Ka Wai Ola - Office of Hawaiian Affairs, Volume 14, Number 10, 1 October 1997 — Centenary of a Crime [ARTICLE+ILLUSTRATION]

Centenary of a Crime

by Donold Booth I have read a number of books on the Kingdom of Hawai'i. These works have covered the period from King Kamehameha I through King Kalakāua I. ending with the beloved Queen Lili'uokalani. " 'Onipa'a - Five Days in The History OfThe Hawaiian Nation" is the latest addition to this list. and as far as I am concerned it is a must for anyone interested in the history of the islands or their monarchy. The book describes a week of events staged four years ago in solemn remembrance of the centenary of the overthrow of Queen Lili'uokalani in 1893. The living history reflected in its 188 pages is not only of educational value but is written in a way that keeps the reader's interest. One of the things that hit me when reading it was the strong feeling of independence the peace-loving Hawaiian people have and how they just want to get back what is rightfully theirs — Hawaiian land in Hawaiian hands and then the rest ... the monarchy. 1893 is a long time ago but feelings often grow stronger with the passing of time. In considering Queen Lili'uokalani's dethronement and imprisonment, we need to look

not only at the actual events but at the people who tell them today. It is a story I find hard to read or think about without shedding a tear or two. ■ Donald Booth ofthe Ford Centrefor the Arts in North York, Toronto Canada reviewed " 'Onipa 'a" for the "Monarchy Canada," a journaI whieh focuses on monarchies.

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