May 4, 1893: Act 33 – “An Act to Regulate the Printing and Publishing of Newspapers and Other Publications”

Prior to the the overthrow of the Hawaiian monarchy, freedom of the press was guaranteed. For example, in 1852, freedom of speech was guaranteed in Article 3 of the Hawaiʻi Constitution which provided, “All men may freely speak, write and publish their sentiments on all subjects, being responsible for the abuse of that right; and no law shall be passed to restrain or abridge the liberty of speech, or of the press.”

On May 4, 1893, President Sanford B. Dole promulgated Act 33, which was entitled, “An Act to Regulate the Printing and Publishing of Newspapers and Publications.” This law was ostensibly enacted to “protect[] the rights of individuals as well as of the public in general,” however, this law actually did the opposite—it limited publication of newspapers and prints that disseminated “news, information, instruction” to only those deemed “responsible individuals or companies.” The Minister of the Interior was charged with issuing certificates to permitted individuals or companies. Below is part of the text relating to this controversial law:

Available in Session Laws, Na Kanawai o ke Aupuni Kuikawa, Kanawai 1-42 (1893).