Paulet Episode, 1843

Helen G. Chapin, Courtesy of the Hawaiian Historical Society

Hawai‘i has long been a strategic point on the global map. Contending maritime powers in the nineteenth century — principally England, France, and the United States — recognized this strategic importance and, by the early 1840s, intrigues by British residents led Rear Admiral Richard Thomas, commander of the British Squadron in the Pacific, to take action. He sent Lord George Paulet to Honolulu to protect British interests.

But instead, Paulet, captain of the Carysfort, arrived on February 10, 1843, and issued a series of ultimatums. It did no good for Kamehameha III, Kauikeaouli, to explain that he had sent emissaries to Europe to resolve all disputes, and Kauikeaouli was forced to yield to the frigate’s guns. On February 15, Paulet ordered the Hawaiian flag lowered and the British flag raised. This occupation lasted five months.

Great Britain had already recognized independence, and France had promised to do likewise. Protests mounted in the islands, but this provisional cession to Paulet was also received with consternation in foreign capitals. Admiral Thomas himself arrived in Honolulu on the frigate Dublin on July 26, 1843, to assure Kamehameha III of the English government’s good faith. Great Britain declared Paulet’s act to be unauthorized and, on July 31, the Hawaiian flag was raised once again.

During Thanksgiving services held at Kawaiaha‘o Church, Kamehameha III expressed what would become Hawai‘i’s motto: "Ua mau ke ea o ka ‘āina i ka pono" — the life of the land is preserved in righteousness. The whole community rejoiced. Thomas Square near downtown Honolulu was later dedicated to Admiral Thomas for his role in restoring Hawaiian sovereignty on that memorable occasion, known today as Lā Ho‘iho‘i Ea.