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Introduction to Ali‘i Diplomatic Missions and Other Business Travel Research Phase 1
Prepared by Martha Ross, Bureau Chief, OHA Washington, D.C. Bureau May 2006
"Aloha kakou. We, Office of Hawaiian Affairs (OHA), Ke Ali‘i Maka‘āinana Hawaiian Civic Club (KAMHCC) and other individuals worked together on this research to learn more about the nation-to-nation diplomatic missions to Washington, D.C. conducted by the leaders of the indigenous sovereign nation of Hawai‘i, and to share the information with others. The inspiration for initiating this research were the leaders of the Royal Order of Kamehameha 1, ‘Ahahui Ka‘ahumanu , Hale O Nā Ali‘i O Hawai‘i and Māmakakaua – Daughters and Sons of Hawaiian Warriors who traveled together to Washington, D.C., the week of September 13, 2003, to walk the halls of Congress and speak with U.S. Senators. These representatives of the Native Hawaiian Royal Societies sought support for the establishment of a process of federal recognition for Native Hawaiians as a step in the process of reconciliation between the United States and Native Hawaiians, to reaffirm the legal and political legal status as indigenous sovereigns, protect existing rights and resources from erosion and assure perpetuation of the distinct indigenous Hawaiian culture through self-determination.
As you read Research Phase I, please be aware that our research is on-going, not all Ali‘i diplomatic missions and business in Washington, D.C. are included, and not all itineraries and locations, then and now, have been identified at this time. Our intention in producing this Research Phase I document is to provide the purpose of the included missions and some additional facts, as a place to start for those interested in visiting sites where Ali‘i and their representatives conducted business and lodged while in Washington, D.C. There is much more research to be completed in Research Phase II. We hope readers find this Research Phase I compilation useful. We have included our sources and worked carefully to be accurate, however, we apologize for any errors, and if the information you seek is not included in Phase I. Please contact us at marthaross@ohadc.org should you have questions, information to share, corrections or want to assist with Phase II.
Background
The OHA Washington, D.C. Bureau is frequently asked about Ali‘i diplomatic missions to Washington, D.C. Ali‘i (Native Hawaiian chiefs, kings, queens), the leaders of indigenous sovereign Hawai‘i, conducted or directed diplomatic business throughout the world community, including numerous nation-to-nation missions to Washington, D.C. These missions to D.C. continued after the illegal overthrow of the kingdom of Hawai’i in 1893, as the Ali‘i advocated for restoration of the indigenous sovereign government, sought reconciliation and the rights of the indigenous people of Hawai‘i, consistent with their inherent sovereign rights, culture, values and priorities. Visitors ask questions about the purpose of the Ali‘i diplomatic missions and, in addition, inquiries are focused on places. Where did the Ali‘i and their official representatives lodge and conduct the business meetings and introductions identified in their itineraries? Many express a desire to visit these places of historic importance.
OHA deeply appreciates the volunteer project coordination by Bryce Mendez, the partnership with Ke Ali‘i Maka‘āinana Hawaiian Civic Club (KAMHCC), all the volunteer researchers and the OHA Washington, D.C. Bureau team."
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