![\"momi-fl-morris\"](\"http:\/\/www.dmzhawaii.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2009\/08\/momi-fl-morris.jpg\" "\\"momi-fl-morris\\"")
<\/a> Momi Kamahele chanting to honor Queen Lili’uokalani at the ‘Iolani Palace.\u00a0 Photo: Floyd Morris, Honolulu Star Bulletin (Momi is a kumu hula and a leader in the movement to protect Makua valley.)<\/p>\nThirteen chanters performed about an hour of Hawaiian oli, or chants, at Iolani Palace yesterday in tribute to Queen Liliuokalani – a protest of Hawaii’s 50th anniversary of statehood.<\/p>\n
They chanted about the queen’s glory, her loss and a desire to reclaim what Hawaiians lost. While they hold different views of Hawaiian sovereignty, they all support Hawaiian independence, said Manu Kaiama, the protest organizer.<\/p>\n
More than 100 people listened to the oli – some lamenting, others defiant – by the performers, who were dressed mostly in black on the steps and lanai of the palace.<\/p>\n
“Even though people don’t realize it, we, of course, believe statehood was based upon the illegal overthrow of our queen,” Kaiama said. The event’s purpose was to remind people that a wrong needs to be corrected, she said.<\/p>\n
“The best way to take opposition is to do something celebratory and enriching,” said Judy Talaugon, an American Indian attending the event who also opposed statehood.<\/p>\n
The oli were selected from Hawaiian newspapers, books and family genealogies, and chanters applied their own melodies. They practiced for six months, said Kaiama, who is also a University of Hawaii business professor.<\/p>\n
“At times, more subdued protests such as this one can be more powerful,” said Makainai Mehana, 26, daughter of Kaiama. “Oli is a part of our culture.”<\/p>\n
Another attendee was Lynette Cruz, who organized a protest at the Hawai’i Convention Center earlier in the day.<\/p>\n
Hawaiians need to gather to celebrate their history and culture, and the solemn palace protest was a proper setting, she said. She said it contrasted the earlier political protest, where a lot of rage was released.<\/p>\n
“The focus needs to be put back on the culture,” said Mana Caceres, 33, a musician and salesman. “It brings it almost right back to the scene of the crime for me. It brings it almost full circle.”<\/p>\n
Source: http:\/\/www.starbulletin.com\/news\/20090822_Chanters_at_palace_lament_statehood.html<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
Chanters at palace lament statehood By Rob Shikina POSTED: 01:30 a.m. HST, Aug 22, 2009 Momi Kamahele chanting to honor Queen Lili’uokalani at the ‘Iolani Palace.\u00a0 Photo: Floyd Morris, Honolulu Star Bulletin (Momi is a kumu hula and a leader in the movement to protect Makua valley.) Thirteen chanters performed about an hour of Hawaiian … <\/p>\n