The ancient practice of Hū Louifi was enacted by the people of Tatakamotonga at The Vila, royal residence of King George Tupou V, at Mata-ki-‘Eua, Tongatapu, on Friday, 29 February 2008.

During the Hū Louifi, more than a hundred people, dressed in black with green ifi leaves on their necks and around their waists humbled themselves and apologised to HM King George Tupou V for the torching of the Uoleva Royal Residence at the village in 2005.

Hon. Fanetupouvava'u Tu'ivakano, a niece, and a secretary of the king said yesterday that the purpose of the Hū Louifi by the Tatakamotonga people was, "to show their allegiance and support for the king, and to specifically apologise for their inability to prevent the burning down of Uoleva in August 2005."

Hon. Fanetupouvava'u said that the apology was accepted by His Majesty and in his reply the king said he was grateful for their allegiance and asked that they fully cooperate with the Tongan Police in the investigation of the matter.

The burning of Uoleva in 2005, took place amidst a general strike by civil servants, demanding a salary rise, across the board of 60%, 70% and 80%. Following the torching of Uoleva and government vehicles in Nuku'alofa, the Government gave in to the demands by the Civil Servants. To this day the arsonists have not been identified.

The Hū Louifi ceremony on Friday was led by Hon. Sitiveni Polule'ulingana Tuku'aho, a nephew of the king and the heir to the Tungi title, the estate owner of Tatakamotonga.

Also participating at the ceremony were HRH Princess Pilolevu Tuita and Princess Siu'ilikutapu Kalaniuvalu Fotofili. Other members of the Royal Family who attended the ceremony included HRH Princess 'Ofeina Fakafanua, Hon. Lupepau'u Tuita and her daughter Hon. Phaedra Fusitu'a, Hon. Frederica and Moheofo Tuita, Hon. Kalaniuvalu and Hon. Fotofili, Hon. 'Alematea Vaha'i, Hon. Salote Maumautaimi Tuku'aho and her mother Hon. 'Alaileua Tuku'aho and Hon. Fakafanua.

Hu Lou Ifi

In modern times the last time a Hū Louifi ceremony was conducted was in 1950 to HM the late Queen Salote Tupou III, by the people of Tatakamotonga, after they beat up some Niuas people who were living at the royal country residence, Kauvai.