THE SENATE

S.C.R. NO.

55

THIRTIETH LEGISLATURE, 2020

 

STATE OF HAWAII

 

 

 

 

 

SENATE CONCURRENT

RESOLUTION

 

 

designating september as hawaiian history month.

 

 

     WHEREAS, in the month of September, Queen Lili‘uokalani's birth, life, and legacy is remembered and celebrated in the Hawaiian community, including at churches and Hawaiian organizations, such as Kawaiaha‘o Church’s Ali‘i Sunday, the Lili‘uokalani Trust Kīpuka (children centers), and the Kamehameha Schools; and

 

     WHEREAS, in September 2019, Ali‘iōlani Hale King Kamehameha V Judiciary History Center hosted a temporary exhibit on the Kingdom’s diplomacy with foreign countries, the Kingdom's Constitutions, the effects of foreign introduced disease in Hawai‘i and the history of laws pertaining to ‘ōlelo Hawai‘i (Hawaiian language); and

 

     WHEREAS, in September 2019, the Pūko‘a Kani ‘Āina ‘Ike Hawai‘i Speaker Series at Punahou School hosted by the Hawai‘i Pono‘ī Coalition, presented ‘Ike Mōakaaka Revealing Native Agency in Unlikely Places: The 1894 Constitution of the Republic of Hawai‘i, an illustrated presentation by historian and archivist Ronald Williams, Jr. PhD; and

 

     WHEREAS, each year the International Day of Peace is observed around the world on September 21 and the United Nations General Assembly has declared this as a day devoted to strengthening the ideals of peace, both within and among all nations and people; and

 

     WHEREAS, although Queen Lili‘uokalani was deposed as queen, charged with crimes, and imprisoned by the provisional government, she maintained a personal directive of peaceful resistance, believing in God, and entrusting that the political process would return the sovereignty of the Hawaiian Kingdom, and to this day, Queen Lili‘uokalani remains an enduring symbol of hope for her people; and

 

     WHEREAS, in 2006, a small hui (group) of members from the Hawaiian community including Kumu J. Keola Lake, Aaron Mahi, Beau Bassett, Kaho‘onei Panoke, Meleanna Meyer, and Vicky Holt-Takamine, planned for and successfully presented the first large-scale birthday celebration honoring Queen Lili‘uokalani as a world leader and exemplar of peace, on the grounds of ‘Iolani Palace; and

 

     WHEREAS, in August 2007, a hui of native Hawaiian organizations namely Alu Like, Inc., the Association of Hawaiian Civic Clubs, the Friends of ‘Iolani Palace, ‘Ilio‘ulaokalani Coalition, the Kamehameha Schools, the Lili‘uokalani Trust, Nā Pua a Ke Ali‘i Pauahi, Native Hawaiian Bar Association, Native Hawaiian Legal Corporation, Office of Hawaiian Affairs, PA‘I Foundation, and University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa Kamakakūokalani Center for Hawaiian Studies, came together as founding members of the Hawai‘i Pono‘ī Coalition; and

 

     WHEREAS, the Hawai‘i Pono‘ī Coalition was formed to educate those who live in and visit the islands about Hawai‘i's true history, the native Hawaiian people, and the culture that makes Hawai‘i a place like no other; and

 

     WHEREAS, in September 2007, the Hawai‘i Pono‘ī Coalition launched its first commemorative event, ‘Onipa‘a (Steadfast): A Birthday Celebration for Queen Lili‘uokalani, on the grounds of ‘Iolani Palace, billed as "A Day of Learning and Recapturing the History of Hawai‘i"; and

 

     WHEREAS, the Hawai‘i Pono‘ī Coalition has commemorated Queen Lili‘uokalani's birthday on the grounds of ‘Iolani Palace in September of every year since 2007 in its annual signature event, the ‘Onipa‘a Celebration, to honor Queen Lili‘uokalani as a leader of peace and justice, to appreciate our culture, and to educate the public on the true history of Hawai‘i; and

 

     WHEREAS, Mai Poina: The Overthrow, living history walking tours on the grounds of ‘Iolani Palace retracing four pivotal days leading up to and including the overthrow of the Hawaiian monarchy are held for four days in September following the ‘Onipa‘a Celebration and have been since 2010; and

 

     WHEREAS, although Prince Kūhiō Day is an official state holiday to mark the birth of Prince Jonah Kūhiō Kalaniana‘ole – heir to the throne of the Kingdom of Hawai‘i, and Kamehameha Day is an official state holiday to honor Kamehameha I, there is no Hawai‘i state observance or holiday recognizing Queen Lili‘uokalani, Hawai‘i's last ruling monarch; and

 

     WHEREAS, designating September as Hawaiian History Month would be an appropriate way to honor Queen Lili‘uokalani and recognize the contributions of the native Hawaiian community, while also providing community building, educational, and economic opportunities through the previously listed and other events; now, therefore,

 

     BE IT RESOLVED by the Senate of the Thirtieth Legislature of the State of Hawaii, Regular Session of 2020, the House of Representatives concurring, that September be designated as Hawaiian History Month; and

 

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that certified copies of this Concurrent Resolution be transmitted to the Governor, Chairperson of the Board of Trustees of the Office of Hawaiian Affairs, and Mayors of all counties.

 

 

 

 

OFFERED BY:

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Report Title:  

Hawaiian History Month