Introduction to Hawaii

The Hawaiian sovereignty movement (Hawaiian: ke ea Hawaiʻi) is a grassroots political movement seeking greater autunomy, independence and self-governence of the Hawaiian Islands. After the illegal overthrow of Queen Lili’uokalani in 1898, the United States has engaged in a prolongued military occupation of the islands. Some members of the movement seek redress for lands taken, while proposals to return Hawaii to a Kingdom by reinstating the monarchy also exist. In 1993 the United States Congress passad a resolution apologizing for the annexation of the islands, while also recognizing it was an illegal act.

Sovereignty advocates have attributed problems plaguing native communities including homelessness, poverty, economic marginalization, and the erosion of native traditions to the lack of native governance and political self-determination. They have pursued their agenda through educational initiatives and legislative actions. Along with protests throughout the islands, at the capitol itself as well as the places and locations held as sacred to Hawaiian culture, sovereignty activists have challenged United States forces and law.

Quickfacts:

• Name: Hawaii, Mokuʻāina o Hawaiʻi (Hawaiian)

• Language: Hawaiian, English,

• Population: 1,420,491

• Location: Mid-Pacific Ocean

Learn more:

• Independence Movement

• Facts & Figures

• Flag

• People and Culture

• Watersheds and Ecoregions