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Revision as of 20:22, 22 July 2004 by Gerald Farinas (talk | contribs)(diff) ← Previous revision | Latest revision (diff) | Newer revision → (diff)The Hawaiian sovereignty movement is in reference to an active political campaign for the reinstitution of an independent sovereign state of Hawaii separate from the United States — with a preference for the revival of the Hawaiian monarchy overthrown in 1893.
Wilcox Rebellions
The first organized factions of the Hawaiian sovereignty movement were established even before the overthrow of the Hawaiian monarchy. In 1887, a group of American-born government ministers with the support of an armed militia forced King David Kalakaua at gunpoint to promulgate what is now called the Bayonet Constitution. The constitution stripped native Hawaiians of their voting rights while at the same time empowered Americans and other white foreigners to make decisions for the island nation. The king's own powers were limited. A native Hawaiian officer and veteran of the Italian military, Robert William Wilcox, organized a rebellion in 1888 to return the king's power over administration. The rebellion was thwarted by annexationist businessmen and Wilcox was tried for treason.
Acquitted from any wrongdoing, Wilcox organized a second rebellion in 1889 in attempt to forcibly unseat the Americans that had appointed themselves to the Privy Council — the royal cabinet. Again, Wilcox was unsuccessful and tried for treason. Acquitted a second time, Wilcox organized a third rebellion in 1895 in protest of the unfair trial of Queen Liluokalani at the hands of the American Judge Advocate General's Corps. Wilcox planned to attack government buildings in downtown Honolulu at night. Armaments were landed on the beaches of Oahu. The armaments were found and Wilcox was tried for treason once more. This time Wilcox was found guilt and sentenced to death. However, President of Hawaii Sanford B. Dole pardoned Wilcox.
Apology Resolution
The first official recognition of the wrongdoing of American involvement in the overthrow of the Hawaiian monarchy came with the November 15, 1993 signing of United States Public Law 103-150 by President of the United States Bill Clinton. Also called the Apology Resolution, the law apologized for having used military force and having supported the actions of the Minister to Hawaii against the peaceful reigning government of Queen Liliuokalani.
Quotes
- "The recovery of Hawaiian self-determination is not only an issue for Hawaii, but for America. Let all of us, Hawaiian and non-Hawaiian, work toward a common goal. Let us resolve to advance a plan for Hawaiian sovereignty." —Governor Benjamin J. Cayetano, 1998
- "This is a historical issue, based on a relationship between an independent government and the United States of America, and what has happened since and the steps that we need to take to make things right." —Governor Linda Lingle, 2003