If you tried calling our offices last Thursday there was a good chance no one answered due to a little known holiday called King Kamehameha Day. Although federal offices and banks remain open, state employees are given the day off and local businesses shut down to obseve "the day of the king" (this is what my grandfather called it). Each year leis are adorned on statues throughout the islands to show respect for one of Hawaii's most influential figures.

Although there is some debate about the birth date of Kamehameha, legend has it that a great king would unite the islands and his birth would be preceded by a comet: Haley's comet was visible from Hawaii in the year 1758. Kamehameha was born to an ali'i (royalty) and it was through the guidance of his kumu (teacher) that he became well versed in the art of war and diplomacy... not much different than politicians of today actually.

In the year 1810, after many battles, Kamehameha established the Kingdom of Hawaii. It was by unifying the islands legal system and developing trade with Europe & the United States that Kamehameha was able to maintain Hawaii's independence. Even though he was able to accomplish so much during his life, Kamehemeha knew he had only started the long journey for Hawaii and its people. In his final words before his death in 1819, King Kamehemeha addressed his subjects, "E naʻi wale no ʻoukou, i ke kupono aʻole au" which translates, "Continue my just deeds, they are not yet finished."