Hawaii, U.S., Special Rights of Citizenship Certificates, 1894-1895

The Kingdom of Hawaii existed as an independent nation from 1795 until 1898. It was formed when the independent islands of Hawaiʻi, Oʻahu, Maui, Molokaʻi, and Lānaʻi unified into one government. The remaining islands, Kauaʻi and Niʻihau, joined the kingdom in 1810. Initially, the Kingdom of Hawaii was a monarchy. Two dynastic families ruled over the island nation: the House of Kamehameha (1795-1872) and the Kalākaua Dynasty (1874-1893).

The Kingdom of Hawaii became a constitutional monarchy in 1840, then briefly became the Republic of Hawaii after the ruling dynasty was overthrown in 1893. It was annexed as a territory of the United States in 1898 and became the fiftieth state of the U.S. in 1959.

About This Collection

This collection consists of special rights of citizenship certificates from the former Republic of Hawaii. These certificates stated that an individual "took active part or otherwise rendered substantial service in the formation of and has since supported the Provisional Government of Hawaii and is therefore entitled to all the privileges of Citizenship without thereby prejudicing his native Citizenship or allegiance." Details available in the index to recipients of these certificates include:

• Name
• Age
• Birth place
• Date and place that certificate was granted

Additional information about an individual may be available on the original record, such as certificate number, occupation, place of residence, and length of residence. Be sure to view the corresponding image in order to obtain all possible information about an individual.