The leader of a Hawaiian sovereignty group that briefly occupied çIolani Palace last year went on trial for burglary this morning in Circuit Court.

James Akahi, who also call himself Akahi Nui, claims to be the heir to the throne of the Kingdom of Hawaii.
Deputy Attorney General Mark Miyahira told jurors that Akahi led a group of supporters that entered the palace the evening of Aug. 15, 2008.
Akahi told a state investigator that he was the lawful heir to the throne and intended to chain himself to the throne on the second floor of the palace but “got lost,” Miyahira said.
Defense lawyer David Sereno said in his opening statement that Akahi “cherished” the palace and did not intend to chain himself to the throne.
Akahi and his followers went so far as to wear protective booties when they entered the palace, Sereno said.
Charges against six others originally charged with burglary in the case were dismissed earlier this year.