Hackfelds trade company was one of the most interesting and yet very typical examples of how
the successful newcomers from Europe exercised their influence on native Hawaiians. This
particular company lives in memories of people and of historians alike because of the dramatic
events leading to its seizure by the US government during WW1. These events led to over 40
years of legal battles between the owners and US administration and even German government.

This excellent book tells the story and explains why a colonial trade company takes its place in a museum:
http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/detail/-/0914916602