Hawaii's Independence Day - July 31st

 

Why July 31st is celebrated as HAWAII INDEPENDENCE DAY?

In the 1800’s the Kingdom of Hawaii was recognized internationally as a sovereign monarchy that entered into trade, treaties and friendship with many other countries  including – France, Denmark, Italy, Spain, Russia, Japan, Wales, Portugal and Hong Kong to name a few. 

The history of HAWAII INDEPENDENCE DAY:  In early 1843, Lord George Paulet, representing the British Crown, overstepped his bounds, landed sailors and marines, seized the government buildings in Honolulu and forced King Kamehameha III to cede the Hawaiian kingdom to Great Britain. When Queen Victoria, learned of these activities, she immediately sent an envoy to the islands to restore sovereignty to its rightful rulers. 

Monday, July 31, 1843, after five-months of occupation, the Hawaiian Kingdom was restored and Adm. Thomas ordered the Union Jack removed and replaced with the Hawaiian kingdom flag. It was on the occasion that Kamehameha III was reported to say, "Ua Mau Ke Ea o Ka ʻĀina I Ka Pono" - The life of the land is restored in righteousness. 

(This statement has since become the official motto of the State of Hawaiʻi.) July 31, 1843 is now referred to as Ka La Hoʻihoʻi Ea, Sovereignty Restoration Day or Hawaii Independence Day and it is celebrated each year . Because of Britain’s support and recognition of Hawaii’s independence  Hawaii’s  flag of 1868 included the British cross.

Fifty years later, despite the world-wide recognition of Hawaii’s sovereignty, in January of 1893 the United States affected an illegal overthrow of Hawaii’s government in a coup against Queen Lili’uokalani by marines, businessmen and clergy.

While America’s independence is recognized on July 4th, the celebrations of July 31st retain a more significant date for the Hawaiian people.

(condensed from various sources)