Of Truth anytime.
For news and issues that affect you, watch Free Hawai`i TV, a part of the Free Hawai`i Broadcasting Network.
Please share our Free Hawai`i Broadcasting Network videos with friends and colleagues. That's how we grow. Mahalo.
Saturday, November 27, 2010
CELEBRATE HAWAIIAN INDEPENDENCE DAY
TOMORROW
WHEN - Noon - 4 PM - Sunday, November 28, 2010
WHERE - `Iolani Palace Grounds, Honolulu
WHAT - Speakers Include -
Dr. Niklaus Schweizer -"History of La Ku`oko`a & Its Importance Today"
Pu`uhonua Bumpy Kanahele, Nation of Hawai`i - "Unification Via Participation: How a Constitutional Convention Can Help Empower All Hawaiians"
Leon Siu, Foreign Minister, Ke Aupuni o Hawai`i - "Unification on the Ground: Asserting Hawaiian Identity, One Person at a Time"
Tom Lenchanko, `Aha Kukaniloko - "Na Kupuna as the Basis of The Lahui - Moving Forward in Unity"
This Potluck Event Is Free & Open To The Public - Everyone Is Invited! Bring Food To Share & Mats & Chairs
TOMORROW
WHEN - Noon - 4 PM - Sunday, November 28, 2010
WHERE - `Iolani Palace Grounds, Honolulu
WHAT - Speakers Include -
Dr. Niklaus Schweizer -"History of La Ku`oko`a & Its Importance Today"
Pu`uhonua Bumpy Kanahele, Nation of Hawai`i - "Unification Via Participation: How a Constitutional Convention Can Help Empower All Hawaiians"
Leon Siu, Foreign Minister, Ke Aupuni o Hawai`i - "Unification on the Ground: Asserting Hawaiian Identity, One Person at a Time"
Tom Lenchanko, `Aha Kukaniloko - "Na Kupuna as the Basis of The Lahui - Moving Forward in Unity"
This Potluck Event Is Free & Open To The Public - Everyone Is Invited! Bring Food To Share & Mats & Chairs
Thursday, November 25, 2010
CELEBRATE HAWAIIAN INDEPENDENCE DAY
THIS SUNDAY
WHEN - Noon - 4 PM - Sunday, November 28, 2010
WHERE - `Iolani Palace Grounds
WHAT - Speakers Include -
Dr. Niklaus Schweizer -"History of La Ku`oko`a & Its Importance Today"
Pu`uhonua Bumpy Kanahele, Nation of Hawai`i - "Unification Via Participation: How a Constitutional Convention Can Help Empower All Hawaiians"
Leon Siu, Foreign Minister, Ke Aupuni o Hawai`i - "Unification on the Ground: Asserting Hawaiian Identity, One Person at a Time"
Tom Lenchanko, `Aha Kukaniloko - "Na Kupuna as the Basis of The Lahui - Moving Forward in Unity"
This Potluck Event Is Free & Open To The Public - Everyone Is Invited! Bring Food To Share & Mats & Chairs
THIS SUNDAY
WHEN - Noon - 4 PM - Sunday, November 28, 2010
WHERE - `Iolani Palace Grounds
WHAT - Speakers Include -
Dr. Niklaus Schweizer -"History of La Ku`oko`a & Its Importance Today"
Pu`uhonua Bumpy Kanahele, Nation of Hawai`i - "Unification Via Participation: How a Constitutional Convention Can Help Empower All Hawaiians"
Leon Siu, Foreign Minister, Ke Aupuni o Hawai`i - "Unification on the Ground: Asserting Hawaiian Identity, One Person at a Time"
Tom Lenchanko, `Aha Kukaniloko - "Na Kupuna as the Basis of The Lahui - Moving Forward in Unity"
This Potluck Event Is Free & Open To The Public - Everyone Is Invited! Bring Food To Share & Mats & Chairs
Saturday, November 28, 2009
TODAY IS LA KU`OKO`A - HAWAIIAN INDEPENDENCE DAY
In the Kingdom of Hawai`i November 28 was an official holiday called La Ku`oko`a, or Independence Day. This was the day in 1843 when England and France formally recognized Hawai`i's independence.
His Hawaiian Majesty King Kamehameha III deemed it prudent and necessary to dispatch a Hawaiian delegation to the United States and then to Europe with the power to negotiate treaties and to ultimately secure the recognition of Hawaiian Independence by the major powers of the world.
The Hawaiian delegation, while in the United States of America, secured the assurance of U.S. President Tyler on December 19, 1842 of its recognition of Hawaiian independence, and then proceeded to meet Sir George Simpson in Europe and secure formal recognition by Great Britain and France.
As a result of this recognition, the Hawaiian Kingdom entered into treaties with the major nations of the world and had established over ninety legations and consulates in multiple seaports and cities.
November 28 was thereafter established as an official national holiday to celebrate the recognition of Hawai`i's independence.
But in 1893, an illegal intervention into Hawai`i's affairs by the U.S. resulted in a "fake revolution" against the legitimate Hawaiian government, and a puppet oligarchy set itself up with its main purpose being Hawai`i's annexation to the United States.
Hawaiians protested and celebrated Ka La Ku`oko`a anyway, telling the story of the national heroes who had traveled to Europe to secure Hawai`i's recognition.
We celebrate La Ku`oko`a - Hawaiian Independence Day to remember that Hawai`i was a fully recognized member of the world family of nations, and its independence is still intact under prolonged illegal occupation.
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In the Kingdom of Hawai`i November 28 was an official holiday called La Ku`oko`a, or Independence Day. This was the day in 1843 when England and France formally recognized Hawai`i's independence.
His Hawaiian Majesty King Kamehameha III deemed it prudent and necessary to dispatch a Hawaiian delegation to the United States and then to Europe with the power to negotiate treaties and to ultimately secure the recognition of Hawaiian Independence by the major powers of the world.
The Hawaiian delegation, while in the United States of America, secured the assurance of U.S. President Tyler on December 19, 1842 of its recognition of Hawaiian independence, and then proceeded to meet Sir George Simpson in Europe and secure formal recognition by Great Britain and France.
As a result of this recognition, the Hawaiian Kingdom entered into treaties with the major nations of the world and had established over ninety legations and consulates in multiple seaports and cities.
November 28 was thereafter established as an official national holiday to celebrate the recognition of Hawai`i's independence.
But in 1893, an illegal intervention into Hawai`i's affairs by the U.S. resulted in a "fake revolution" against the legitimate Hawaiian government, and a puppet oligarchy set itself up with its main purpose being Hawai`i's annexation to the United States.
Hawaiians protested and celebrated Ka La Ku`oko`a anyway, telling the story of the national heroes who had traveled to Europe to secure Hawai`i's recognition.
We celebrate La Ku`oko`a - Hawaiian Independence Day to remember that Hawai`i was a fully recognized member of the world family of nations, and its independence is still intact under prolonged illegal occupation.
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