A modest base deters interference and creates its own trade

Britain would favor a stable Hawaiian government because it did not want the cost of direct administration. A modest fortification, built locally and crewed by British personnel, could support the small naval presence. Hawaii was not expected to become a heavily defended, high-threat station. Even so, flags, ships, personnel, and defenses would raise the cost of interference by foreign powers or local merchant groups seeking to overturn the monarchy. Supplying the warships would guarantee recurring merchant voyages, and those ships would carry goods in both directions to avoid sailing empty. Naval logistics could therefore create a trading network between Hawaii, Australia, and other British Pacific territories.