Scores of people converged on the grounds of Iolani Palace today to mark the 200th anniversary of the unification of the Hawaiian Islands.

Many in attendance talked about the need for today’s Native Hawaiians to unite.
But several also acknowledged that bringing together the disparate Hawaiian groups won’t be easy.
“It’s pretty hard with Hawaiians,” said James Kimokeo, 86, a part-Hawaiian from Kauaçi. “They’ve got this idea they all have to be boss.”
The cultural festivities, which included a march from Thomas Square to the palace, also marked the annual commemoration of the overthrow of Queen Liliçuokalani. The two-day event, billed as “Hoçokahi Lähui Hawaiçi -- One Nation 1810-2010,” was attended by hundreds.
“Everybody’s trying for the same goal,” Jay Enos of Waiçanae said of unification. “But their paths are different.”