The cult is ironic as she was unpopular with many Hawaiians.  In 1874, Hawaiians rioted when Kalakaua, her brother, was appointed King by the Legislature. Whereas the overthrow was relatively bloodless, the riot against Kalakaua and Liliuokalani was very violent.  Most Hawaiians wanted Queen Emma to be the monarch in part because Kalakaua and his sister were low-level ali'i.  What Ken says is factual.  Time has changed her reputation.  The celebration is part of an effort to change the facts when it is safe to do so. In addition, the SA article does not point out that she changed her mind about annexation to some extent by admitting it had been good for many Hawaiians.  She also was a full participant in Hawaii under American direction by supporting humanitarian causes like the Red Cross.  Her QLCC charity still exists and she depended on members of the American ruling class to help establish it.  History is always more complex than imaginary fiction.