PUHI — More than 300 students converged at the Kauai Community College to celebrate La Kuokoa, or the Hawaiian Independence Day, on Monday.
Hosted by the KCC Hawaiian Club, the students hailed from Waimea High School, Kapaa High School, Ka Oha, Kanuikapono, Kawaikini and Ke Kula Niihau O Kekaha to further their awareness of Hawaii, and the culture of ancient Hawaii.
Funded by a Kaiaulu grant from the nonprofit Supporting the Language of Kauai in honor of the 10th year of hosting La Kuokoa events, the students and staff from the KCC Hawaiian Club partnered with Na Pua Noeau, Kanaeokana and Kawaikini to host a series of activities that included hands-on participation in Makahiki games, and activities such as kui kalo, konane and kapa making. These were punctuated with a series of films.
“La Kuokoa is one of our lahui’s national holidays,” said Pualiilimaikalani Rossi-Fukino, a Hawaiian Studies assistant professor. “La Kuokoa started in 1843 after Great Britain and France signed a treaty that recognized the Hawaiian Kingdom and its sovereignty.”
Prior to that, under the reign of Kamehameha III, the Kingdom of Hawaii was under threat of foreign takeover. King Kamehameha III decided it was necessary to send three delegates — Timotwo Kaalilio, William Richards and George Simpson — to the United States and Europe to negotiate treaties and secure the recognition of Hawaii’s independence.
This was secured on Nov. 28, 1843, and Nov. 28 became an official holiday. It was celebrated for 50 years, representing the pride the people of Hawaii had for their lahui.
Following the annexation to the United States, La Kuokoa was no long an official holiday.
In April 2023, Native Hawaiian leaders from the Office of Hawaiian Affairs and the Association for Hawaiian Civic Clubs joined Gov. Josh Green in signing into law Senate Bill 731 which recognizes and commemorates Hawaiian Independence Day.
The measure designates Nov. 28 as La Kuokoa to celebrate the historical recognition of the independence of the Hawaiian Kingdom.
“We choose to honor La Kuokoa as a way to instill national pride in our people, and because it is a power expression of Aloha Aina,” said Rossi-Fukino. “Kauai Community College has celebrated La Kuokoa for 10 years. We want our students and our campus to honor and uplift the Hawaiian culture, its history and traditions. It also provides a way to teach our students about Hawaiian history, language, art and tradition.”
•••
Dennis Fujimoto, staff writer and photographer, can be reached at 808-245-0453 or dfujimoto@thegardenisland.com.
