1. In 1843, King Kamehameha III issued a proclamation declaring Hawaii's independence and the establishment of a constitutional government. July 31 is recognized as "Lā Hoʻihoʻi Ea," or "Sovereignty Restoration Day," in honor of this event.
2. In 1962, the Hawaii State Legislature officially adopted "Aloha Oe" as the state song. The song, written by Queen Liliuokalani in 1878, is a beloved symbol of Hawaii's cultural heritage.
3. On July 31, 1996, the Hawaiian Commercial & Sugar Company, one of Hawaii's largest sugar producers, closed its doors after more than a century of operation. The closure marked the end of an era in Hawaii's agricultural history.
4. The Kalakaua Coinage Act, which authorized the production of silver coins for Hawaii's currency, was signed into law on July 31, 1890. The coins feature the likeness of King Kalakaua, who ruled Hawaii from 1874 to 1891.
5. On July 31, 2006, the Hawaii Superferry made its inaugural voyage between Oahu and Maui. The ferry, which could carry up to 866 passengers and 282 cars, provided a new transportation option for travelers between the two islands. However, after a series of legal challenges and protests by environmental activists, the Hawaii Superferry ceased operations in 2009.