Hawaii Administrative Rules
Title 13 - DEPARTMENT OF LAND AND NATURAL RESOURCES
Subtitle 6 - STATE PARKS
Chapter 146 - HAWAII STATE PARK SYSTEM
Subchapter 5 - 'IOLANI PALACE STATE MONUMENT
Section 13-146-69 - Purpose

The purpose of this subchapter is to provide rules specific to the 'Iolani Palace State Monument in order to recognize, protect, and preserve the historic and cultural significance of the Monument and to meet the Monument's educational mission to preserve the character of the era of Hawaii's monarchy.

'Iolani Palace State Monument ('Iolani Monument) consist of 'Iolani Palace, Barracks, Coronation Pavilion, Kanaina Building (Old Archives Building), Kekauluohi Building (State Archives Building) and Grounds Consisting of 11 acres of land, including the perimeter wall and wrought iron fence bordered by King street, Likelike Street, Hotel Street Mall and Richards Street.

'Iolani Monument is one of the most important historical and cultural resources in Hawaii. Before the arrival of the missionaries in the 1820's, a Hawaiian temple or heiau, known as "Kaahimauili," was sited in this area. Later, a small mausoleum was built on the grounds to house the remains of King Liholiho and Queen Kamamalu. While the remains of these Royalty were moved to their new resting place in 1865, accounts state that the bones of certain chiefs remain on the site. King Kalakaua, out of respect for this sacred and hallowed place, raised a mound over it. Hawaiian culture demands great respect and care for the location of ancient burial sites of Hawaiian chiefs.

In 1882, 'Iolani Palace was built and served to house Hawaii's last Monarchs, King Kalakaua and Queen Lili'uokalani. This is the only palace of official royal residence in the United States. It is listed in the National Register of Historic Places and designated a National Historic Landmark. The State designated the area a Monument in recognition of its historic importance, and to utilize these unique resources to educate and promote awareness of the historic and cultural character of the era of the Hawaiian monarchy.

The Friends of 'Iolani Palace, a non-profit organization which acts as the State's steward of the Palace under a lease agreement, holds the official designation as the State of Hawaii Museum of Monarchy History. Their mission is, "To preserve, restore, interpret, share and celebrate the unique cultural, historic and spiritual qualities of 'Iolani Palace and its Grounds for the benefit of Native Hawaiians, the People of Hawaii and the world."

'Iolani Monument also includes the Kekauluohi Building, the Hawaii State Archives Building. The Archives house thousands of priceless and irreplaceable records generated by the State and the former terrritorial government and monarchy.

'Iolani Monument is a public gathering site. People are welcome to gather on the Grounds and to have limited and managed access to the Palace, Archives, Barracks and Coronation Pavilion. However, the sacred cultural sites, the rare historic resources, and the mission of the entire 'Iolani Monument to maintain the historic character of the Monarchy era, requires specific rules dedicated to protect and preserve the character, buildings, cultural sites and grounds for future generations. These rules serve the significant government interest of protecting the Monument and the safety of the persons who visit it The Monument and the valuable historic property and records it holds must be preserved for the use and enjoyment of all of the people of Hawaii and visitors to the islands for generations to come.