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Hawaii Was One of Many Countries that the U.K. Has Invaded

Submitted by HPI on Mon, 02/17/2014 - 20:31

Restoration of Hawaiian sovereignty ceremony occurred over 170 years ago at Thomas Square

According to British author Stuart Laycock, the country now called the U.K. has invaded nearly 90 percent of the countries of the world. Back in February 18, 1843, Hawaii was one of them, taken over by Britain in an episode known as "The Paulet Affair," named after instigator Lord George Paulet, captain of HMS Caryfort, who threatened to attack Honolulu if his demands were not met. King Kamehameha III acceded, under protest.

British Rear Admiral Richard Thomas, hearing of the actions of his subordinate Paulet, sailed into Honolulu Harbor five months later, on July 26, aboard his flagship HMS Dublin. After a brief investigation he restored Hawaii's sovereignty on July 31, 1843 in a ceremony with King Kamehameha III at what is now called Thomas Square. In gratitude to Britain for doing the right thing, the park was laid out in the design of the British flag and was set aside for the people of Hawaii, becoming their first public park.

British flag

Ken Conklin, who holds a Ph.D. in philosophy with a strong emphasis on education, has written extensively on Hawaiian sovereignty, which necessarily includes researching Hawaiian history. He has also studied the Hawaiian language. He writes, "At that time I believe Thomas Square was either on the waterfront or very close (what's makai from there today is landfill). The story goes that what we now call Thomas Square is the place where Kauikeaouli [Kamehameha III] was waiting to greet Admiral Thomas as he stepped ashore and presented the proclamation returning sovereignty. The King then led a procession to the newly dedicated Kawaiaha'o Church, walking side by side with his closest advisor Rev. Dr. Gerrit Judd. On the steps of the church, in front of a large crowd, Judd read the English-language proclamation in a loud voice in fluent Hawaiian, whereupon the King gave his famous one-liner 'Ua mau ke ea o ka 'aina i ka pono' which today is translated with one of its meanings, 'The life of the land is perpetuated in righteousness.' But what does that mean, 'the life of the land'? That's nonsense, unless the topic of discussion is gardening. The phrase 'ke ea o ka 'aina' in the context of those events clearly means 'sovereignty.''Sovereignty has been restored because it was the righteous thing to do.'"

Aerial view of Thomas Square courtesy of Google Earth

Hawaii continues to celebrate Restoration Day on July 31 to this day.

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