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The Maui News
La Ho'iho'i Ea, which celebrates the day Hawaiian rule was restored to the islands after a British coup, will be recognized annually on July 31 under a bill passed by state lawmakers this session.
House Bill 2475 marks the first time in state history that the Legislature is recognizing a holiday established during the Hawaiian monarchy, according to a news release from the state House of Representatives on Monday.
In 1840, the British ambassador to Hawaii, along with a captain in the British Royal Navy, raised the union jack in the capitol to symbolize they had unilaterally taken control of the islands, according to the news release. In response, King Kamehameha III, Kauikeaouli, dispatched diplomatic envoys to explain their case to the Court of Queen Victoria, which ultimately sided with the Hawaiians.
Admiral Richard Thomas was sent to Hawaii, where he removed the ambassador and the captain. The Hawaiian flag was raised once again, and to commemorate the moment, Kauikeaouli established the date of restoration as the kingdom's first national holiday.
Rep. Mark Nakashima of Hawaii island said that "things we know as common place today" are a result of that day, including state's motto and the creation of Thomas Square in Honolulu.
"From Hamakua to Honolulu and other places near and far, Hawaiians have made great efforts to preserve the memory of this day," Nakashima said. "While they clearly do not need it, it is only right that soon Hawaiians will have an official banner of recognition from the state under which they can celebrate this momentous occasion."
The bill has been sent to the governor to be signed into law.