ʻOnipaʻa: The Peace March

The signs held during the march from the Royal Mausoleum to ʻIolani Palace. Ronan Cook, Ka Leo O Hawaiʻ

January 17th marks the 132nd anniversary of the overthrow of the Hawaiian Kingdom. On this day the united states military, at the request of a coalition of wealthy business men, overthrew the legitimate Queen Liliʻuokalani, who surrendered without to spare the bloodshed of her people.

The first Onipaʻa peace march took place on January 17th, 1993, to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the overthrow. Hawaiians marched from the famous Aloha Tower to ʻIolani Palace, where Haunani Kay Trask gave her now infamous “We Are Not American” speech.

That same year President Bill Clinton signed Law 103-150 better known as the "Apology Resolution” in which the United States formally apologised for the illegal overthrow of the Hawaiian Kingdom.

Attendees gave speeches about how to move toward the fight for freedom. Ronan Cook, Ka Leo O Hawaiʻi

32 years later and the march continues to draw crowds. One by one various delegations from schools, clubs and organizations arrived at the Royal Mausoleum. They were welcomed at the gates by Nā Koa (Hawaiian Warriors) dressed in black malo and kihei armed with spears, (From my experience with Lua the black malo and kihei symbolises death and is also a reference to how the Nā Koa always trained at night in order to keep the martial art secret from prying eyes).

At 9:45, a symphony of Pū (Hawaiian conch and bamboo trumpets) signified the beginning of the march. First to leave the gates of the Mausoleum were chanters, who lead the way announcing the arrival of the queen, following them were kahili bearers, and lastly an Image of the Queen herself flanked on all four sides by Nā Koa.

One by one the various groups left the gates of the mausoleum, and lastly the surrounding crowd who waited patiently outside the gate joined in. As we marched down the road we sang patriotic songs, chanted, and shouted slogans such as “a people united can never be defeated” and “there is only one solution, huli hia revolution!”.

When we finally reached ʻIolani Palace we were greeted once again by royal chanters, who welcomed us inside. The grounds of ʻIolani Palace were full. Several different artists performed on stage, and speakers gave impassioned speeches about sovereignty, resilience and the various problems that Hawaiʻi is facing, and how to overcome them.

ʻIolani Palace stands proud after 132 years of American Imperialism. Ronan Cook, Ka Leo O Hawaiʻi

There was something I didn’t tell my friends as we marched. I was having the time of my life, but I couldn't help but feel a bit solemn. 132 years is a long time, and with every passing year more Hawaiians leave, more people from the mainland come, people forget, they grow comfortable living under American occupation.

If we couldn’t restore the kingdom all those years ago, how could we possibly do it now?

As I walked around the palace grounds, listening to music, visiting the various booths, I accidentally ran into my uncle of all people! I had no idea he would be there. Lucky for me, because he offered me a ride back to my car which I had parked near the Mausoleum.

As he drove me back up the same road that thousands of Hawaiians and their allies had walked mere hours ago, he said something that stuck with me, “You know back when I was young we never could have thought, you know, us guys, could do something like this”.

Those simple words gave me a lot of hope for the future. In spite of all the struggle and hardship, Hawaiians have persevered, we have fought, and we have survived. And if the determination and spirit shown at this event is indicative of the future, then perhaps sovereignty isn’t out of the question. We must remain, as Queen Liliʻu was fond of saying, “ ʻOnipaʻa” steadfast.