La Hoihoi Ea celebrated in Honolulu ahead of holiday

HONOLULU (HawaiiNewsNow) – July 31 marks La Ho’iho’i Ea, or Sovereignty Restoration Day, in Hawaii.

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On Sunday, a weekend celebration was held at Thomas Square in Honolulu, home of the King Kamehameha III statue.

Dozens listened to live music and heard leaders of Hawaiian organizations speak.

One of those organizations was the Protect Kaho’olawe Ohana, featured as this year’s honorees, as they celebrated 50 years of Aloha Aina.

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“This year, the Protect Kaho’olawe Ohana is here to call attention to this legacy of Aloha Aina and to ignite the spirit of Aloha Aina for the next 50 years, because all of the sacrifices that have been made in the last 50 years are only going to mean something if there’s another 50 years to add to it, said Kaipulaumakaniolono Baker, with Protect Kaho’olawe Ohana.

La Ho’iho’i Ea was officially established by King Kamehameha III in 1843 and marks the return of Hawaii’s sovereignty after an illegal seizure by the British Crown.

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