Ka Wai Ola - Office of Hawaiian Affairs, Volume 10, Number 7, 1 July 1993 — July 31 events mark 150th anniversary of Ka Lā Hoʻihoʻi Ea [ARTICLE]

July 31 events mark 150th anniversary of Ka Lā Hoʻihoʻi Ea

The 150th anniversary of Ka Lā Ho'iho'i Ea, Restoration Day, also known as Hawaiian Flag Day, will be commemorated Saturday, July 31 at Thomas Square, Honolulu. Planned from noon to 3 p.m. is a potluck pā'ina, music, Hawaiian flag raising and 'awa ceremony by native Hawaiian organizations, to commemorate the restoration of Hawaiian sovereignty. It was on this day in 1843, in a special ceremony on the plain of Kulaokahu'a, east of the town of Honolulu, that British Admiral Richard Thomas, acting on royal authority, declared Kamehameha III to be "independent sovereign." Thomas pulled down the Union Jack and ordered the Hawaiian flag hoisted. This ended five months of British occupation instigated by Lord George Paulet. The site of the ceremony later eame to be known

as Thomas Square, in honor of Admiral Thomas. In a thanksgiving service that followed at Kawaiaha'o Church, Kamehameha III uttered the words "Ua mau ke ea o ka 'āina i ka pono." (The life/sovereignty of the land is perpetuated in righteousness.). The Honolulu Department of Parks and Recreation, Outdoor Circle, Straub Hospital, McKinley High School, Honolulu Poliee Department and community groups plan an allday festival with music and entertainment. Events will begin at 9 a.m. with a concert by the RoyaI Hawaiian Band, and conclude with a performance by the Honolulu Symphony. The Honolulu Academy of Arts will feature an exhibition of historical photographs of Thomas Square and its surroundings.