Community leaders have begun efforts to restore two royal Hawaiian banners that are 137 years old, KHON 2 reports.
The banners were flown during a procession for King Kalākaua’s 50th birthday celebration in 1886. They were associated with Queen Liliʻuokalani’s Women’s Educational Society and Queen Kapiʻolani’s hula halau.
The Council for Native Hawaiian Advancement and the Hawaii State Archives are working together to restore the banners.
“This is an incredible piece of Hawaiian history that we would like to have on display more frequently. Because of its condition, the process of taking it out and bringing it in has potential to create more damage. We need help stabilizing and conserving it to bring it back to its full fidelity,” State Archivist Adam Jansen told Hawaii News Now.
According to KHON 2, the banners will be hand carried to an archivist overseas who will conduct the restoration. A website has been set up for those who wish to donate to restoration efforts.
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“As we recently witnessed the long-awaited return of Queen Lili’uokalani’s royal standard to our shores after being overseas for 129 years, we are reminded of the enduring spirit of our ali’i and the importance of preserving our royal history,” said Kūhiō Lewis, chief executive officer of CNHA, according to Hawaii News Now.
“These banners are tied to the legacy of several of our ali’i. Through restoration, we pay homage to their visionary leadership on behalf of the Hawaiian people, and will be able to preserve these treasures for generations to come.”
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