Ka Wai Ola - Office of Hawaiian Affairs, Volume 3, Number 2, 1 February 1986 — Queen Emma's 150th La Hanau Noted [ARTICLE+ILLUSTRATION]

Queen Emma's 150th La Hanau Noted

The 150th birthday commemoration of Queen Emma Kaleleonalani, founder of the Queen's Medical Center and St. Andrew's Priory, was noted at a Mauna Ala program sponsored by the Queen Emma Hawaiian Civic Club Jan. 2. The Rev. David K. Kaupu, ehaplain of The Kamehameha Schools, in his brief address as guest speaker, paid tribute to QMC whieh he described as being one of the Queen's living memorials. He quoted a passage from the 1984-85 QMC annual report whieh is titled, "Piiana I Nuu Hou," or "Rising to New Heights" wherein he noted "there is a commitment by us to this living memorial." "Her interest and love of her people in health care never waned. That kind of love exists today. I ask you to join this commitment in rising to new heights," Kaupu declared. He also paid brief tribute to her husband, King Kamehameha IV (Alexander Liholiho) who was very supportive of Queen Emma. Together they worked hard to promote the welfare of their people, he observed. The invocation was given by Elaine Mullaney, QEHCC president, and the weleome remarks were handled by Betty Ogata, vice president. A tribute to the Queen was given by Elsa Aguilana, president of Hui Hau'oli O St. Andrew's Priory . Musical selections were rendered by the club choir directed by Deborah Ke!sey. The ho'okupu to the Queen's tomb was led by the QMC

board of directors. Dr. George Bolian, president, headed the group. Others included John Schleif, executive vice president; Maleolm C. MacNaughton, chairman of the board; and members William Kea and Mrs. Marjory Hastert. Ladies of 'Ahahui Kaahumanu and members of the Royal Order of Kamehameha and other Hawaiian organizations followed in offering their ho'okupu. According to a brochure distributed at the services, Queen Emma was born Jan. 2, 1836, the daughter of Nae'a, a chief of high rank, and Fanny Young Kekelaokalani, nieee of Kamehameha I. She was brought up as an adopted daughter

in the house of Dr. T. C. B. Rooke, an English physician who had married her aunt, Grace Kamikui Young. While growing up in the Rooke household, Emma was witness to the suffering of her people who sought the care of her foster father. T ogether with her husband, they envisioned a health care center whieh would serve the people of Hawaii with eoneem and compassion. Their vision became a reality when in 1859 they founded Hale Ma'i o ka Wahine Ali'i, "Sick House of the Lady Chief," or The Queen's Hospital, known today as Queen's Medical Center.

Rev. David Kaupu

Queen Emma Hawaiian Civic Club members Paul Kekuewa, left, and Francis Pettigrew plaee leis at tomb of Queen Emma and the Kamehamehas during Jan. 2 ho'okupu ceremony. Queen's Medical Center officials looking on are, from left to right, Dr. George C. Bolian, president; Mrs. Marjory Hastert, board member; John Schleif, executive vice president; Maleolm C. MacNaughton, chairman of the board; and William Kea, board member. Woman in foreground is Mary Lou Kekuewa of QEHCC.