On a recent trip to the Hawaiian island of O'ahu, His Excellency, The President and the First Lady had the opportunity to explore aspects of Hawaiian sovereignty. The Kingdom of Hawai'i was overthrown in a coup d'etat in 1893 by a cabal of American and international businessmen. This coup ousted the legitimate ruler of Hawai'i, Queen Lilioukalani and her government and replaced with it a republic. The ultimate goal was the annexation of the Hawaiian Islands the United States, which occurred in 1898. Since those events there have been several movements that continue to this day to restore sovereignty to the Hawaiian people. Sovereignty advocates note continuing problems plaguing native Hawaiian communities, including homelessness, poverty and the erosion of native traditions, stemming from the American takeover and occupation.
During the First Family's visit to Hawai'i, His Excellency briefly visited one bastion of Hawaiian sovereignty, the village of Pu'uhonua O Waimanalo, the Hawaiian Nation-State. Established in 1994, this community is a self-governing "nation within a nation", much like Molossia. Unfortunately, President Baugh was unable to meet with the Head of State, Bumpy Kanahele, but we remain optimistic that a positive diplomatic relationship may lie ahead between our two nations.
Another sign of Hawaiian pride is the Kanaka Maoli, or native Hawaiian, flag. This flag can be very frequently seen throughout Hawai'i, along with the Hawai'i state flag turned upside down, the first representing Hawaiian native pride and the second native opposition to the American occupation of the islands.
The United States admitted its complicity in the overthrow of the rightful Hawaiian government in an official apology in 1993, 100 years after the coup. Nevertheless, there is no movement to restore sovereignty to the Hawaiian Islands and the occupation continues to this day. In 2007, the Molossian Government issued a proclamation condemning the overthrow of the Hawaiian government and the illegal occupation of that nation by American imperialists. Hopefully someday the Hawaiian people will be able to regain their nation and be free once again to take their place in the world community.
The President Visiting Pu'uhonua O Waimanalo.
Pu'uhonua O Waimanalo.
The Kanaka Maoli Flag, with "Stay Mad".
State of Hawai'i Flag, upside down in protest.