Hawaiian Sovereignty

Background

Stories pertaining to the grassroots political and cultural campaign to gain sovereignty for Hawaiʻi. Generally, sovereignty groups focus on self-determination and self-governance, either for Hawaiʻi as an independent nation (in many proposals, for “Hawaiian nationals” descended from subjects of the Hawaiian Kingdom or declaring themselves as such by choice), or for people of whole or part native Hawaiian ancestry in an indigenous “nation to nation” relationship akin to tribal sovereignty with U.S. federal recognition of Native Hawaiians. Some groups also advocate some form of redress from the United States for the 1893 overthrow of Queen Liliʻuokalani, and for what is described as a prolonged military occupation beginning with the 1898 annexation. The movement generally views both the overthrow and annexation as illegal.

Sovereignty advocates have attributed problems plaguing native communities, including houselessness, 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, in the past, challenged United States military forces and law.

ʻOnipaʻa: To move while rooted to this place
  • Verbatim

Dr. Jon Osorio's remarks delivered at yesterday's ‘Onipa‘a Kākou event inside the Capitol rotunda commemorating the 125th anniversary of the overthrow of the Hawaiian Kingdom. Read More »

Jon Osorio
Education, international law and self-determination
  • Verbatim

ʻUmi Perkins on framing statewide education and international discussion on occupied Hawaiʻi around a legal context. Read More »

Umi Perkins
December 8: HIFF winner “Noho Hewa” screens in New York →
  • Announcement
“Ceded” lands issue arrives at legislature’s doorstep
  • First-Hand Report
Ikaika M Hussey
Anger, betrayal aimed at Bennett on lands case →
  • News Report
Samson Kaala Reiny
So much for “Shaloha”
  • Analysis
Hawai`i`imiloa
Lingle: “The State fully owns the land it was given at Statehood”
  • Verbatim
Ikaika M Hussey
Lingle moves forward with U.S. Supreme Court hearing on “ceded” lands
Travis Quezon
Osorio: ‘These are our lands, our responsibility’
Jon Osorio
Supreme Court to hear ‘ceded lands’ case, 29 states sign on
  • News Report
Travis Quezon
Ceded lands deal ignites call for OHA audit
  • Link
Ikaika M Hussey
House version of OHA bill: ‘Not a settlement’
  • Announcement
Ikaika M Hussey
Settlement is unlawful sell-out
  • Opinion
J. Kehaulani Kauanui
Ua hala ka wahine wiwo’ole a ke aloha aina, Tutu Peggy Ha’o-Ross
  • Announcement
Ikaika M Hussey