The Broken Scale of Justice-A Testimony by Edmund K. Silva, Jr., PhD
Posted: February 14, 2005
From the desk of the KING: Edmund K. Silva, Jr., PhD
Today, I humbly place before the world my testimony titled “Broken Scale of Justice”—a heartfelt account of injustice endured and the enduring hope that springs from forgiveness and faith.
A Legacy of Injustice
In 1895, my cousin, HRM Queen Liliʻuokalani, was forced from her throne through the aggression of unethical businessmen supported by the United States Government. Our Queen, who ruled with dignity, compassion, and devotion to her people, was arrested and tried in the very Throne Room of ʻIolani Palace. She denied all involvement in the attempted counter-revolution to restore her monarchy, yet was found guilty, fined, and sentenced to hard labor.
Her accusers sought not only to strip her of her throne, but to tarnish her good name before her people. In her ordeal, I see a reflection of my own.
A Trial Without Justice
Many years ago, I was arrested outside my office by FBI agents and extradited from Hawaiʻi to Colorado. I was charged with “theft by deception and fraud” — yet what truly occurred was an investment in a women’s self-defense video, not a loan or misappropriation of funds.
Despite clear evidence showing the money was used properly and every cent accounted for, I was found guilty and sentenced to 24 years in prison. What should have been a civil matter became a criminal case — because someone sought to discredit me and destroy my name.
I faced a courtroom without peers, and learned firsthand the sting of prejudice and injustice. Truth was not heard. Justice was denied.
Finding Forgiveness
For 24 years I bore this injustice in silence, branded by public judgment and separated from my ʻohana. My spirit grew heavy with anger—until the day my daughter said:
“Dad, forgive these people and come home.”
Her words broke open my heart. I knelt and asked God to forgive me for my vengeful thoughts. He did. I released my anger and forgave my accusers.
And in that moment, I became free.
A Call for Compassion
Public judgment can wound deeper than prison bars. Even after serving their sentences, many are never welcomed back into society—denied peace, dignity, and the chance to rebuild their lives.
This is a wound on our human family that must be healed.
Though the law failed me, I will not turn bitter. I will:
- Stand for those who cannot defend themselves
- Advocate for the return of First Nations’ ancestral lands
- Call upon world leaders to serve their people with honor
- Labor to restore the sovereign recognition of the Kingdom of Hawaiʻi
Most of all, I will cherish the simple gifts of life — holding my children and grandchildren, swimming in the ocean, feeling the earth beneath my feet, and praising God for each day.
In Closing
“In a respectful, gentle way, you can shake the world.”
— Mahatma Gandhi
These words speak to my heart. True change comes not from anger or force, but from love, compassion, and unwavering dedication to truth.
The scale of justice may be broken, but with faith, forgiveness, and courage, we can restore its balance.
— Edmund K. Silva, Jr., PhD
King of the Kingdom of Hawaiʻi