Hawaiian Sovereignty Activists Barricade Iolani Palace

HONOLULU, HAWAII - Hawaiian sovereignty activists calling themselves the "Hawaiian Kingdom Government" surrounded Iolani Palace this morning, refusing to let state employees either enter or exit the historical site, saying the palace and surrounding grounds are property of the "Hawaiian Kingdom." An unknown amount of state employees who work in the state archives division are trapped inside, according to Russ Saito, head of the Department of Accounting and General Services.

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The Department of Land and Natural Resources is in charge of enforcement in the area. Its law enforcement officers have been dispatched to the scene. State Capitol sheriffs are also on scene. Laura Thielen, director of the Department of Land and Natural Resources, says "A group of about 35 persons have barred the public from entering the grounds of Iolani Palace, claiming sovereign rights over the area. The Department of Land and Natural Resources State Parks, which manages the palace in cooperation with the Friends of Iolani Palace is closing the area. DLNR enforcement offices are working to fully assess the situation and are talking with the protesters to peacefully end the protest. We will continue to update the public as we get more information." More...