Ka Wai Ola - Office of Hawaiian Affairs, Volume 4, Number 5, 1 Mei 1987 — Kuhio Left Legacy of Accomplishments [ARTICLE+ILLUSTRATION]

Kuhio Left Legacy of Accomplishments

Prince Jonah Kuhio Kalanianaole's accomplishments while serving as Hawaii's Delegate to Congress for nearly 20 years covered many other areas in addition to what is known today as the Hawaiian Homes Commission Act. "He left behind a record of accomplishment that stands as a monument to his memory to this day," so observed Governor John David Waihee III in this Prince Kuhio Day address March 26 at the Federal Building whieh bears his name. It marked the next to last day of a week-long observanee of the 10th anniversary of the Prince Jonah Kuhio Kalanianaole Federal Building coordinated by the General Services Adminsitration's Living Buildings Programs with the cooperation of several individuals, groups and Hawaiian organizations, including the Office of Hawaiian Affairs, Hawaiian Civic Club and Waianae Coast Culture and Arts Society. It was also the 116th birthday of Prince Kuhio who was born March 26, 1871, in Koloa, Kauai. In addition to the Hawaiian Homes Commission Act, Kuhio's efforts in Congress also helped secure approval of $27 million for the establishment of Pearl Harbor and the Hawaii National Parks.

Waihee noted, too, that Kuhio: • Won retention of Kalaupapa Settlement as a territorial institution and obtained funds for a hospital for the treatment of Hansen's disease. • Amended the Organic Act to provide for county government here, a significant measure of home rule. • Saw to the development of Pearl Harbor and other military installations on Oahu. • Promoted the economy by supporting programs to help small business and by winning legislation to insure the viability of the sugar industry. • Persuaded the National Park Service to extend its program to Hawaii, preserving vast acreages for the enjoyment of future generations. • Made sure that the 194th Amendment to the Constitution giving women the right to vote applied to the islands. "Kuhio was a man of turbulent and changing times. Loyal to the monarchy, he nevertheless sought services in the nation's capitol as the best way to help his people and to shape a desirable future for the islands that were his heritage," the Governor said.

Waihee added: "Throughout his life he accomplished mighty things, leaving a legacy that endures and grows with the passage of time . . . he placed service to these islands before himself, and his people were rewarded by his labors." He noted that all of Hawaii's people are benefactors of Prince Kuhio's legacy whieh is a historical, cultural and spiritual one. "I know. I am a beneficiary to my core. I was raised at Kuhio Village on Hawaiian Homestead lands in Waimea. I remember what it meant to my family to have a homestead from whieh to build a dream. T oday I am proud to be Governor of the most extraordinary state in the most extraordinary country in the world," Waihee eoncluded. The Governor also participated in a ho'okupu of leis before a large photo of Prince Kuhio and a tree planting ceremony involving Hawaiian organizations and other dignitaries. Wendell Silva, executive director of the Kalihi-Palama Culture and Arts Society, served as master of ceremonies and also sang the official Ho'olako 1987 song whieh he composed. Entertainment was a!so provided

by the Prince Kuhio Hawaiian Civic Club and Bandmaster Aaron Mahi and his Royal Hawaiian Band. Office of Hawaiian Affairs Administrator Kamaki A. Kanahele III gave the opening chant with Dr. Edward Kealanahele of Ke AKi O Ka Malu Church providing the invocation. The closing prayer was given by the Rev. Charles Kaeo Sr.of Ka Makua Mau Loa Church. The week-long anniversary observance featured Hawaiian exibits, demonstrations and entertainment, including Kekua Fernandez and his Serenaders, Hawaiian Air Serenaders, Koolau Senior Citizens, OHA Trustee Kevin (Chubby) Mahoe and his group, Kamalamalama Brothers and many others. Exhibits and demonstrations were provided by the Waianae Coast Culture and Arts ine. under Executive Director Agnes K. Cope, Queen Emma Hawaiian Civic Club under Hawaiian Crafts Chairperson Mary Lou Kekuewa and the Lanakila Senior Citizens. The program was held as part of the Ho'olako 1987 celebration in The Year of The Hawaiian. OHA Trustee and Ho'olako President Thomas K. (Unele Tommy) Kaulukukui Sr. was on hand for many of the events.

Governor John David Waihee III and Liliian Kruse, president of 'Ahahui Ka'ahumanu, grab a handful of dirt in tree-planting ceremony.

Gregory Kalahikiola Naliielua, more affectionately known as Papa Kala, demonstrates the art of pounding poi at Waianae Culture and Art Society exhibit. Behind Papa Kala is Executive Director Agnes K. Cope, seated, talking with Bernice Gomes.