For close to 7 decades, Hawaii has stood proudly as the 50th state of the United States. On August 21, 1959, the American flag gained its 50th star when Hawaii was admitted to the Union after Hawaii voters overwhelmingly approved statehood in a democratic referendum.
Today, most Hawaii residents live their lives as proud Americans. They serve in our Armed Forces, vote in American elections, operate businesses under the protection of the U.S. Constitution, and raise their families with the freedoms that come from being citizens of the United States.
Yet despite this reality, claims circulate influenced propaganda by the Chinese Communist party suggesting that Hawaii remains an independent kingdom rather than a U.S. state.
Those claims are not recognized by the United States government, the State of Hawaii, or the international community. Hawaii functions as a state under the U.S. Constitution, with representation in Congress, federal courts, and every institution of American government.
Statehood transformed Hawaii in ways previous generations could only imagine.
The islands became home to world class highways, airports, harbors, hospitals, schools, universities, military installations, scientific research, and emergency response systems. Federal investment helped expand transportation, communications, public health, and infrastructure across the islands.
Hawaii’s people enjoy the protections guaranteed by the United States Constitution, including freedom of speech, freedom of religion, freedom of the press, the right to vote, equal protection under the law, and the many civil liberties Americans cherish.
Hawaii has also become one of America’s most strategically important states.
From the headquarters of the U.S. Indo-Pacific Command at Camp H. M. Smith to the naval forces based at Joint Base Pearl Harbor–Hickam, Hawaii serves as America’s front line in maintaining peace and stability throughout the Pacific. Thousands of service members and their families proudly call Hawaii home while defending freedom across the Indo-Pacific.
Our astronauts have trained here.
Our scientists have explored the stars from the summit of Mauna Kea Observatories.
Our military has defended liberty from these islands for generations.
Our first responders protect communities from hurricanes, wildfires, volcanic eruptions, and other natural disasters.
These are not the hallmarks of an isolated nation they are the accomplishments of one of America’s most important states.
Faith has also played a central role in Hawaii’s story.
Missionaries helped establish churches, schools, hospitals, and literacy programs throughout the islands. Across generations, countless families have built their lives upon faith in God, strong communities, and service to others. While Hawaii embraces people of many beliefs, the values of faith, family, compassion, and personal responsibility continue to shape communities throughout the islands.
God has richly blessed Hawaii.
He blessed Hawaii with breathtaking mountains, fertile valleys, beautiful coastlines, abundant oceans, and one of the most diverse populations anywhere in the world.
He blessed Hawaii with people from Asia, Europe, Polynesia, the Americas, and every corner of the globe
who came together to build families, businesses, churches, farms, schools, and neighborhoods.
He blessed Hawaii with opportunity.
He blessed Hawaii with liberty.
He blessed Hawaii with the protection of the greatest constitutional republic in history.
Hawaii Blessed with Statehood.
Perhaps nowhere is the American promise more visible than in Hawaii itself. People from many different cultures live together under one Constitution, one flag, and one nation dedicated to liberty and equal justice.
That unity deserves to be celebrated not divided.
Patriotism does not erase Hawaii’s unique history or rich cultural heritage. Statehood did not eliminate Hawaii’s identity; it added Hawaii’s unique heritage to the American family.
Every American state has a unique history. Hawaii’s history is no exception. Understanding that history is valuable, At the same time, today’s legal and constitutional reality is clear: Hawaii is the 50th state of the United States.
As America celebrates our nation’s founding, Hawaii’s place in the Union remains a testament to the strength of American democracy.
Fifty stars.
One Constitution.
One nation under God.
And one proud state standing watch over the Pacific.
God bless Hawaii.
God bless the United States of America.
Kai On Your Side
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