The Garden Island HONOLULU — Kanaka Maoli supporters will gather at Thomas Square this coming Sunday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. for the 163rd anniversary and 22nd annual revival of Ka La Ho‘iho‘i Ea with live music, keiki activities
The Garden Island
HONOLULU — Kanaka Maoli supporters will gather at Thomas Square this coming Sunday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. for the 163rd anniversary and 22nd annual revival of Ka La Ho‘iho‘i Ea with live music, keiki activities and cultural workshops, a press release states.
Kanaka Maoli Sovereignty Restoration Day celebrates July 31, 1843, the day British Admiral Richard Thomas ordered the Union Jack lowered and the Hawaiian Kingdom flag hoisted above Honolulu, ending five months of Britain’s occupation under Lord George Paulet.
Recognized by Thomas as “Independent Sovereign, King Kamehameha III led a procession to Kawaiaha‘o Church where he proclaimed “Ua mau ke ea o ka aina i ka pono,” or, “The sovereignty of the land continues through righteous action.”
These words are the motto of the Hawaiian nation.
Four months later, in late November, Britain and France officially recognized the independence of the Hawaiian Kingdom, and later, U.S. President John Tyler agreed with the island nation’s declaration of independence.
Thereafter, July 31 has been celebrated as Restoration Day and Nov. 28 as Independence Day, the release states.
In 1985, Kanaka Maoli nationals and supporters revived the annual celebration at Thomas Square.
This year’s celebration will feature the new era of Maoli music and the resurgence of Hawaiian culture and art, with performances from Paula Fuga, Liko Martin, Jon Osorio and Kupa‘aina, the release states.
