Ka Wai Ola - Office of Hawaiian Affairs, Volume 2, Number 5, 1 Mei 1985 — Hawaiians Honor Kuhio at Two Oahu Programs [ARTICLE+ILLUSTRATION]

Hawaiians Honor Kuhio at Two Oahu Programs

The 114th birthday of Prince Jonah Kuhio Kalanianaole Piikoi was a double-barrelled event with programs observed at two different locations Mar. 26 in Honolulu. The first celebration took plaee in the early morning hours at Mauna Ala (Royal Mausoleum) where Napua Stevens Poire, senior trustee of the King William Charles Lunalilo Trust Estate, was guest speaker.

Entertainment featured the Prince Kuhio Hawaiian Civic Club choral group and singer Marlene Sai. The invocation and closing prayer were given by Kahu David Kaupu of The Kamehameha Schools and Kahu Louis Yim, respectively. Father Yim is archivist and historian for the Roman Catholic Church in Hawaii. Kuhio, affectionately referred to as Prince Cupid or Citizen Prince, was born Mar. 26, 1871, at Koloa, Kauai, to David Kahalepouli Piikoi and Princess Kaiulani Kekaulike. Kaumualii was his grandfather and he was a direct descendent of the kings of Kauai. He was a cousin of King David Kalakaua and Queen Liliuokalani and a nephew of Queen Kapiolani, consort of Kalakaua. His brothers were Prince Edward Keliiahonui and Prince David Kawananakoa.

The second native Hawaiian delegate to Congress who was also the first to introduce a statehood bill on Feb. 11, 1919, died Jan. 7, 1922, at age 50. In her address, Mrs. Poire noted that Kuhio was given one of the last state funerals for an alii in Hawaii. She further notes: "He rests here at Mauna Ala with others of his kin and we who are gathered this day as proud and caring Hawaiians honor this alii who was a gentleman and a scholar; who dearly loved this island kingdom through all its growing pains, totally embracing the multi-racial conglomerate of Hawaiians, part Hawaiians and Hawaiians at heart into the richest blend of caring, loving people who eall this island state HOME." On the Halekauwila St. sidewalk of the federal building whieh bears his name, the Kuhio program was highlighted by an address by Lt. Gov. John David Waihee III who noted that "we are honoring a man who, but for the overthrow, might have been king.

"However, instead of passing his life in elite royal circles, Kuhio was to spend his productive adult years in public service, a stewardship that was to eam for him the affectionate title of Citizen Pnnee." "Even though he was a man born in the 19th century, his vision of what Hawaii could become was firmly rooted in this century. It is this paradox that I find so interesting about Prince Kuhio," Waihee went on. "Given his background and upbringing in Victorian times, it is a surprise to find that the causes he espoused were so forward looking. So mueh so that I believe we could easily cast this historical figure in a ieadership role in the world of today.

"Of one thing I am absolute!y sure: Our Kuhio of today would not only be a dedicated public servant but a man of great warmth, rich in the respect and friendship of all those who knew him. The Citizen Prince was, by all accounts, so democratic, lovable and generous in nature that when he died his vo!uminous eulogy was published in book form. "He achieved a life of service as princely as a sovereign's and had a vision of Hawaii as a special plaee as kingly as a monarch's." The Kuhio Building program was held through the coordinating efforts of Miehael D. Larson, acting field office manager of the Region 9 General Services Administration; Rosalie Gahan, Paki Park director, City and County of Honolulu; and Josephine Crowell, GSA office. Hawaiiana demonstrations and exhibits were presented by members of Na Leo Nahenahe in cooperation with GSA's living buildings program and the Arts Council of Hawaii. The group also provided outdoor entertainment. Na Leo Nahenahe and Hawaiian Airlines also entertained in the fifth floor cafeteria where a Hawaiian luneheon was served.

Bandmaster Aaron Mahi and his Royal Hawaiian Band entertained at both functions as did the Prince Kuhio HCC choral group and Roy Benham as master of ceremonies. Among those participating in a tree-planting ceremony were Bishop Estate Trustee Chairman Richard Lyman Jr. and Waihee. The invocation and closing prayer were offered by the Rev. Edward Kealanahele, pastor of Ke Alii O Ka Malu Church. Office of Hawaiian Affairs Trustee Gard Kealoha participated in the hookupu at Mauna Ala and was also recognized as representing one of the participating Hawaiian organizations at the federal building program. He was the only OHA trustee seen at both functions. Among other Hawaiian organizations present were those founded by Kuhio, including the Hawaiian Civic Clubs. Kuhio, who served 20 years as Hawaii's delegate to Congress, was also widely known as the father of the Hawaiian Homes Act.

Members of the Hawaiian Civic Clubs and other groups parade to the Kuhio crypt at Mauna Ala to plaee their ho'okupu following ceremonies Mar. 26 honoring the birthday of Prince Jonah Kuhio Kalanianaole. Another program was held at the federal building in downtown Honolulu.