While the new king has been involved in business interests that weren't beneficial to the people, Ka'ili said he has made indications he wants to address the economy.

"I'd like to give him the benefit of the doubt that he will listen to the voice of the people; they are his people," she said. "In many ways I am hopeful in some of the comments he has made."

Ka'ili said democratic reforms in Tonga likely won't result in the end of the monarchy. They'd simply mean a distribution of power to give the people more voice.

"I think the king, in many ways, is connected to everybody," she said. "He is the Tongan king regardless of where we are at. ... He represents a long line of legacy that is part of my identity."

Bill Afeaki, former director of the Utah Office of Pacific Islander Affairs, sees no uncertainty in Tonga. He said any pressure for democratic reform would likely be a continuation of a movement already in progress.

"Things are just going to move on," he said. "This loyalty and love for his father is going to be moved onto him. ... The majority of people don't want change, they want the kingdom to continue."

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E-mail: dbulkeley@desnews.com