What Is Hawaiian Sovereignty?
Hawaiian sovereignty refers to the inherent and internationally recognized statehood of the Hawaiian Kingdom prior to the events of January 17, 1893, and the ongoing efforts to restore national self-governance grounded in that historical foundation.
Before the overthrow of Queen Lili‘uokalani, the Hawaiian Kingdom was a fully functioning constitutional monarchy with a recognized government, defined territory, permanent population, and established diplomatic relations with major global powers. Hawaiian sovereignty is not a modern invention — it is rooted in documented international treaties, constitutional governance, and 19th-century recognition by foreign states.
Today, Hawaiian sovereignty encompasses legal, historical, political, and cultural dimensions, including the peaceful restoration of institutions that reflect the will and welfare of the Hawaiian people.
International Recognition of the Hawaiian Kingdom
The Hawaiian Kingdom was formally recognized as a sovereign nation in the 19th century.
Key milestones include:
- 1810 – King Kamehameha I unifies the Hawaiian Islands under a single monarchial government.
- 1826 – Treaty of Peace, Friendship & Commerce with the United States.
- 1836 – Treaty with Great Britain.
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1839 – Hawaiian Bill of Rights.
- 1840 – First Constitution of the Hawaiian Kingdom.
- 1846 – Joint Anglo-French Declaration recognizing Hawai‘i’s independence.
- 1849 – Treaty of Friendship, Commerce & Navigation with the United States.
- 1871 – Treaty with Japan.
- 1875 – Reciprocity Treaty with the United States.
By the late 19th century, Hawai‘i maintained diplomatic relations with the United States, Great Britain, France, Japan, Belgium, Italy, Spain, the Netherlands, and other nations.
The Kingdom operated as a constitutional government under recognized international law.
The 1893 Overthrow
On January 17, 1893, Queen Lili‘uokalani was overthrown by a group known as the Committee of Safety, composed primarily of American and European businessmen, with support from U.S. Minister John L. Stevens and the presence of U.S. Marines.
A provisional government was established without a treaty of cession from the Hawaiian Kingdom.
In 1898, the United States enacted the Newlands Joint Resolution, asserting annexation. However, no bilateral treaty of annexation was ever ratified between the Hawaiian Kingdom and the United States.
This event remains central to the modern discussion of Hawaiian sovereignty.
U.S. Public Law 103-150 (Apology Resolution)
On November 23, 1993, the United States Congress passed U.S. Public Law 103-150, formally acknowledging the role of the United States in the overthrow of the Hawaiian Kingdom.
The Apology Resolution:
- Recognized the illegal overthrow of 1893.
- Acknowledged that Native Hawaiians never directly relinquished their claims to sovereignty.
- Expressed regret for the events surrounding annexation.
While the resolution does not itself restore sovereignty, it remains an important federal acknowledgment within the historical record.
Contemporary Paths of Hawaiian Sovereignty
Today, discussions around Hawaiian sovereignty include multiple legal and political perspectives:
1. Federal Recognition Model
Recognition of Native Hawaiians as a political entity similar to federally recognized tribes.
2. State Continuity / Restoration Model
Arguments grounded in the continuity of Hawaiian statehood prior to 1893.
3. Independence Model
Full political independence from the United States.
4. Expanded Self-Governance Model
Development of parallel institutions that strengthen Hawaiian governance capacity.
These approaches differ in legal interpretation and political strategy, but all center on self-determination and the future of Hawai‘i.
Nation of Hawai‘i: Institutional Restoration in Practice
The Nation of Hawai‘i has pursued structured institutional development as part of peaceful restoration efforts.
Key developments include:
1994 – Proclamation Restoring Hawai‘i’s Independence
Formal declaration of national restoration efforts.
1995 – Constitution of the Nation of Hawai‘i
Adoption of constitutional governance framework.
2015 – National Monetary System Act
Framework for a national monetary system and digital currency exploration.
2019 – Launch of Hawai‘i’s First Community-Managed Broadband Network
In partnership with the Internet Society and the State Department of Business, Economic Development & Tourism, providing connectivity at Pu‘uhonua O Waimānalo and expanding to rural Native communities.
2021 – Nation of Hawai‘i Central Bank Act
Declaration of economic independence and establishment of regulatory structures for digital currency and credit systems.
2022 – Establishment at Foreign-Trade Zone 9, Honolulu
Expansion into international trade and commerce development.
2019–2026 – International Engagement
Participation in United Nations Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues (UNPFII) and diplomatic engagement with global partners.
Development of National Commissions
- Nation of Hawai‘i Film Commission
- iGaming Commission
- Ministry of Commerce regulatory frameworks
These efforts reflect institutional development grounded in peaceful restoration principles.
Frequently Asked Questions About Hawaiian Sovereignty
Was Hawai‘i internationally recognized as a sovereign nation?
Yes. The Hawaiian Kingdom entered into formal treaties and maintained diplomatic relations with major powers in the 19th century.
Was there a treaty of annexation with the United States?
No bilateral treaty of annexation was ratified between the Hawaiian Kingdom and the United States.
What does U.S. Public Law 103-150 state?
It acknowledges U.S. involvement in the overthrow of 1893 and recognizes that Native Hawaiians never relinquished their claims to sovereignty.
Is Hawaiian sovereignty the same as tribal recognition?
No. Tribal recognition operates under U.S. federal law. Hawaiian sovereignty discussions include broader constitutional and historical frameworks.
What is the Nation of Hawai‘i?
The Nation of Hawai‘i is a national governance body grounded in historical treaty recognition and advancing peaceful institutional development.
The Future of Hawaiian Sovereignty
Hawaiian sovereignty remains an evolving discussion grounded in history, law, identity, and governance. The future of Hawai‘i depends on lawful dialogue, institutional development, and a commitment to peaceful solutions rooted in justice and historical understanding.
The Nation of Hawai‘i continues to pursue structured development of economic, diplomatic, and governance institutions consistent with this vision.
JOIN THE NATION
Nation of Hawaii’s mission is to restore, maintain and preserve the sophisticated religion, language and culture of the Native Hawaiian people, who prior to the overthrow, lived in a highly organized, self-sufficient, subsistent social system based on Communal Land Tenure. (pre-mahele)