Ka Wai Ola - Office of Hawaiian Affairs, Volume 9, Number 9, 1 September 1992 — Events planned to commemorate overthrow [ARTICLE]

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Events planned to commemorate overthrow

A blue-ribbon committee composed of a broad section of the community is working with the Office of Hawaiian Affairs to mark the observance of the 100th anniversary of the overthrow of the Hawaiian monarchy. The committee has adopted 'Onipa'a (steadfast) as its theme, whieh was the motto of Kamehameha V and Lili'uokalani.

State Sen. Eloise Tungpalan, chair of the Centennial Observance Committee, said the eommittee's goal is "to create an event that is appropriate to the solemnity of the occasion and whieh will help educate people about the facts surrounding the removal of Queen Lili'uokalani, the last Hawaiian monarch." The observance is seen by many as a time to recall past events, reflect on their legacy and seek resolution of longstanding injustices felt by Hawaiians. Planning is already underway for the events of the Jan. 15-17 weekend, and the committee has targeted Jan. 17, 1993 as the date for its own event, whieh will be held on the 'Iolani Palaee grounds in downtown Honolulu. The reigning Lili'uokalani was deposed on that date in 1893.

Tungpalan and the centennial steering committee have invited other organizations or individuals who are planning observance activities during Jan. 15-17 at 'Iolani Palaee to coordinate use of the Palaee grounds and surrounding areas, and other logistics needs. An evening meeting held Aug. 1 1 at the state office building drew 50 participants. many representing Hawaiian organizations whieh are planning events to mark the eemennial. Sept. 1 was set as a deadline for organizations to seek to be part of the schedule. Keahi Allen and Leina'ala Heine are program chairs in charge of coordinating the schedule.

While most groups shared a consensus that the eentennial should be a solemn and serious occasion, some are also planning to celebrate the Queen's life and the survival of the Hawaiian people through song and music.

Events planned Here are some of the events currently being planned for January on O'ahu: • Friends of 'Iolani Palaee plans on Jan. 14 to hold

a short program with music to relate the events of tliat day. • Ka Lahui Hawai'i is planning a march of several thousand members to the Palaee from Maemae School on the morning of Jan. 16 or 17, with a stop at the Royal Mausoleum to present ho'okupu. Ka Lahui also plans to have an all-night vigil Jan. 1617 and speakers on Jan. 17 at the Palaee. • Council of Hawaiian Organizations (COHO) plans a 100-hour continuous vigil with pahu and torchlight, beginning Jan. 13 near the Palaee to

mark the 100 years that have passed. The vigil will conclude with services at Kawaiaha'o Church and torchlight walk to the statues of Kamehameha I and Queen Lili'uokalani. • Ka Pakaukau plans to Jiold its 1 8 th annual Sovereign Sunday, Jan. 17 at the 'Iolani Palaee Bandstand. The event, in honor of late founder Kawaipuna Prejean. will include a prayer for world peaee. pro-kanaka maoli speakers, songs and hula, re-enactment drama. and vigil for the Queen.

• Ahakuka O Na Kupuna - plan to conduct three evening vigils Jan. 14-16 at the Queen's gate to 'Iolani Palaee. They plan prayer services, fasting and "mihi" to ask for forgiveness for the wrong done to the Queen. • Hui Na'auao is planning a dramatic costumed reenactment of the armed invasion and overthrow of the Hawaiian Kingdom, Jan. 15-17, 1993. A cast of over 200 performers will chronicle the major historieal persons and episodes whieh led to the abrogation of the monarchy and the declaration of a provisional government. The re-enactment will take plaee at the Palaee grounds and former government buildings and at the approximate times of the events of history.

• Hui Malama 'Aina O La'ie and Hawai'i La'iekawai Association plan a walking lament (ue) with chanting, on Jan. 17 from Kawaiaha'o Church to 'Iolani Palaee and the Queen's statue. Monday Jan. 18 to Wed., Jan. 20 a march to the Palaee is planned from different parts-of O'ahu to draw attention to Hawaiian sovereignty. • A two-hour television special on the life of Queen Lili'uokalani will be aired on KHET on January 17 at 7 p.m.

The state Legislature provided $150,000 in the OHA budget for events on O'ahu, whieh must be matched dollar-for-dollar by private funds. The committee is seeking donations from corporate and charitable sponsors, and is also planning selected fundraiser projects. The Legislature also established a 15-member Queen Lili'uokalani Celebration Commission, to educate the public about the events of the Queen's life. The commission will coordinate events on the neighbor islands for Jan. 15-17, 1993. Funds of $90,000 were provided for this purpose.

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