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The boot loader loads only the kernel and the kernel in turn loads the Linux system.
The root=/dev/hhd1 asks the kernel to load the Linux in the hhd1 partition. The kernel can come from a partition different from the Linux and so the parameter provides a user the flexibility to use the kernel from Linux A to boot Linux B.
Also a commonly used feature in Red Hat family is the root can be addressed to a "Label" on part of the hard disk instead of a partition. This permits the root to be sourced from a LVM partition, which can be made up by combining two separate disks.
The "ro" is exactly as described by the previous replies.
The read-only is to prevent damage to the kernel setups which can have a mechanism to re-mount itself for internel adjustements if certain conditions are met. One of the setups is to check the integrity of the filing system by "fsck" command. The "ro" parameter can force the Linux to abandone the booting up, preserving the original condition for the user to carry out the investigation and repair.
The system can be read/write once booted up successfully.
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