Lā Hoʻihoʻi Ea 2023
A Reflection of the 180th Anniversary of Lā Hoʻihoʻi Ea.
“July 31 is a national holiday known as Lā Hoʻihoʻi Ea (Sovereignty Restoration Day). King Kamehameha III established this holiday in a days-long celebration following the rightful return of sovereign government to Hawaiʻi by the United Kingdom, after an illegal seizure by one of their representatives. He proclaimed, “Ua mau ke ea o ka ʻāina i ka pono”, the ea (sovereignty, life, breath) of our land is perpetuated through justice. Hawaiians continue to breathe life into our sovereignty, and one way we do this is to celebrate ka Lā Hoʻihoʻi Ea. After decades of suppression, the celebrations were revived in 1985 by Uncle Kekuni Blaisdell and other kānaka aloha ʻāina as a way to give voice to Hawaiian independence and to issues surrounding the return and demilitarization of Hawaiian lands.”
It's been a few months since the celebration of Lā Hoʻihoʻi Ea 2023. It's been rough with the Maui fires and trying to assist with aid. I've finally come around to sharing my amazing experience with my people and the lāhui o Hawaiʻi.
LHE was celebrated the weekend of July 30th-July 31st and ran a month-long throughout the Hawaiian Kingdom. I was fortunate enough to attend the Pōkaʻi Bay event on Saturday and at Thomas Square in Honolulu on Sunday.
I've been going to Lā Hoʻihoʻi Ea celebrations since 2014, and it gets bigger yearly. This year was the biggest I've seen; it was also the 180th anniversary! I attend not only as a Kanaka Maoli (Native Hawaiian) but also representing the HAPA Team!
My work is integral to who I am as a person, and I will not represent or do anything that does not align with who I am as a Kanaka Maoli. I'm so proud and grateful for HAPA and its support as a Hawaiian Kingdom subject and a passionate young professional paving the way for myself. HAPA's core program areas support Hawaiian sovereignty: Fair and Sustainable Food Systems, Community-Based Resource Stewardship, Reclaiming Democracy, and Social and Economic Justice.
Hundreds of people attended, and it was good seeing many familiar faces, but many new faces as well! Some of which were our very own HAPABoard Members: Ikaika Hussey (Oʻahu), Kim Coco-Iwamoto (Oʻahu), Kaleikoa Kaʻeo (Maui), and Pualiʻiliʻimaikalani Rossi-Fukino(Kauaʻi). Two of whom flew to Oʻahu to celebrate!
Lā Hoʻihoʻi Ea reminds us all that Hawaiian Sovereignty still exists, and we should continue to exercise our sovereign rights in the Hawaiian Kingdom and celebrate in big and small ways throughout the year. I can't wait to celebrate next year with you all!
Nanea Lo, HAPA’s Administrative and Programs Coordinator
Nanea Lo is from Papakōlea, Oʻahu. She is a Kanaka Maoli (Native Hawaiian). Lo's educational expertise is in community planning and urban planning infrastructures. She is also a podcast host for Native Stories.
Lo is a public servant and serves as the Kona representative for the Oʻahu Burial Council, a commissioner on the Oʻahu Historic Preservation Commission, sits on the board of the Hawaiʻi Workers Center, and serves on the grant making committee for Hawaiʻi People’s Fund.
Through civic engagement, podcast hosting, and community organizing, Lo advocates for Hawaiian sovereignty, Aloha 'Āina, and feminism on the national and international scale. She has been a part of innovative local and international education and advocacy programs such as Planned Parenthood “National” Storyteller for the Pacific Northwest and Hawaiʻi, Hawaiʻi-Asia Pacific Leadership Program, Native American Political Leadership Program, Kuleana Academy, Young Pacific Leaders, and Peace Scholars. She believes that relationships are the fabric of life and that Aloha ʻĀina is forever.
