Aloha kakou!
This year marks the second centennial celebration of King Kamehameha unifying the Hawaiian Islands by way of bloodshed and sharp and intelligent deliberations; by 1810, all eight islands were ruled under one leader.[1] Although blood was spilled in the lead up to the merging of the islands, the purpose was to bring peace and affluence to the nation, eventually establishing relationships with foreign countries for trades, as well as the development of the sandalwood industry.[2] As history has shown us, the last island that Kamehameha had to conquer in order to bring his vision to fruition was Kaua‘i, however the first attempt provided devastating results as most of Kamehameha's fleet was destroyed during a big storm. Eventually, Kamehameha met with two great Ali'i of Kaua'i, and it was agreed upon that Kaumuali‘i (the current ruler of Kaua'i at the time) would continue to rule Kaua'i until his passing, in which the reigns of power would finally be passed on to Kamehameha.[3] Ultimately, Kaumuali‘i became a vassal of Kamehameha and in 1810, as we've stated above, the islands of Hawai''i, Maui, Kaua'i, Kaho'olawe, Lana'i, Moloka'i, O'ahu and Ni'ihau became one. That is, until our government was illegally overthrown 83 years later.[4]
Tee features a seal that reads "200 Years Strong : Hawai'i Nei" on the front; the back features two hundred red kahilis.[5]
[1] Grant, Glenn (2000). Hawai'i Looking Back. Mutual Pub Co. p. 29 ISBN: 1566473470
[2] Turtle Talk
[3] Hawai'i Alive
[4] Grant, Glenn (2000). Hawai'i Looking Back. Mutual Pub Co. p. 163 ISBN: 1566473470
[5] Wehewehe (Hawaiian Dictionary)