First photo: University of Hawaii Maui College Hawaiian studies instructor Kahele Dukelow points out the important role indigenous language plays in Hawaiian identity as part of Thursday’s 175th anniversary celebration of La Ku’oko’a, “Hawaiian Independence Day,” on the Kahului campus. The event marked the anniversary of the day in 1843 when Hawaiian ambassador Timoteo Ha’alilio entered into a series of treaties with European nations recognizing Hawaii under King Kamehameha III as an independent nation. Ha’alilio died on his way back to the islands, but his accomplishment became a major holiday in the kingdom and was celebrated for five decades. Hawaiian and non-Hawaiian citizens of the kingdom would celebrate with visits to Iolani Palace, feasts, speeches, mele and horse and velocipede races. After the overthrow in 1893, the celebrations disappeared.

UH Maui College Hawaiian Studies Professor Ki’ope Raymond (from right, second photo) joins graduate students Kanoe Pacheco and Sesame Shim in discussing the importance of preserving and promoting the Hawaiian language during an ‘Olelo Hawai’i Panel.

The Maui News / MATTHEW THAYER photos