Native Group Locks Gate of Historic Palace In Bid To Restore Hawaii Nation
April 30, 2008 10:07 p.m. EST
Windsor Genova - AHN News Writer
Honolulu, HI (AHN) - A group of Hawaii natives locked the gates of the historic Iolani Palace in downtown Honolulu on Wednesday in a bid to reclaim and restore the former seat of the islands' monarchy and traditional government.
The group, composed of about 60 people calling themselves the Hawaiian Kingdom Government, prevented workers of the palace-museum from leaving and non-natives from entering.
There was no response from the state police when the group's action were reported, but the group learned that warrants for their arrest were being prepared.
The Associated Press quoted HKG leader Mahealani Kahau as saying that the group doesn't recognize Hawaii as a U.S. state. Kahau, whom the group recognizes as the head of state, told AP, "The Hawaiian Kingdom Government is here and it doesn't plan to leave. This is a continuity of the Hawaiian Kingdom of 1892 to today."
The report also quoted her as saying they will keep the protest peaceful and would return later if evicted.
The Iolani Palace was built in 1882 with King Kalakaua as its royal resident followed by his sister and successor Queen Liliuokalani. The monarchy ended in 1893 with the queen as the last ruler. In 1959, Hawaii became part of the U.S. as the 50th state.
The 'Iolani Palace, located in the Hawaiian capital of Honolulu. 
According to reports, a group of Hawaiian natives, referring to themselves as the "Hawaiian Kingdom Government" under leader Mahealani Kahau, entered the historic 'Iolani Palace Wednesday to allegedly restore the former self-governing nation, overthrown over a century ago.

At about 5:30 a.m. Wednesday morning, an estimated 70 members of the organization padlocked the eight entrances of the palace, once the home of the Hawaiian monarchy, and peacefully occupied the property for about eight hours.  Several dozen employees, volunteers and tourists were prevented from entering.  

The protest ended peacefully by 2 p.m. following negotiations with the state Department of Land and Natural Resources.  No arrests were made, though the group vowed to return in the morning.  "We will not resist, we won't fight, we won't be aggressive. But we'll be back for sure," Kahau said. "The Hawaiian Kingdom Government is here and it doesn't plan to leave. This is a continuity of the Hawaiian Kingdom of 1892 to today."

The palace was constructed for King Kalakaua and later his sister, Queen Liliuokalani. The monarchy ended in 1893 and, in 1959, Hawaii was admitted as the 50th state.