1898 Hawaii was handed over to The United States after the signing of Newlands Resolution. The Newlands Resolution was a joint resolution written and named after Francis J. Newlands. It was approved July 4th, 1898 and signed July 7th by William Mckinley. On the day of the Annexation, most Hawaiians shuddered in fear and sorrow after losing their independence. 5 commissioners were assigned to help build Hawaii's new legislation. Two of the commissioners were from Hawaii.