Although adopted as our state motto in May of 1959, these immortal words were first given to the Hawaiian Kingdom in 1843, by King Kamehameha III after the return of independence to the Hawaiian flag from British rule. The official translation? "The Life of the Land is Preserved in Righteousness".
Hawaiian Kingdom Coat of Arms - Trademark Jewelers The Hawaii Kingdom Coat of Arms, designed by native Hawaiian Timothy Haalilio, was adopted as the official coat-of-arms. At the very center is a triangular flag of ancient Hawaiian Chiefs, a symbol for kapu and place of refuge consisting of pulo'ulo'u and crossed spears. The kapu, tapa covered ball on a stick, was carried before a Chief as a symbol of taboo; an emblem of ultimate authority and protection for those seeking refuge. This triangular flag, or puwalu, represents a flag raised at sea above the sail of the chief's canoe; symbolizing Law of the Splintered Paddle or Mamala Hoe Kanawai decreed by Kamehameha I, circa 1782, to protect travelers from wanton attack.
