Members of a Hawaiian sovereignty group arrested after refusing to leave the grounds of Iolani Palace Monday say their arrests brought the worldwide attention they were seeking during the week of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit.

The Hawaiian Kingdom Government members chose APEC week to stage a protest because of "our desire to get the message out, not only in Hawaii, but across the nation especially, but the world, too, because we’re sovereign to this land," said 81-year-old Alexander Aina of Maui, who was arrested but released because of medical reasons. "We’re trying to get our government on the ground. … I hope the message (of Hawaiian self-determination) is getting across."

Janet Hueu Redo, 65, of Maui said Tuesday morning, "I saw this on CNN yesterday morning and Channel 9 last night. I said, ‘Wow, it’s making world news.’"

It prompted her to join the protesters, leaving her Keanae home at 3:30 a.m. Tuesday to drive to the airport, fly to Honolulu and be in court at 8:30 a.m. to support those arrested who were scheduled to be arraigned. "I’m here to support the group," she said.

The two made comments before the protesters’ arraignment in Kaneohe District Court. The arraignment was postponed until 1 p.m. and then was delayed for more than an hour.

The protesters refused to enter pleas and said they did not acknowledge the state court’s jurisdiction because they said they belong to the Hawaiian Kingdom Government.

Judge Michael Tanigawa entered pleas of not guilty on their behalf. All were released on their own recognizance, without posting the $25 bail.

Deputy sheriffs unshackled the leg irons on 19 protesters who stood together during their court appearance, and the protesters praised the judge, who denied the prosecution’s request to restrict their freedom.

Tanigawa freed the remaining 19 of the 22 protesters who were arrested Monday evening and charged with second-degree criminal trespassing, a petty misdemeanor, after they allegedly refused to leave Iolani Palace grounds, which closed to the public Monday through Nov. 15. Three protesters were released at 2 a.m. Tuesday for medical reasons.

Security was beefed up with at least 15 extra deputy sheriffs posted inside and outside the courthouse as well as several police officers.

A couple of dozen family and group members, many of whom flew from Maui, lent their support to the protesters.

The 19 arraigned were Lambert C. Smith, Dayne P. Kahau, His Highness Luaiele, Jack Hall, Kaipo Kahanoi, Duane Waioalama, Keline K.L. Kahau, Uluwehi Naehu, Joan K. Waiolama, Pali Kalauawa, Charlotte Kahalewai, Mahealani Kahau, Ronald W. Hightower, Solomon Hoopai Jr., Rowena Afoa, Angie Pakaki, Charlene Kamakeeaina, Gloria Ohelo and Kelikina Kong.

The three released for medical reasons were Clarence Chow Ah Nee Jr., Raymond Pahukoa and Aina.

Trial is set Jan. 12 for the 19 and Dec. 5 for the three others.

"This group stated they would re-enter the palace," said Deputy Attorney General Vince Kanemoto, who asked that the defendants be blocked from returning to Iolani Palace during APEC for the "safety of the property and the people."

Gloria Ohelo, 43, said after the hearing that Kanemoto’s words were "all lies," adding, "I’m proud to have done it. I feel that what we did is right, and we did it in a nice way. Love and aloha is what we’re taught."

"It was a victorious day for us because this is our land and we just want to take it back, and the judge saw it," said Rowena Afoa shortly after being released. "We have our right to this land more than anybody else."

"We tried to make a statement that the Hawaiian lands belong to the Hawaiians, but we have nothing to do with APEC because we are trying to stay on the Iolani Palace grounds," said Raymond Pahukoa, 66, adding that the world has heard their message.