'Onipa'a

'Onipa'a

KE ALOHA O KA HAKU Mai nānā 'ino'ino Nā hewa o kānaka, Akā, e huikala A ma'ema'e nō. . . . Ko mākou maluhia A mau loa aku nō.

THE QUEEN'S PRAYER Behold not with Malevolence the sins of man But forgive And cleanse . . . And let peace be our portion Now and forever more.

The verses composed by Queen Lili'uokalani while imprisoned, as well as her motto, 'Onipa'a—be steadfast, firm, resolute—continue to wield profound influence over the Kānaka Maoli in their struggle for sovereignty and self-determination, in their strivings for justice.

In 1993, the people of Hawai'i came together to commemorate the centennial of the overthrow of the Hawaiian monarchy. The following passage is from 'Onipa'a: Five Days in the History of the Hawaiian Nation, published by the Office of Hawaiian Affairs:

For five days in January, 1993, thousands of kānaka maoli, Native Hawaiians, traveled from throughout the Hawaiian islands to gather at 'Iolani Palace for one of the most extraordinary events to have taken place in modern Hawaiian history. Although they came from all walks of life and backgrounds, the descendants of the ancient civilization that once thrived in these Pacific islands united to express their love for the memory of their Queen Lili'uokalani, to mourn the overthrow of the Hawaiian Kingdom on January 17, 1893, and to call out to the world that the right of self-determination must be restored to their sovereign nation. After 100 years of dishonor, neglect and shame, the Hawaiian people were renewed in their efforts to seek justice for historic wrongs.…

In the words and drama which were conveyed through the many 'Onipa'a ceremonies, vigils and theatrical re-creations of history, one understands the unresolved pain of past injustices and the vision for reconciliation and restitution for a healed Hawaiian nation.

My recollection of 'Onipa'a is at once overwhelmed by the thousands who gathered, of the many good friends who have since passed away—their expressions of exultation, their tears, their voices, mournful chants before sunrise in front of Washington Place, Queen Lili'uokalani's last residence; their rousing oratory; the torchlight ceremonies, torchlight marches, vigils, ho'okupu ceremonies, 'awa ceremonies; the sight of many thousands, representing each of the islands, small communities, families, all marching together for love of the Queen—all believing in the future restoration of their nation—all welcomed with protocol ceremonies and chants at the gates of 'Iolani Palace; the Papakōlea kūpuna and keiki with whom I marched down the slopes of Pūowaina, Punchbowl Crater, to the Palace; the stirring speeches by sovereignty leaders; joining with throngs, bearing witness to the historical re-enactments, the sixteen-act "street drama" scripted by acclaimed playwright Victoria Nālani Kneubuhl, directed by the late Dallas Mossman Vogeler, acted out by ordinary citizens, activists and the extraordinary Glenn Grant—joining with a vast and wonderful audience picnic-style on the grass in a surround of trees to express displeasure with annexationists and to cheer Kānaka Maoli patriots; circulating petitions to express support for the governor's decision to allow only one flag—the Hawaiian flag—to be flown at 'Iolani Palace during 'Onipa'a—these and many other memories are fondly recalled.

I was also deeply affected by a personal experience that occurred when a young haole soldier began marching about the Palace grounds, proudly carrying a very large American flag. There was...