Independence Day

 Happy Fourth y'all! 
(Or ya'll for that unusual minority...)

I've been wondering how the 4th is celebrated in Hawai'i - obviously there are fireworks, and the traditional mainland US celebrations.

(For a listing of the big Maunalua Bay fireworks and festival, click here.)

But understandably, Independence Day may not have the same meaning there - thus I present a short bit of information about La Ku`oko`a, Hawaiian Independence Day.

Excerpts from this site:


La Ku`oko`a marks the day, November 28, 1843, that the Ali`i Timoteo Ha`alilio, sent as part of an envoy by King Kamehameha III, succeeded in obtaining the signatures of the authorities of Great Britain and France on a treaty recognizing Hawai`i as a sovereign nation. Ha`alilio, with the missionary William Richards along as his secretary, traveled through Mexico on foot and donkey to Washington D.C., where they met President John Tyler. Ha`alilio and Richards, armed with his agreement, then went on to Europe, to Belgium, Paris, and London, where the treaty was finally signed. They returned to the United States to cement U.S. agreement. On the journey home Ke Ali`i Timoteo Ha`alilio died, on December 3, 1844. 

The Treaty of Independence was a substantial achievement under international law, recognized by the government of the Kingdom through the official celebration of La Ku`oko`a. After the overthrow in 1893, the so-called Republic of Hawai`i government announced that November 28, 1895—a Thursday—would no longer be celebrated as La Ku`oko`a. Instead, Thanksgiving would become the official national holiday.

(Needless to say, this did not sit well with many native Hawai'ians.)
The date has been held up as a reason to celebrate Hawai'ian self-identity, one validated by other nations, even today.

I don't know nearly enough to state my opinions on this situation - but it is interesting to note that both days are marked and recognized with celebrations by the University of Hawai'i at Manoa.
I look forward to learning more about them as we get 'rooted' there.

There will be new items in the shop posted tomorrow - stop by and take a look if you like.  (The link is to the right...)  Miss T and myself have been in a painting frenzy this weekend.  

Patch the Wonder Pup is ready for the BBQ

Thanks for stopping by!