Hawaii County considers asking for Restoration Day holiday
Each year, July 31 is known as Ka Hae Hawaii Day, or Hawaiian Flag Day. Circled by attendees holding hands, ‘Anuenueonalani Tui, left, and Maluhia Moses from Halau Ke Kia‘i ‘O Kalamaku danced Saturday as Kawika Mersberg chanted during what they call Ka La Ho‘iho‘i Ea (Sovereignty Restoration Day) at Thomas Square. It commemorates the July 31, 1843, restoration of the Hawaiian monarchy when British Adm. Richard Thomas stopped a five-month occupation of the islands by British naval officer George Paulet.
KAILUA-KONA >> Hawaii County’s council is considering a resolution that would ask state lawmakers to make Restoration Day a holiday.
West Hawaii Today reports council members support the measure and are set to discuss it at a meeting Tuesday.
Restoration Day represents when the Kingdom of Hawaii regained its independence on July 31, 1843.
Counties can’t declare holidays, but during a committee hearing earlier this month Councilwoman Maile David called the resolution an important step.
Puna Councilman Danny Paleka proposed the resolution.
“I think we all have a connection to this,” Paleka said. “In the time of the Hawaiian Kingdom, it was inclusive. It included all the inhabitants that were under that sovereign nation. . I think this small matter is just a step in opening the minds to people that, you know what, we can co-exist with each other on the same soil, in different countries.”
Hawaii Community College associate professor and Hawaiian Civic Club of Hilo leader Noenoe Wong-Wilson says the measure doesn’t go far enough in the eyes of many Native Hawaiians, who appreciate it’s at least being considered.
“During the time of King Kamehameha III . this was a special day in Hawaiian history for celebration and recognition of this important event,” Wong-Wilson said. “We believe this will assist us in bringing the recognition and celebration of this event to Hawaii Island as well as the aina.”
