Hawaiian sovereignty movement

Queen Liliuokalani Kingdom Restoration Spiritual Walk poster

2012 King Kamehameha Parade (7435727046)

Hui Aloha

Aerial-Makena-Molokini-Kahoolawe

Thirty Meter Telescope protest, October 7, 2014 C

Hawaiian Sovereignty Movement

The Hawaiian Sovereignty Movement is a political and cultural campaign advocating for the autonomy of Hawaii. This movement seeks to address and rectify the historical injustices following the overthrow of the Kingdom of Hawaii in 1893, leading to its eventual annexation by the United States in 1898. The movement encompasses a broad spectrum of goals ranging from complete independence and the establishment of a nation-state to forms of federal recognition and autonomy within the United States.

History

The history of the Hawaiian Sovereignty Movement is deeply intertwined with the colonization and subsequent annexation of Hawaii. In 1893, the Kingdom of Hawaii was illegally overthrown by a group of American and European businessmen, with support from the United States military. This led to the establishment of a provisional government, which was succeeded by the Republic of Hawaii in 1894. Despite opposition from Native Hawaiians and international controversy, Hawaii was annexed by the United States in 1898.

The movement gained momentum in the 1970s, paralleling the global wave of decolonization and the resurgence of indigenous rights movements in the United States. Key events, such as the occupation of Kahoʻolawe Island, which was used as a bombing range by the U.S. Navy, and the 1993 Apology Resolution by the U.S. Congress, acknowledging the United States' role in the illegal overthrow of the Kingdom of Hawaii, have fueled the movement.

Goals and Ideologies

The Hawaiian Sovereignty Movement is diverse, with its participants advocating for a range of outcomes. These include:

• Independence/Restoration of the Kingdom: Some groups and individuals advocate for the complete independence of Hawaii from the United States, seeking to restore the sovereignty that was lost in 1893.
• Federal Recognition: Others push for federal recognition of Native Hawaiians in a manner similar to Native American tribes, which would grant Hawaiians self-governance rights and recognition within the U.S. legal framework.
• Cultural Preservation: A significant aspect of the movement focuses on the preservation and revitalization of Hawaiian culture, language, and traditions, which were suppressed following annexation.

Challenges

The movement faces several challenges, including legal and political hurdles within the United States, divisions within the movement regarding the desired end goal, and the practicalities of establishing sovereignty or autonomy.

Impact

Despite these challenges, the Hawaiian Sovereignty Movement has had a significant impact on Hawaiian culture and politics. It has led to a resurgence of Hawaiian language and traditions, increased awareness and discussion of Native Hawaiian rights, and has influenced political discourse in Hawaii and the United States.

See Also

• History of Hawaii
• Native Hawaiians
• Overthrow of the Kingdom of Hawaii
• Annexation of Hawaii

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