Queen Liliuokalani wrote the draft 1893 constitution.

The 1893 Constitution of the Kingdom of Hawaii was a proposed revision of the Constitution of 1887 put forth by Queen Liliuokalani. While it never became anything more than a draft, the constitution had a profound impact on Hawaii's history: it set off a chain of events that eventually resulted in the overthrow of the Hawaiin monarchy.

Background

Prior to 1887, the monarchs of Hawaii ruled the kingdom as executive monarchs. Following the writing of the 1887 "Bayonet Constitution," however, the monarch was reduced to a mere figurehead.

Most native Hawaiians and other Hawaiian citizens opposed these changes and wanted the monarch to return to its original, executive role. During the 1890 legislature, the Hawaiian king, Kalakaua, backed a number of proposals to amend or rewrite the 1887 constitution. However, all of these measures failed in the foreigner-controlled legislature.

In 1891, Liliuokalani ascended the throne. In 1892, she backed measures in the kingdom's legislature to amend or rewrite the constitution. However, the measures failed as they had during the reign of her brother. Among the measures that failed was an amendment that would lower the property requirement to vote so most of the general public could vote. When that was voted down, many Hawaiian citizens protested. Thousands petitioned the Queen to issue a new constitution as Kamehameha V had done in 1864 (the Constitution of 1864). Thus, the Queen drafted a new constitution (that was for the most part a modified version of the 1887 constitution).

The Proposed Constitution

The constitution that Liliuokalani proposed differed from the 1887 constitution in the following respects:

• Members of the privy council, notary public, and agents would be able to run for the legislature.
• Princess Kaiulani, Prince Kawananakoa and Prince Kalanianaole would be added to the line of succession.
• The Queen would be given the power to call meetings of the legislature.
• The legislature would meet for regular sessions in April instead of May.
• The Queen’s private lands and other property were made inviolable.
• The queen would sign all bills before they became law. Under the 1887 constitution, any bills vetoed by the queen and then repassed by the legislature with a two-thirds majority would automatically become law without the signature of the queen. Under the proposed 1893 constitution, the queen would be obligated to sign all bills repassed by the legislature with a two-thirds majority.
• The pay of the legislators would be increased to $500 from $250.
• Nobles would be appointed by the Queen instead of elected.
• The number of representatives could be increased from 24 to 48.
• Only subjects would be able to vote (under the 1887 constitution, anyone of Hawaiian, European, or American could vote).
• Requirements for voters were decreased.
• Supreme court judges would be appointed for six years instead of for life.
• The Queen would be able to appoint governors of each island for four years.

Backlash

On January 14, 1893, the Queen met with her cabinet at Iolani Palace to discuss her proposed constitution. Two of her ministers agreed to sign the constitution, but her other ministers refused, believing that having the Queen simply proclaim a new constitution would have fatal results. The Queen finally gave in late that afternoon.

Outside, a large crowd of Native Hawaiians had gathered, expecting the Queen to proclaim a new constitution. However, after her meeting with her cabinet, Liliuokalani instead went outside onto the palace balcony and told the crowd that a new constitution would have to wait and that they should peacefully return to their homes.

That evening, a group of the Queen's opponents met to discuss the events of the day. Most were concerned over the Queen's attempt to restore the power of the crown. Some annexationists, like Henry Baldwin, urged moderation but others, like Lorrin A. Thurston urged the overthrow of the monarchy. A plan of action was created by the group, including the creation of a Committee of Safety, the overthrow of the monarchy, the establishment of a provisional government, and the petitioning for annexation to the United States.

The following Monday, the Queen issued a statement saying that she would not attempt to amend the constitution except by the means provided in the 1887 constitution. However, the annexationists stuck by their plan. The Committe of Safety asked the United States Minister, John L. Stevens, to land troops from the U.S.S Boston (anchored in Honolulu Harbor) into Honolulu to settle "unrest." With the support of the United States, a proclamation was read declaring the monarchy overthrown. The Queen, wanting to avoid any loss of life, abdicated "to the superior force of the United States government." The Kingdom of Hawaii had ended, and a new provisional government was declared.

References

• Potter, Norris W. and Kasdon, Lawrence M. Hawaii, our Island State. Columbus, Ohio: Charles E. Merrill Books, Inc., 1964.

External Links

• A copy of the proposed Constitution. Includes a description of changes from the 1887 constitution