MO‘OLELO: Lā Hoʻihoʻi Ea, Sovereignty Restoration Day, is honored annually on July 31st, the holiday remembers a time before American occupation of Hawai‘i. The words “Ua mau ke ea o ka ‘āina i ka pono” were first uttered by Kamehameha III on July 31, 1843. " The sovereignty of the land is perpetuated through righteousness." He addressed his people at Thomas Square in Honolulu after independence was restored to the Kingdom of Hawai‘i following five months of British occupation. As we embrace our mele, mo‘olelo, and stories of our people that stretch back to antiquity, so, too, must we embrace these political symbols of our status as an independent nation state. The conscious sacrifice and determination for our country’s welfare is something we should, and must, embrace, for we are the descendants of warriors, of kālai‘āina, of statesmen, of kahuna, of strategists, of historians, of writers, of teachers, of genealogists, of mahi‘ai, of scientists, of lawai‘a, of lawyers, of carvers, of weavers, of hula masters, of kālai wa‘a, of storytellers and more. This flag is what represents the collective memory of all of that. It is indeed a proud legacy they have left for us. E welo mau ka hae Hawai‘i.

ABOUT PRODUCT: This tote bag comes in extra-heavy 16-ounce canvas, 100% cotton twill fabric that offers a classic and simple look. One-sided print. The tote measures 16.5"H x 15"W x 3"D. Handles 18" length.