Educational Resource & Reference

Glossary of Hawaiian Sovereignty & Nation of Hawai‘i Governance

The Hawaiian Sovereignty Glossary serves as a reference guide to the legal, historical, cultural, and governance terms central to understanding the Hawaiian Kingdom, the events of 1893, and ongoing restoration efforts led by the Nation of Hawai‘i.

This resource is designed to support education, research, civic engagement, and informed dialogue. Definitions draw from constitutional history, international law, Indigenous governance principles, and contemporary nation-building initiatives.

The glossary continues to expand as new policies, institutions, and restoration frameworks are developed.

All | # A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z

There are currently 8 terms in this directory beginning with the letter C.

Cabinet Council

Executive advisory body within governance structures.

Central Bank (Nation of Hawaiʻi)

Proposed or established monetary authority under Nation governance.

Civic Engagement

Participation in governance, cultural stewardship, and community service.

Communal Land Tenure

Pre-Māhele land system where land was collectively stewarded.

Constitution of 1840

First written constitution of the Hawaiian Kingdom.

Constitution of 1852

Expanded constitution strengthening civil governance.

Cultural Protocol

Traditional guidelines governing respectful engagement.

Cultural Sovereignty

Right to maintain language, tradition, and identity.