Hawaii: Today in History 4/30
4-30-1869 Hawaiian YMCA organized
The YMCA of Honolulu is one of the largest non-profit organizations in the state. The organization was founded in 1869 and incorporated under the laws of the Kingdom of Hawaii in 1882. Every year, we serve more than 100,000 individuals in a variety of programs.
Our programs and services are open to children, teens, women and men of all ages, faiths and backgrounds. In all our programs, we promote our core values of caring, honesty, respect and responsibility. We are a fellowship of people helping each other to learn, grow and improve our own lives as well as the lives of others. Our programs and services center around three areas of focus: Youth Development, Healthy Living and Social Responsibility. We welcome you to be a part of our mission and movement.
4-30-1900 The “Hawaiian Organic Act” is enacted by US Congress making Hawaii a US territory
The Hawaiian Organic Act, Pub.L. 56–339, 31 Stat. 141, enacted April 30, 1900, was an organic act enacted by the United States Congress to establish the Territory of Hawaii and to provide a Constitution and government for the territory. The Act was in force until August 21, 1959, when the territory was admitted to the Union as a State.
The Island of Hawaii was first inhabited by Polynesians who arrived in canoes and spread to the other Hawaiian islands. After the contact by the British explorer James Cook the islands became well known and Europeans came and inhabited them. The French government was interested in the islands and wanted to establish Catholicism. The Kingdom of Hawaii became more influenced by the United States which set up trade relations with the Kingdom. After the overthrow of the Hawaiian Kingdom in 1893, the new Republic of Hawaii government lobbied for annexation by the United States. Annexation was approved by president William McKinley and Hawaii became part of the United States on July 7, 1898.
The United States government decided the new territory should establish a government under the Organic Act under the supervision of the legislature.
4-30-1907 Honolulu, Hawaii becomes an independent city.
