Every year at the end of the July a holiday once recognized by the kingdom of Hawaii is celebrated by dozens in Hawaii.

This day marks the return of the Kingdom's sovereignty back to Hawaii's king, Kauikeouli.

La Ho'iho'i Ea is remembered as the day the British rectified its 5 month takeover of the Hawaiian Kingdom by British Lord George Paulet in 1843. Rear Admiral Richard Thomas gave sovereignty back to the Kingdom of Hawaii. And the holiday was born. After Hawaii's overthrow of subsequent annexation by the United States 50 years later.

But in 1985, the Hawaiian sovereignty group Ka Pakaukau led by Dr. Kekuni Blaisdell informally reinstated the holiday. This year's gathering included food, crafts, and Hawaiian music by John Osorio. The culminating event was the raising of the Hawaiian flag.

We need to remember this historical day in Hawaii as motivation to keep moving forward.

In recognition of his favorable actions toward the Hawaiian Kingdom. Thomas Square Park was named after Admiral Richard Thomas.

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