'Iolani Palace will be the site of a procession of the four Royal Benevolent Societies at 10:30 a.m. today, the Friends of 'Iolani Palace announced this morning.

The societies will be accompanied by the Reverend Curt Kekuna of Kawaiahao Church, who will offer a prayer for the Palace.

The gathering, which will occur after a special church service at Kawaiaha'o Church, will assemble at the Likelike Gate, then proceed through the Palace grounds and offer prayer at the front steps. The procession and prayer are meant as a show of support for the Palace and its safe-keeping as a historic Hawaiian treasure, a news release from the Friends of the 'Iolani Palace said.

Proceeding in full regalia at the Palace will be the Royal Order of Kamehameha I, Ahahui Ka'ahumanu, Hale o Na Ali`i o Hawai'i and Mamakakaua (Daughters and Sons of Hawaiian Warriors).

In a released statement, Kippen de Alba Chu, executive director of 'Iolani Palace, stated: "We are honored that the Royal Societies, which trace their origins to the various ali'i, are gathering to offer their prayer and good will toward the Palace. It is a great demonstration of the kind of respect and protocol that the Palace deserves."