The Kū`ē Petitions: Early Opposition to Hawai`i’s Annexation

In 1897, with Queen Lili`uokalani held captive and annexationists lobbying to take the kingdom from her, Hawaiians loyal to the queen signed and circulated petitions against annexation, to be presented to the U.S. Congress.  Representing nearly the entire Hawaiian population at that time, collectively they were a strong statement of opposition.  Were the petitions heard?  What happened?  Tonight historian Boyd D. Bond explores this seminal episode in Hawai`i’s history.

Free to Lyman Museum members; $3 nonmembers.
Doors open at 6:30 p.m. for evening public programs.
Limited seating; first come, first seated. Additional parking next door at Hilo Union School.