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The Maui News / MATTHEW THAYER photos

FIRST PHOTO: Hawaiian flags fly over Kaanapali Beach and Pu’u Keka’a during Saturday’s La Ho’iho’i Ea celebration. The annual holiday marks the day on July 21, 1843 when the Union Jack was lowered on Oahu and replaced by the Hawaiian flag, thus ending a brief overthrow by soldiers of Great Britain and symbolizing the return of sovereignty to Hawaii and King Kamehameha III. A proclamation by Kauikeaouli, or Kamehameha III, stated: “Ua mau ke ea o ka aina i ka pono – The sovereignty of the Hawaiian nation is restored by righteousness.” Organizers said 200 flags were flown at Kaanapali Saturday.

SECOND PHOTO: Iao Intermediate School sixth grader Hawana Ka’aihue, 11, charges to grab a cut length of garden hose while competing against other kids in a game of beach flags during Saturday’s La Ho’iho’i Ea celebration at Kaanapali Beach.

THIRD PHOTO: Participants paddle out at Kaanapali Beach Saturday afternoon to pay tribute to Hawaiian activist, educator, author and poet Haunani-Kay Trask who passed away last month. “I hope that this becomes an every year thing,” said Kaleikoa Ka’eo, a former Trask student at the University of Hawaii at Manoa and current UH-Maui Hawaiian Studies assistant professor. “She was a very important voice, not just for Hawaii, but indigenous people around the world. Her reach goes beyond just Hawaii.” Ka’eo said Trask taught him and others to learn the culture, understand the rights and speak out. “Dr. Trask taught us to research, study and cite our sources, to speak out, speak clear and speak as a kanaka maoli,” Ka’eo said. “It’s a sad passing, but we should honor her and celebrate her while holding her dear.”

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