Registry of Denizens
in the Hawaiian Kingdom
(circa 1840-1893)

Denization was a constitutional prerogative of the Office of the Monarch, whereby a foreigner had all the rights and privileges of a Hawaiian subject, but was not required to relinquish his allegiance to his native country as was required under naturalization. Denization was "dual citizenship," which was accompanied by an oath of allegiance to the Hawaiian Kingdom. It was reserved to those foreigners who may not have resided in the Kingdom for five years or more, but whose services were necessary in the affairs of government both local and abroad. The children of Hawaiian denizens born on Hawaiian territory were considered Hawaiian subjects. Examples of Hawaiian denizens were special envoys who negotiated international treaties and officers serving in the Hawaiian government.

If you are a direct descendent of a child of a Hawaiian denizen born in the territory of the Hawaiian Kingdom, then you possess Hawaiian nationality, unless shown it was legally extinguished.