Legacy of Resistance: The Journey Towards Native Hawaiian Sovereignty
This is a story as ancient as the islands that are in the crystalline waters of the pacific, it is a tale of the native Hawaiian sovereignty. For centuries, the islands of Hawaii were home to a thriving civilization which was rich in culture, tradition and language. However, with the arrival of the west in the late 18th century and along with them came the subsequent wave of colonization, this entry marked the beginning of a tumultuous chapter in Hawaiian history.
Since the arrival of white Christian missionaries in the 1820s, the native people of Hawaii known as Kanaka Maoli, have time and again faced relentless assault on their sovereignty, culture and even on the way they live. Over the period of almost 2 centuries, these people have steadfastly resisted the encroachment of colonial powers seeking to dominate their land supress their identity.
By the year 1840, the native population of Hawaii suffered a catastrophic decline, estimated at up to 84 percent, largely due to the introduction of devastating diseases by western colonizers. Furthermore, in 1893, a group of white planters and businessmen with a huge backing from the government of the united states, orchestrated an illegal coup that overthrew the sovereign Hawaiian monarchy. What motivated this coup was the economic interests and along with it the desire for greater control over the resources that belonged to the Hawaiians, they were seen as rich and agricultural resources as they provided the united states with a significant foothold in the pacific region.
Now, as the state of Hawaii was annexed, it became a territory of the united sates and then begin the efforts to control and assimilate the indigenous population. These colonizers had confiscated the native lands through various means. To strengthen their control, certain land laws were imposed that favoured foreign land owners. Along with it, large portions of land were taken over for military purposes, leading to the militarization of parts of the island, particularly during world war 2.
Furthermore, it reached its limits as the traditional Hawaiian culture and their spiritual practices were suppressed by the colonizers . their intentions, as always were to impose western values and beliefs. Their language, that had been one of their primary language of communication and cultural expression for centuries was banned in schools and even government institution. This ban was a drastic bump in their life which further eradicated the cultural identity of the Hawaiian people.
Moving on to the year 1959, Hawaii was now the 50th state of the united states after a vote by the U.S Congress. While the statehood had brought certain benefits, like the representation in congress and access to the federal resources, it even continued the process of assimilation and marginalization of the indigenous Hawaiian population.
Even before the Hawaiian kingdom was overthrown, the native Hawaiians were actively engaged in opposition to the annexation by the united states. In 1887, a group of influential sugar barons and businessmen coerced king Kalakaua into signing the bayonet constitution under duress, it also effectively stripped him of power and disenfranchising the natives of Hawaii. In response to this blatant usurpation, the Hawaiians had organized various hui (organizations) to mobilize protests against the oppressive constitution. One notable resistance leader, Robert Kalanihiapo Wilcox of Maui, he attempted an armed insurrection to overthrow the Bayonet Constitution and the all-white reform government that had imposed it. Despite his efforts, the insurrection failed, and the oppressive regime persisted.
The U.S troops invaded the Hawaiian kingdom in 1893 and effectively facilitated the overthrow of queen Liliuokalani, who was then forced to sign a conditional surrender. After this, the members of the provisional white government eagerly sought annexation by the United Sates. The natives objected, president William McKinley, then signed a treaty of annexation/ the natives resisted with the help of various means which included writing articles in both Hawaiian and English newspapers, withholding offerings to white churches, and signing mele, which is a traditional song, of protest. These efforts by the natives to resist the annexation underlined the deep seated determination of native Hawaiians to protect their sovereignty and preserve their cultural identity in the face of colonial encroachment.
More than 95% of these native individuals had joined to sign the petitions that vehemently rejected the annexation and advocated for the restoration of the monarchy. This collective action, underscored the overwhelming opposition among the native Hawaiians to the annexation by the united states.
In December 1897, three native Hawaiians along with James Kaulia, travelled to Washington D.C where they were accompanied by the queen protested the annexation formally. They put forward compelling evidence which detailed how er government had been unlawfully overthrown, in clear violation of international law. Over the course of three months of intensive lobbying, they tirelessly made their case to senators, ultimately succeeding in thwarting the annexation bill. Sadly, this triumph was short-lived. As the outbreak of the Spanish-American war took place the year after and more importantly it highlighted the strategic importance of Hawaii within the pacific, particularly as a coaling station for the American navy. This renewed focus on the strategic importance of Hawaii prompted congress to vote in favour of officially making Hawaii a U.S territory.
To watch the American flag raising on the islands started to evoke deep grief among many residents, it symbolized the loss of sovereignty and self-determination. Especially the queen, the last ruling monarch of Hawaii, who expressed profound remorse over what she perceived as her failure to protect her nation and even her people. The natives felt collective anguish as they grappled with the loss of their independence and the imposition of colonial rule.
The contemporary movement of sovereignty among the natives is multifaceted that includes various perspectives on the issue of statehood. Some of them argue that the united states’ of the occupation of the islands has been illegal and advocate for the restoration of land rights and compensation for historical injustices. Another faction within the movement advocates for the decolonization of Hawaii under the international trusteeship system that was established by the United Nations for territories under the control of foreign powers.
The year 2009 marked a significant year, a bill known as the native Hawaiian government reorganization act or the Akaka bill, was introduced in the U.S house of representatives. The bill sought federal recognition of native Hawaiians as an indigenous tribal group, allowing them to form their own government on par with that of the federal government. However, despite passing the house, the bill has since stalled in the legislative process. If passed, the Akaka bill would represent a significant milestone for Native Hawaiians, providing them with a degree of self-determination that has been absent since the overthrow of the monarchy in 1893. However, the complex and continues nature of this issue underscores the ongoing struggle for justice and sovereignty faced by native Hawaiians in their quest to reclaim their heritage and rights.
However, as the struggle for justice and self-determination continues, the story of Hawaii serves as a reminder of the ongoing impacts of colonization and the resilience of indigenous peoples in the face of adversity. Their efforts to reclaim their heritage and rights highlight the importance of acknowledging and addressing historical injustices and working towards a more equitable and inclusive future for all.
