Tomorrow marks a significant day in Hawaii history, being that it's the 50th anniversary since Hawaii was signed into statehood. It's a bittersweet moment because of the politics involved behind the scenes. Bitter because of the gloomy path that led to us becoming the 50th state, sweet because it reminds us daily of how proud of a people we are. That pride resonates down to the cores of our roots, our heritage, our language, our diverseness and our land. The Kingdom Of Hawai'i's and it's royal lineage runs as deep as the Waimea Canyon, and although our government is no longer run by a monarchy, the many dynasties that ran Hawai'i are forever stamped in History. The Kamehameha and Kalākaua dynasties ran things for more than 80 years - almost a full century of a sovereign government who's bloodline pumped the purest of Hawaiian genealogy. There were five different constitutions during the reign of the Kamehameha and Kalākaua dynasties; 1840 (known as Ke Kumukānāwai a me nā Kānāwai o ko Hawai’i Pae ‘Āina, Honolulu, 1840) which was the second constitution and instated by Kamehameha III, the 1852 constitution was again instated by Kamehameha III, again, the 1864 overwrote the 1852 and written by Kamehameha III and finally the 1887 constitution which unfortunately stripped Hawai'i from it's monarchical authority, leaving it incompetent. These fundamental principles were known as The Bayonet Constitution of 1887 and eventually led to the slow demise of everything our forefathers laid down for us. Even after all these cynical events unfolded, that never stopped the strong-will of the Hawaiian people - and although they have taken away our land (very arguably illegally too), they never stood a chance at stripping away the instilled pride that we wear everyday.
The product: First we have an all white tee fittingly titled Sitting On A Throne Of Gold which sees a graphic depicting the Kings and Queens of our former royal dynasties that once ruled the land. Next up on deck is an all black tee with a vertical red box that reads Kill 'Em With Aloha in white lettering across the chest. Lastly is an army green 5-panel hat that holds a very strong significance that ties back to Hawaii and our world renowned Aloha spirit. Stitched on the front of this 5-panel is a patch with a taro leaf on it in red, gold and green. The story behind this is too interesting not to read: During World War I, the 35th Infantry Regiment, dubbed "The Pineapple Army" whom were stationed at Schofield Barracks in Wahiawa wore this patch featuring a green taro leaf. The 35th Infantry Regiment was the only regiment to wear a patch signifying that they were Hawaiian due to racial issues at the time. Because of the darker colored skin Hawaiians are known for, they were racially attacked by servicing bus drivers, throwing racial epithets and calling them niggers. They were harassed daily, sometimes being forced to the back of the bus, eventually leading to fist fights and black eyes. The Hawaiians from the 35th Infantry Regiment recognized that the African Americans were being treated with the same cruelty and injustice and decided to help them, printing up and providing them with extra Pineapple Army patches to help cease the unlawful persecution. That same gift of Aloha has never drawn to a close either.
