The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Hawaiian Kingdom deeply regrets the recent confusion and controversy caused by the Hawaiian Kingdom visas in the Kingdom of Tonga referenced in the Pacific Islands Report story of May 24, 2011.
The Hawaiian Kingdom visas are genuine and authorized by the Hawaiian Kingdom government in keeping with international law. However, the government of the Hawaiian Kingdom disavows any involvement in the scheme referenced in the Taimi story.
First, the Hawaiian Kingdom does not sell visas. Second, the Hawaiian Kingdom does not claim that these visas can be used for entry into the United States of America. A visa issued by the Hawaiian Kingdom is free of charge, and only allows a person to enter the Hawaiian Kingdom, and no other foreign country such as the United States.
By issuing documentation for those within its borders and those who enter as visitors, the government of the Hawaiian Kingdom endeavors to address the problem of so many aliens illegally entering and taking up residence in the Hawaiian Kingdom.
The Hawaiian Kingdom is a sovereign, independent kingdom in continuity since at least 1810. However, currently the territory of the Hawaiian Kingdom has been under prolonged occupation by the United States (since 1898).
This confusion over visas arises because the United States government, after admitting in essence that it wrongfully occupies Hawai`i, still refuses to vacate Hawai`i and continues to violate international law by maintaining its superimposed rulership over Hawai`i.
Thus, in the Hawaiian Islands there exist two concurrent jurisdictions: one lawful (the Hawaiian Kingdom); and one not lawful (USA.)
The US Embassy in Suva claims the Hawaiian Kingdom visa is not valid for entry into the US. The embassy is correct! But we never said our visas were US visas. We are saying our visa is valid for entry into the Hawaiian Kingdom. Apparently it is the US embassy that doesn’t understand the difference.
We contend that in reality, it is the United States that is engaged in trafficking and profiteering in visas by forcing Tongans and other South Pacific islanders to bear the high costs to travel to the US embassy in Suva, Fiji to apply for US visas (which may or may not be forthcoming).
We also point out that it is the United States government who is insisting on using our country as an entry point into the US, without our permission; and it is the United States government who is brazenly acting as the bully toll-gate-keeper refusing entry to those wishing to enter the Hawaiian Kingdom.
Leon K. Siu
Minister of Foreign Affairs
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Imua the Kingdom of Hawaii.....