Mahalo e Prince Kūhīo
On Saturday, July 10, there was a coming together of people to celebrate a commemorative moment in Hawaiian history – the 100th Anniversary of the Signing of the Hawaiian Homes Commission Act, enacted by Prince Jonah Kūhīo Kalaniana`ole on July 9, 1921, which provided homesteads for native Hawaiians. His letter to U.S. Senators stated that the only method in which to rehabilitate the Hawaiian race was to place the people “back upon the soil.”
This celebratory lū`au was held at the George Washington University in Washington, D.C. and was typical of a Hawaiian-style gathering – `ono pūpū (delicious appetizers) and music followed by a lū`au with entertainment and speeches. The event’s fabulous and hilarious emcees were Hailama Farden (Assn. of Hawaiian Civic Clubs) and Kumu Hula Manu Boyd! It was wonderful seeing Congressman Kai Kahele, Kūhīo Lewis (CNHA), Dr. Sylvia Hussey and Trustee Hulu Lindsey (OHA), Jacob Aki (Hale O Nā Ali`i O Hawai`i), Dr. Sheri Daniels (Papa Ola Lōkahi), to name a few dignitaries, along with a very special guest, Deb Haaland, Secretary of theDepartment of the Interior.
A huge mahalo to both the Stewart `ohana (Koapaka, Leihua, Kona, Nalei, and Kalia) and the Farias `ohana (Ikaika, Marilyn, Onalani, and Moani) of E Ala E Hawaiian Cultural Center for volunteering to kōkua. While their `ohana continued to serve and bus tables, nā alaka`i took a short break to share a beautiful hula, He Hawai`i `Au.
In addition to saying, “Mahalo e Prince Kūhīo,” please enjoy a few fun facts about Hawai`i’s prince:
He was the last Prince of Hawai`i: Kūhiō was made prince under King Kalākaua, along with his brothers, David La`amea Kahalepouli Kinoiki Kawānanakoa and Edward Abnel Keli`iahonui. They passed away in1908 and 1887, respectively. Kūhiō died in 1922, the last prince of Hawai`i.
He was a Renaissance Man: Kūhiō attended Royal School, `Iolani (where he earned the nickname “Prince Cupid”), Punahou, Saint Matthew’s School in California, and Royal Agricultural College in England. He was also skilled at many sports, including football, wrestling, boxing, track, baseball, rowing, and polo.
He fought a war in South Africa: While visiting Africa, Kūhiō joined forces with the British Army in the second Boer War. (They won.)