Thousands march to Iolani Palace to mark anniversary of overthrow

CRAIG T. KOJIMA / CKOJIMA@STARADVERTISER.COM
Thousands participate today in a peace march commemorating the 125th anniversary of the overthrow of Hawaiian monarchy. Marching from the Royal Mausoleum in Nuuanu, the marchers enter Iolani Palace grounds for ceremonies.

CRAIG T. KOJIMA / CKOJIMA@STARADVERTISER.COM
Participants in today’s peace march commemorating the 125th anniversary of the overthrow of the Hawaiian monarchy wept as the Hawaiian flag was flown over Iolani Palace.


Thousands of people, many dressed in black, marched to Iolani Palace this morning to mark the 125th anniversary of the overthrow of the Hawaiian monarchy.
The march started after 9 a.m. at the Royal Mausoleum at Mauna Ala and head down Nuuanu Avenue before turning onto Beretania, Richards and King streets, arriving at Iolani Palace around 10:30 a.m.
March from Royal Mausoleum to Iolani Palace photo gallery. Opens in a new tab
At 10:45 a.m. the Hawaiian flag was raised above the palace at the same time of day it was taken down during the overthrow 125 years ago.
The rally moved to the Queen Lili‘uokalani statue on the makai side of the state Capitol and then onto the Capitol rotunda for live music, hula and speeches.
The rally coincided with the opening day of the state Legislature.
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It was on Jan. 17, 1893, that Western businessmen and missionary descendants, backed by U.S. Marines, toppled the queen. One hundred years later the U.S. formally apologized for its role in the overthrow, and a centennial observance attracted more than 20,000 to Iolani Palace.
The rally was planned by Hui Ku Like Kakou, the Royal Order of Kamehameha I, the Kalihi Palama Culture and Arts Society, ʻAina Momona, Kamehameha Schools and the Office of Hawaiian Affairs, among other organizations.