Four Hawaiian royal societies today issued a statement denouncing the actions of the Hawaiian Kingdom Government, a Hawaiian sovereignty group that has been occupying part of the 'Iolani Palace grounds since April 30.

'Aha Hipu'u, which includes the Royal Order of Kamehameha I, 'Ahahui Ka'ahumanu, Hale O Na Ali'i O Hawai'i and Daughters and Sons of Hawaiian Warriors - Mamakakaua, also denounced the Hawaiian Kingdom Government's claims to be heirs of the Hawaiian kingdom.

The state yesterday denied the Hawaiian Kingdom Government an assembly permit for the 'Iolani Palace grounds, saying it had broken the rules of previous permits given to the organization.

Here is the text of the statement issued today:

"A group identified as the 'Hawaiian Kingdom Government' took control of the grounds of 'Iolani Palace and blocked all access gates on April 30, 2008. This group also claimed these same grounds, our wahipana ('celebrated place'), as their seat of government.

"While we, the Royal Order of Kamehameha I, 'Ahahui Ka'ahumanu, Hale O Na Ali'i O Hawai'i and Daughters and Sons of Hawaiian Warriors - Mamakakaua recognize the right of free speech, we strongly denounce the actions of this group as well as its claims to be heirs of the Hawaiian Kingdom. We represent the unbroken historical link to Hawai'i's past, and we continue to promote the protocol of our ali'i heritage. Together with The Friends of Iolani Palace, we are working to preserve and maintain the dignity of 'Iolani Palace and its grounds.

"We also oppose this group's claim to have elected a 'head of state,' using the titles of 'her majesty' and 'queen' within the Hawaiian context of a kingdom. Therefore, we continue to recognize, based on historical fact, that the descendants of Prince David Kawananakoa represent the Kalakaua Dynasty and are the Royal Family of the present day.

"We also condemn any action that could cause damage or desecrate these sacred grounds. It is shameful that anyone would hold hostage or threaten the sanctity of 'Iolani Palace or Mauna 'Ala in order to forward their political views.

"All should hold sacrosanct 'Iolani Palace and Mauna 'Ala and display the appropriate respect for the memory of our beloved ali'i and the stature of the Hawaiian Kingdom of Hawai'i.

"Adopted unanimously this 17th day of May, 2008 by the Statewide Convention of 'Aha Hipu'u delegates."