It all began when a bunch of American-born businessmen plotted the overthrow of the Hawaiian Kingdom in pursuit of greater profits. Breaking treaties in existence between two nations, armed U.S. sailors landed on Hawaiian soil to assist. President Grover Cleveland himself stated that he was "ashamed of the whole affair."

Hawai'i was never annexed by a treaty as required, but by a joint resolution of Congress, which had no legal authority in a foreign land. Then came the vote for statehood. The plebiscite ballot only had the choice between statehood and remaining a territory. No option for independence appeared on the ballot, as was required under the U.N. Charter.

Think about how thousands of Native Hawaiians felt as their flag was lowered and replaced by the American flag, only to serve as a constant reminder of the events that caused the demise of a once-peaceful nation. Then think about your question. Is Hawai'i proud of its U.S. statehood? Only those with no conscience would say yes.