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Kamehameha I unified the Islands 200 years ago
- Photo gallery: Ho'okahi Lahui Hawaii March
Many came to learn, to soak in the entertainment and the speeches encouraging NativeHawaiians to come together.
As scores of people converged on the grounds of 'Iolani Palace yesterday to mark the 200thanniversary of the unification of the Hawaiian Islands, many in attendancetalked about the need for today's Native Hawaiians to unite.
But several also acknowledged that bringing together the disparate Hawaiian groups won't beeasy.
"It's pretty hard with Hawaiians," said James Kimokeo, 86, a part-Hawaiian from Kaua'i. "They'vegot this idea they all have to be boss."
Yesterday's cultural festivities, which included a march from Thomas Square to the palace,also marked the annual commemoration of the 1893 overthrow of Queen Lili-'uokalani. The two-day event, billed as "Ho'okahi Lahui Hawai'i — One Nation1810-2010," was attended by hundreds.
"Everybody's trying for the same goal," Jay Enos of Wai'anae said of unification. "But theirpaths are different."
As traditionally clad marchers carrying independence banners and other implements marched towardthe palace, Enos said he didn't attend yesterday's event to "see who's right orwrong. I'm here because I'm Hawaiian."
Shannon Foster, who was next to Enos, said she came to learn about the overthrow and how itaffected her ancestry. The pair are part Hawaiian.
With the Akaka bill currently before Congress — and its chances of passage considered improvedbecause President Obama has indicated he will sign it — several Hawaiians at thepalace grounds said unification is more pressing than ever.
The federal legislation, named for its author, Sen. Daniel Akaka, would establish a processfor Native Hawaiian self-governance.
"We want to unite Hawai'i," said Charlotte Lyman, 65, of Kane'ohe, but she added that she didn'tthink the Akaka bill was the way to do it.
Kimokeo likewise had his reservations, saying the legislation would take away too much controlfrom Hawaiians. "We don't want somebody telling us what to do," hesaid.
Citation issued
A similar sentiment was voiced in the diamondhead-makai corner of the palace groundsyesterday afternoon when enforcement officers from the Department of Land andNatural Resources tried to confiscate a tentlike shelter erected by the HawaiianIndependence Action Alliance.
Two or three times, the officers tried to take down the tent because the group did not have apermit, but each time the crowd would encircle it and prevent the officers fromdoing so, according to witnesses.
Finally, the officers issued a citation for violating palace regulations.
"This is ridiculous," George Kahumoku Flores, who refused to sign the citation presentedby the officers, said later in an interview. "This is our right to be here. It'ssovereign land."
After the officers left and a potentially volatile situation was defused, Sam Kaleleike spoke tothose gathered near the tent and reminded them of the theme of the day: to bringall people together.
"Whatever your differences, leave them outside," he told the crowd as they joined hands andformed a large circle.
Reach Rob Perez at rperez@honoluluadvertiser.com.
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Mo'ili 'ili, Island of O'ahu, Kingdom of Hawai'i,
skype (760) 536-4331
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QUOTE OFTHE DAY
"First they ignore you, then they ridicule you, then they fight you,
then you win." - Mahatma Gandhi






March begins 9 AM
• The route begins at Thomas Square and proceeds west on Beretania to the Capitol Building (using sidewalk & 2 road lanes)
• Walk thru the Capitol Rotunda to Queen Lili`uokalani’s Statue and stop for Observance Ceremony
• Turn East and walk toward Punchbowl St.
• Turn Right on Punchbowl Street and walk toward King Street - key marchers enter Kawaiahao Church grounds for Lunalilio Tomb Ceremony;
• Access onto King Street and turn right toward King Kamehameha’s Statue for Observance Ceremony;
• Cross at the King Street crosswalk and into the main gate of ‘Iolani Palace.

Please join the Hawai'i Pono'i Coalition in this annual event that observes the wrongful overthrow of Queen Lili'uokalani. Sponsored by the Native Hawaiian Bar Association and the Native Hawaiian Legal Corporation.
Hawai'i Pono'ï: Hawaiian Patriotism
Lunch hour observance marks the wrongful
overthrow of Queen Lili'uokalani
January 19, 2010
What: A lunch hour concert featuring mele lähui with Leon
Siu, Jon Osorio & Ikaika Hussey and Kupa'aina.
Where: Tamarind Park at Bishop Square (Bishop and King)
When: Tuesday, January 19, 2010
12:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
Sponsored by the Native Hawaiian Bar Association and the Native Hawaiian
Legal Corporation
Presented by the Hawai'i Ponoÿï Coalition
Hawai'i Pono'ï is the title of the Hawai'i National Anthem written by King
Kaläkaua in 1874. Literally translated "Hawai'i's own," Hawai'i Pono'ï
connects us to the history of the Islands and the heritage of its Indigenous
people, a heritage that enriches us all. The Hawai'i Pono'ï Coalition was
formed to educate those who choose to live in and visit the islands about
Hawai'is true history, and the culture that makes Hawai'i a place like no
other.
`O ka poe i aloha i ka`äina
the people who love the land
For more information contact:
Native Hawaiian Legal Corporation
521-2302
