2008 occupation of Iolani Palace facts for kids
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In 2008, two different groups tried to take over ʻIolani Palace. This palace is a very important building in downtown Honolulu, Hawaii. It was once the home of the last two rulers of the Hawaiian Kingdom. These groups were part of the Hawaiian sovereignty movement. This movement believes that Hawaii should be an independent country again.
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Attempts to Reclaim ʻIolani Palace
ʻIolani Palace is a special place in Hawaii. It was the official home of Hawaii's kings and queens. In 2008, two separate groups tried to use the palace to show their belief that Hawaii should be its own country.
April 30: A Group Enters Palace Grounds
On April 30, 2008, about 70 people arrived at ʻIolani Palace. This group called itself the Hawaiian Kingdom Government. They blocked the entrances to the palace grounds. Their leader, Mahealani Kahau, said they wanted to show that the Hawaiian Kingdom's government was back. They put up "No Trespassing" signs.
Negotiations and Peaceful Departure
Officials from the Hawaii Department of Land and Natural Resources talked with the group. This state agency manages the palace. After talks, the gates were opened again around 2:00 p.m. No one was arrested. The group returned the next day. This time, they did not block the gates. They peacefully stayed on a part of the palace lawn.
August 15: Another Group Enters Palace Grounds
On August 15, 2008, another group entered ʻIolani Palace. This happened on Statehood Day. This day celebrates when Hawaii became a U.S. state. At 4:30 p.m., 27 people from a group called the Kingdom of Hawaii Nation entered the palace grounds.
The "King of Hawaii" and His Supporters
This group was led by James Akahi. He said he was a descendant of Kamehameha I. He called himself "Majesty Akahi Nui, King of Hawaii." Some members wore red shirts with "SECURITY" on them. Others wore black. The group wanted to make the palace a new center for their government. They hoped to declare Hawaii independent from the United States.
Palace Staff Respond
Several employees of the Friends of ʻIolani Palace were there. This group helps manage the palace. They quickly locked the palace buildings. They also locked themselves inside an office building nearby. Noelani Ah Yuen, a facilities manager, tried to stop the group from locking a gate. She was hurt during this attempt. She then went into the office building with the others. The group raised their flag and entered the ʻIolani Barracks and the Palace.
Police Response and Aftermath
A city police officer did not stop the group at first. This was because the palace grounds are state property. State police, the HDPS, usually handle issues there. The police chief, Boisse Correa, later said his officers did nothing wrong.
Some members of the group faced legal action. Charges against most were dropped. James Akahi was found not guilty of serious charges. However, he was found responsible for simply being on the property without permission and had to pay a fine. Two other group members were tried for hurting a palace employee. They were found not guilty.
