The history of the trust begins with the cession of sovereignty by the Republic of Hawaii under the "Joint Resolution To provide for annexing the Hawaiian Islands to the United States," 30 Stat. 750, adopted by Congress on July 7, 1898. Along with sovereignty, the Republic "cede[d] and transfer[red] to the United States the absolute fee and ownership of all public, Government, or Crown lands . . . belonging to the Government of the Hawaiian Islands, together with every right and appurtenance thereunto appertaining[.]" Id. The resolution made "[t]he existing laws of the United States relative to public lands [inapplicable] to such lands in the Hawaiian Islands; but [stated] Congress . . . shall enact special laws for their management and disposition." Id. It further provided:
