Dressed in the royal colors of red and gold, the Daughters and Sons of Hawaiian Warriors (Mamakakaua) stood watch at the King Kamehameha statue outside the state Judiciary Building yesterday, a vigil the society has performed on Kamehameha's birthday since 1917.

They were joined by members of the Royal Order of Kamehameha, 'Ahahui Ka'ahumanu and Hale O Na Ali'i O Hawai'i Nei, who brought gifts of lei and flowers that were placed at the base of the statue.

The watch was part of a simple ceremony to honor the man who united the Islands in 1810 and brought peace and prosperity to the Hawaiian nation.

The state observes Kamehameha's birthday with a day off from work and school and a parade that took place over the weekend.

"We're all descendants from those who stood in battle with the king, also against the king," said Watters Martin, a Mamakakaua member. "We are the ones who walked before the ali'i but now we stand guard. Even though there's nothing else on June 11, we will always be here."

EiRayna Kaleipolihale Adams, kuhina nui of Mamakakaua, said the group likes to keep a low profile and in the past the ceremony was on the same day as the parade. They would try to finish their ceremony before the parade began and they continue to hold it early.

"We do our work in the dark of the night or in the early morning and then we know it's done, it's pau," Adams said.

About two dozen tourists and residents attended the brief services that began with a procession and oli, or chant, recalling Kamehameha's history.

Dressed in flowing capes, three men carried the standards, the symbols of Mamakakaua: two javelins and a spear. The capes bore the patterns associated with Hawaiian families and were made of crepe paper in the 1920s and 1930s.

The sun beat down on the kupuna, some dressed in black and others donning white holomu'u. Many wore the shoulder capes made of velvet or satin with ancient designs indicating family lineage.

The light wind that blew did little to relieve the rising heat.

Prayers were said, gifts were presented and everyone completed the ceremony by singing "Hawai'i Pono'i," with many of the observers joining in on the chorus.

Patrick Silva, a local resident, said he came to honor Kamehameha for all that he and his descendants have done for Hawai'i. Kamehameha represents the ideal of independence, yet was part of the larger world, said Silva, 48. Kamehameha held on to his traditions but adapted to the realities of his time, he said.

The statue of him holding the spear in one hand represents Kamehameha's belief in his traditions and value and his willingness to stand up for them, Silva said. The open hand represents inclusiveness.

"He set an example to follow," Silva said. "We can be Hawaiian yet we can be receptive and welcoming to others. There's a Hawaiian saying that not all knowledge is found in one school, so we welcome the others."