Prince Kūhiō Day
He was born on this day in 1871, heir to the throne of the Kingdom of Hawai'i.
Overthrown in 1893, the prince became a delegate of the Territory of Hawaii in the United States Congress.
He authored a bill in 1919 for statehood, which did not pass, but he succeeded with the Hawaiian Homes Act, setting aside 200,000 acres of land for Hawaiian homesteaders. This was passed in 1921.
During his time in politics, he helped shape the modern government structure of Hawaii. He instituted the county system that is still in place today, which is unique to this country.
There is only the State and four counties, each with a mayor and a council.
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Celebrations typically honor his love of surfing, particularly at his namesake beach in Waikiki.


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