The Domestic Uprising in Honolulu
Author unknown. Translation by Puakea Nogelmeier, Ph.D.
The following is the translation of an article printed in “Ka Nupepa Kuokoa ame Ke Au Okoa Huiia” on Feb. 14, 1874. It recounts the events that took place at the courthouse in Honolulu upon the announcement of election results.
At 3 last Thursday, some citizens of Honolulu and the outlying districts started a riot outside the Courthouse Building, attacking the representatives to beat them up.
The Heat of Anger. Just before 1 or perhaps 2 in the afternoon, a huge crowd of people assembled in the square in front of the Courthouse Building, standing inside and outside of the grounds, and even atop the wooden fences, awaiting the outcome of the election for the Sovereign. There were two types of people in this crowd, those for His Highness Kalakaua, and those for Her Highness Emma, but there were far more of the Her Highness’ people, from the country districts and from here in town as well, and Kalakaua’s people remained peaceful. Angry thoughts were already stirred up in the preceding days, and from the speeches of the leaders. Some speakers on the side of the Chiefess were heard declaring, “If the representatives do not do what we want, then strip their bones of flesh.” That action was generated by the intention to stir up a revolt, absolutely pagan indeed.
The Legislature’s Election of a Sovereign. During the time while the House was carrying out the election of the Sovereign, chattering and cheering could be heard from outside and from the crowd. And when the crowd heard that the Chief Kalakaua had won as King. That was the beginning of the action, as agitators moved about here and there, instilling the intention to leap upon the representatives and beat them.
The Movement To Assault. When the Committee of five members was sent to tell the Chief Kalakaua about the Legislature electing him as King, just as they emerged and some climbed into a carriage, people raced toward Moehonua, Aholo, and Matina Jr. Probably because the last two were quick, they jumped down, but Moehonua was caught on the carriage and beaten with fists and sticks. Aholo leaped forward and said, “You have no rights over me, I’m from Lahaina.” He barely escaped with no injuries. While they were all still hesitating, those who had jumped went back into the building.
Postponement. The Legislature reassembled and the representatives came back, whereupon the lawless ones ran to break down the doors, their eyes flaring with desperate rage. At that point, the representatives were startled and huddled together inside.
The people came in and beat the representatives they caught in the House with fists and sticks. Some representatives hid in the offices, but some escaped and others were caught. The Legislative Chamber was entered and the chairs, desks and such were broken up and thrown outside, and even thrown back in as the windows were shattered.
Soldiers From The Man-o-War. It was later in the evening when the troops from the man-o-war arrived, and the disturbance was ended. The soldiers have stood guard since then.
Books And Papers. The papers and books of the Court House were all shredded to bits and tossed out by the rioters.
The Representatives Who Were Beaten. Here are the representatives who were beaten up: S. Kipi, W.L. Moehonua, D.H. Nahinu, J.W. Lonoaea, T.N. Birch, D.W. Kaaiue, S.K. Kupihea, C.K. Kapule, C.K. Kakani, R.P. Kukahi, P. Haupu, P.F. Koakanu, and D. Kaukaha.
The Rioters Who Were Seized. As of 8 this morning, there are 27 people assumed to have joined in the riot of the 12th of February who were seized and are now being held. The search, however, is not yet ended.
Fitting Punishment. We hereby call upon all patriotic citizens that, if any of the rioters are in their presence, they should quickly report to the Government authorities so they can be arrested, and restitution be paid for the terrible actions that these people did to defame our good name.
Search “Ke Kipi Kuloko ma Honolulu” on OHA’s Papakilo Database papakilodatabase.com to read the original article in Hawaiian.
