Hawaii Proclamation (December 30, 1993) signed by Governor John Waihee declaring February 12-22, 1994, as "Christian Heritage Week":
<WHEREAS, the Preamble of the Constitution of the State of Hawaii states, "We, the people of Hawaii, Grateful for Divine Guidance..."; and
WHEREAS, the State Motto, "Ua mau ke ea o ka 'aina i ka pono"-The Life of the Land is Perpetuated in Righteousness-was first uttered by Queen Ke'opuolani as she was baptized into the Christian faith before her death in 1825; and
WHEREAS, King Kamehameha III reiterated his mother's dying words, "Ua mau ke ea o ka 'aina i ka pono," as he gave thanks to God at Kawaiaha'o Church for the return of his kingdom in 1843; and
WHEREAS, the first Hawaiian Christian, Henry Opukahai'a's zeal for Christ and love for the Hawaiian people inspired the first American Board mission to Hawaii in 1820; and
WHEREAS, amid much solemnity and rejoicing the remains of Henry Opukahai'a were returned to Hawaii in 1993, 175 years after his death in Connecticut, and were reinterred at Napo'opo'o, Kona, Hawaii; and
WHEREAS, the influence of Christianity helped to bring about medical aid, public health policies, public education, law and order, political stability and the principles of democracy to the Hawaiian Kingdom; and
WHEREAS, the founding fathers of the United States and many of the leaders who shaped the modern history of Hawaii readily acknowledge their Christian religious heritage as a guiding force in their daily lives and in the conduct of their professional and personal pursuits; and
WHEREAS, the Hawaii Association of Evangelicals has set aside a period in February, 1994, for activities and events to educate the public about the Christian roots of our country and our state; and
WHEREAS, this period-designated as Christian Heritage Week-has been chosen because it is between the birthdays of Presidents Lincoln and Washington, deeply religious leaders who drew great strength and inspiration from their Christian beliefs, and within this period also falls the anniversary of the death of Henry Opukahai'a, recognized as one of the pivotal persons in Hawaii's history;
NOW, THEREFORE, I, John Waihee, Governor of the State of Hawaii, do hereby proclaim the period February 12 through February 22, 1994, to be
"CHRISTIAN HERITAGE WEEK IN HAWAII"
Done at the State Capitol, in the Executive Chambers, Honolulu, State of Hawaii, this Thirtieth day of December, 1993.
John Waihee, Governor.> 1993HI001
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American Quotations by William J. Federer, 2024, All Rights Reserved, Permission granted to use with acknowledgement.
1993HI001. William J. Federer, American Quotations (2014). Hawaii, December 30, 1993, the State of Hawaii issued an Executive Proclamation declaring February 12-22, 1994, as "Christian Heritage Week," signed by Governor John Waihee, in the Capitol City of Honolulu. Courtesy of Bruce Barilla, Christian Heritage Week Ministry (P.O. Box 58, Athens, W.V. 24712; 304-384-7707, 304-384-9044 fax).