Ka Wai Ola - Office of Hawaiian Affairs, Volume 15, Number 9, 1 September 1998 — Dispelling Myths PHOTO: JAYSON HARPER [ARTICLE+ILLUSTRATION]

Dispelling Myths PHOTO: JAYSON HARPER

Thousands of Hawaiians gathered at 'Iolani Palaee to commemorate, reflect and educate.

By Manu Boyd ON AUG. 12, Hawaiians eame together, unified in spirit, to learn about, reflect on and pay tribute to the patriotism of their ancestors who, a century ago, strongly opposed annexation. The "Palapala Ho'opi'i Ho'ohui 'Āina," known as the "monster petition," with more than 21,000 signatures, was discovered just last year by researcher Noenoe Silva, and, appropriately, it became the centerpiece of Hawai'i's annexation events, whieh were unlike any other such centennial in the history of the U.S. The events taking plaee from Washington, D.C. to 'Iolani Palaee succeeded on many levels, especially in dispelling "myths" about Native Hawaiians who are organized, who ean work together, who do get good press (when comprehensive information is provided to the media) and are capable of making decisions that affect their people and their kulaiwi (native land).

Event organizers expressed "ho'omaika'i" to all who worked harmoniously, diligently and productively to ensure a world-class tribute to our ancestors. Setting the tone for the Aug. 1 2 event was the "Ke Kukui 'Ā," a march of burning torches around O'ahu by the Hawaiian Patriotic League; the 18-hour kupuna vigil at the 'Iolani Barracks organized by Aunty Havannah McLafferty; the awe-inspiring "Fallen Warriors Ceremony," dutifully conducted by Kumu Keola Lake; and the regal, early morning procession from Mauna 'Ala to the Palaee. In an impressive show of Hawaiian protocol, the

procession was led by the "Kā'ei Kapu O Līloa," the feathered sash of Līloa, a fragile treasure reverently carried high on a mānele. Inherited by Queen Lili'uokalani, the sash belonged to Līloa,15th century mō'ī of Hawai'i island, who counts thousands of descendants today. Surrounding the relic were 40 members of Nā Koa bearing ihe and pololū (spears), and a school of chanters carrying stalks of lā'ī. March units following represented the eight sovereign rulers of the kingdom from Kamehameha I to Queen Lili'uokalani, replete with portraits, lei, kāhili and See MYTHS on page 12

Mel Kalahiki places a portrait of Kalanikualiholiho (Kamehameha II) on the Palaee lanai.

Myths

From page 1 members of royal societies. The tenth and largest unit of the procession was led by copies of the "monster | petition" followed by hundreds representing Hawaiian | organizations, families, individuals and supporters. 4 After ceremonial mele kāhea and mele komo, the \ Kauikeaouli Gate at King Street was opened, and the r. , impressive procession entered the already bustling Palaee grounds.

ndoubtedly, the highlight of the Uevent was the raising of an enormous Hawaiian flag over the Palaee at noon, exactly a century after it was lowered by Republic of Hawai 'i officials. Captured in that profound moment were the hopes and dreams of generations of Hawaiians for years obscured by eolonial

ideologies ot assimnation and cultural denial. \ To the pulsating pahu of 'īlio'ulaokalani and

the tears of thousands of onlookers, the flag's re-ascent to the Palaee pinnaele climaxed with the poignant anthem, "Hawai'i i Pono'ī," by the Royal Hawaiian Band, including two verses that are rarelv heard

(see complete text above). Shouts of "kū'ē" (protest) echoed through the throngs during the interactive drama, "Forever Protest

Annexation," directed by Kalama Nīheu and the l 1 898 Kōmike. Unlike the typical historical P reenactment, the cast put a twist on events,

depicting "the way it should have happened," culminating with the arrest of republic president Sanford B. Dole by Hawaiians and the restoration of Queen