HONOLULU -- Thousands of people around the state Saturday marched in protest to the recent decision by a federal appeals court against Kamehameha Schools' Hawaiians-only admissions policy.

The decision sparked anger and emotion for many Native Hawaiians and their supporters. Generations of Kamehameha Schools' graduates and students took part in rallies on different islands.

The grounds of Iolani Palace were filled with red early Saturday morning, with thousands of people wearing red outfits headed for the rally for Kamehameha Schools.

Among the demonstrators was Pua Maruyama, her daughter and grandchildren. Maruyama's father graduated from Kamehameha in 1933.

"Well you know, I feel like all Hawaiians, that's why we're here. It's sad and everything like that, but I guess if we all get together and support and that's what it's all about," Maruyama said.

She said she brought her grandchildren to the rally so they could bond with other Hawaiians.

The group heard a rousing show of support from Gov. Linda Lingle, who, like most in the crowd, wore a red Ku I Ka Pono T-shirt.

"Regardless of the legal basis of the decision this is not a just decision," Lingle said.

As the group began the slow march from Iolani Palace up to the Royal Mausoleum in Nuuanu, Maruyama and her family marched in unity.

Maruyama's grandson, Zane Dydasco, attends Kamehameha. He also turned out to show his support for the school.

"Because it's wrong. It was Pauahi's will to have the preference to Hawaiians in the first place just to support it," Dydasco said.

There were probably a few hundred families like that... all moving as one.

The police estimate that about 10,000 marchers made their way from Iolani Palace to Mauna 'Ala, the Royal Mausoleum, where Hawaii's royalty are buried.

As marchers made their way through downtown Honolulu, it took the entire procession nearly 25 minutes to pass. Police said there were no reports of any problems. The elimination of street parking along Nuuanu Avenue caused a headache for some, however.

The road closures affected traffic through town.

It also brought business to a halt on what normally would be a busy morning for many stores along the march route.

Workers at Island Keepsakes saw the drop in customers as a small sacrifice.

"We expect it to hinder business somewhat. But, being a Kamehameha grad… oh I'm so for this," said Stephanie Schoening, of Island Keepsakes.

Once at the Royal Mausoleum, demonstrators offered gifts, prayer and chants.

The show of unity only emphasized how deep the recent appeals court decision has shaken Hawaiians to the core.

"No amount of preparation and no amount of forethought could prepare us for the shocking reality of this decision and the threat it brings to our Hawaiian heritage culture and entitlements," Kamehameha Schools Trustee J. Douglas Ing said.

Following the march, the resolve by Native Hawaiians to fight to preserve Kamehameha School's admission policy seemed to have gained strength.

"Hawaiians are not going to stand for this kind of attack. That no matter what American law will do to us, we will band together. We will stand together. We will be here forever," University of Hawaii Hawaiian Studies professor Lilikala Kameeleihiwa said.