June 7: Declaration of Rights in Hawaii (1839)
Prayer Idea
Pray for the people and government of Hawaii.
History Note
Hawaii was likely settled by Polynesian migrants in the centuries before 1000 AD.
Kamehameha (c. 1758-1819) led the unification of the Hawaiian islands into one kingdom in the late 1700s and early 1800s. A tradition associates the year of his birth with the appearance of a bright star, which could correspond to Halley’s comet.
During the reign Kamehameha III, son of Kamehameha I, the kingdom adopted a Declaration of Rights. Published on June 7, 1839, the statement established equal rights for ali‘i (Hawaiian nobility) and the common people. Here is an excerpt from the English translation:
God hath made of one blood all nations of men, to dwell on the face of the earth in unity and blessedness. God has also bestowed certain rights alike on all men, and all chiefs and all people of all lands. These are some of the rights which he has given alike to every man and every chief: life, limb, liberty, the labor of his hands and productions of his mind.
This was followed in 1840 by a constitution that created a supreme court and a house of representatives elected by the people, in addition to the council of chiefs.
Largely because of disease introduced by European and American visitors, the indigenous population of Hawaii decreased from a few hundred thousand in the late 1700s to about 35,000 in 1890. In 1893 a group of American business leaders overthrew the Hawaiian monarchy with support from the U.S. military. They asked for annexation by the United States, which finally happened in 1898.
Hawaii remained a territory of the United States until 1959, when it became the 50th state. The population of Kānaka Maoli (Native Hawaiians) increased during the 20th century. About one-fifth of Hawaii’s 1.5 million people claim Kānaka Maoli ancestry.
This image shows an 1840 publication of Kumu Kanawai, a guide to Hawaiian law. Image courtesy Punahou School.
Learn More
This video looks at changes in Hawaiian government during the 19th century.
Find other resources at Homeschool History.
