WATCH: Lei-draping ceremony at Thomas Square to honors King Kamehameha III

HONOLULU (HawaiiNewsNow) - March 17 marks the birthday of Kauikeaouli ― King Kamehameha III ― and the city is honoring the longest reigning monarch this Friday with a lei-draping ceremony.

Festivities kicked off at 9 a.m. with a musical performance by the City’s own Royal Hawaiian Band at Thomas Square Park.

The keiki of Punana Leo o Manoa will then offer the opening oli, followed by brief remarks from Mayor’s Chief of Staff Sam Moku, Fire Chief Kalani Hao and Bandmaster Clarke Bright.

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Following the formal program, local leaders presentED hookupu and lei to the monument of Kauikeaouli in the park.

Kamehameha III was born in 1814. He oversaw the first Hawaiian Language Constitution and established the Honolulu Fire Department and the Royal Hawaiian Band.

Kauikeaouli is the one who said “Ua Mau Ke Ea O Ka Aina I Ka Pono” in 1843, when Hawaii reclaimed its independence. It translates into “The sovereignty of the land is preserved through justice.”