Hawaii is the only location that celebrates this holiday in honor on the first ruler of the Hawaiian Kingdom, King Kamehameha I, who was born on February 1758, November 1737, or May 1, 1738. Yes, historians are not sure. The 1758 year is popular because Hawaiian legend prophesied the appearance of a comet, and that was the year Halley’s Comet appeared. Speculating on activities over time, the earlier dates look more likely.
He was born of Kohala aliis, and at the age of 14 lifted the Naha Stone (now positioned in front of the Hilo Public Library), somewhat reminiscent of King Arthur and his Excalibur, as there was another legend that this warrior would unite the islands. This he did, but not quite by battle. Starting from the Big Island, he somewhat easily conquered all the islands by 1795 using muskets and cannons, save for Kauai and Niihau. Invasions continued to fail until sandalwood merchants stepped in to preserve their trade by convincing Kaumualii, alii nui of Kauai, to negotiate a peace. Thus Kamehameha the Great in 1810 emerged as the first King of Hawaii.
His reign was indeed successful and many books have been written of his rule and the system he established. His late years were spent where the King Kamehameha Hotel is now located, where the Iron Man World Triathalon starts and finishes in Kailua-Kona. He died on May 18, 1819, and to this day his resting place remains a mystery. King Kamehameha Day was first proclaimed by King Kamehameha V, his grandson, in 1871. This monarchy continued until 1898 when Hawaii was annexed by the United States.
Interesting that this holiday is a holiday, for nothing much is happening today. However, festivities began on Kauai on May 30 in Lihue with a floral parade and on the Big Island yesterday for Ka ‘Ahu Lei ‘O Kamehameha at the Wailoa State Park statue site in Hilo
On the island of Oahu:
- Friday, June 12, 3:30 P.M. -Music by the Royal Hawaiian Band at Ali`iolani Hale, as a prelude to the statue decoration ceremonies (see photo above)
- Saturday, June 13, 9:30 A.M. - 93rd Annual King Kamehameha Celebration Floral Parade, beginning at King and Richards Streets and ending at the Queen Kapiolani Park, where festivities begin at 9 AM.
To follow will be the 36th Annual King Kamehameha Hula Competition at the Neal S. Blaisdell Center Arena from 6PM on June 26, continuing on Saturday at 1PM.
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The Dow Jones jumped +144, then declined to +32, to settle at 8771. Gold went up $3/toz to $956 and crude oil remained above $72/barrel.
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There remains the potential for storm development south and west of Baha.
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Oh, by the way, that Swine Flu Pandemic was declared today by the World Health Organization. See my views on this subject below.
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