Paulet preserved Hawaiian administration under temporary control

Paulet's proclamation kept the Hawaiian population under the administration of the king, chiefs, and their officers. The king or his deputy also sat on the commission alongside Paulet and two other members. That commission handled relations with foreign powers, except negotiations with Britain, and arrangements among foreign residents. Existing Hawaiian laws remained the basis of justice, while the king and chiefs could make further laws and communicate them to the commission. Revenue officers and government archives remained in Hawaiian hands, although the commission could inspect the accounts and government vessels could be required for British service. The proclamation barred land transactions by the commission and transfers from Hawaiian owners to foreigners pending Britain's decision. Existing bona fide obligations remained enforceable as though the cession had never occurred.