i L i n d . n e t

The grounds of Iolani Palace are closed to the public this morning behind “No Trespassing” posted under the purported authority of the “Hawaiian Kingdom Government”.

I mistakenly thought this was the Hawaiian Kingdom Government headed by David Keanu Sai, but a check at one of the gates proved this to be wrong.

No, not that Hawaiian Kingdom Government. This is the Hawaiian Kingdom Government headed by Mahealani Asing (www.higovt.org).

The American flag has been removed and is no longer displayed at the palace.

Several unarmed men in aloha shirts are posted at each gate and are turning away visitors, although inquisitive news people (and even this blogger) are being escorted in for interviews.

State groundskeepers have also been denied entry.

State sheriffs are watching from a distance. As of about 11 a.m., there does not appear to have been an official reaction.

The guys at the gate were not amused when I asked: “Which group is this?”

“This is not a group,” I was told in no uncertain terms. “This is the government.”

“Okay.” I backed up and tried again. “Which Hawaiian Government is this?”

Stone faces greeted my inquiry.

Trying again: “Who is your leader?”

I couldn’t help feeling like a tacky sci fi movie from the 50′s. Take me to your leader.

“Her Royal Majesty Mahealani Asing.”

Now we were getting somewhere.

At that point I was invited to step over the chain and enter the palace grounds, then directed over to a spot at the back of the parking lot where several very large men in quasi-military looking clothing were standing security as Ms. Asing did interviews.

I did not wait for an interview. A few photos and I retreated.

I’ve got another day of employment at the Legislature before I’m back in the interview game.

(updated at 11:15 a.m.)