Security High At 'Iolani Palace EventNative Hawaiian sovereignty groups gather peacefullyBy Suzanne RoigAdvertiser Staff WriterNative Hawaiian groups tested the state's new rules governing 'IolaniPalace yesterday during their annual Sovereign Sunday event.No one was cited and no one was arrested, but more than 20 stateDepartment of Land and Natural Resources enforcement officers were on handto ensure that a group of Hawaiians followed the rules.The officers stood in a cluster while a variety of Hawaiian groupsoccupied the Diamond Head makai corner of the palace near the Pohukainaburial mound. Most were there to honor their culture and recognize thestart of the January 1893 overthrow of the Hawaiian monarchy.One of the groups, Sacred Times and Sacred Places, comes to 'Iolani Palaceeach month to care for the burial mound.Officials removed three canopy tents erected by the groups, but did nottouch the Hawaiian flags, information displays or chairs or tables thathad been erected."We tried to be culturally sensitive, but we have our jobs to do," saidGuy Chink, a DLNR O'ahu Branch manager who led the enforcement team. "Wewill issue a citation to the owner of the tents and if no one claimsownership then the tents are considered found property."No one claimed the tents, and no citations were issued. But there was alot of tension."In the past 11 years no one in that time has stopped us," said BaronChink, a member of the Sacred Times and Sacred Places organization. "We dothe work here, not DLNR. As far as I'm concerned we are the authorizedones to enter, not the DLNR. We are not the interlopers here."The new rules were adopted after two takeover attempts were made last yearby two separate groups. One takeover occurred in April and a second, inwhich the group entered the palace and the 'Iolani Barracks building, ledto arrests in August. Both spurred the state Land Board to pass new rulesgoverning the 11-acre grounds. The rules bar unauthorized occupation ofthe palace.The rules also spell out other prohibited activities on the palacegrounds, including harassing palace workers or visitors and interferingwith the public's use of the premises.Under the new rules, no more than 25 people are allowed to gather, nobanners larger than a specific size can be erected and no tents areallowed on the grounds without permits. Overnight camping also is notallowed.The officers were on hand yesterday because of concern that there would bea large demonstration on the palace ground, said Kippen de Alba Chu,Friends of 'Iolani Palace director."They did this earlier last week too for another sovereignty group whowanted to camp there the whole week," de Alba Chu said. "They are tryingto be consistent with each group and they are there there to make sure therules are adhered to.""This is still our place," said Lynette Cruz, a Hawaiian independencesupporter. "Our job today is to remember who we are. We are not here totake over the palace, but to honor our heritage."http://kgmb9.com/main/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=13317&Itemid=40to learn more abaout our Group " Hawaiian Independence Alliance " please go to:http://hawaiianindependencealliance.orgFree Hawaii
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