Ka Wai Ola - Office of Hawaiian Affairs, Volume 5, Number 4, 1 ʻApelila 1988 — Born with Her World in Her Hands [ARTICLE+ILLUSTRATION]

Born with Her World in Her Hands

Kaahumanu Created a Different Kind of Societv

By Kenny Haina, Editor Ka Wai Ola O OHA "Kaahumanu was born with her world in her hands. She was the first and adored child of her mother, Namahana, and her father, Keeaumoku. She was entwined in blood relationships with the high chiefs of Hawaii and Maui." These are the words describing the story of her life in a new book by kamaaina author and historian Jane Silverman of Honolulu in "Kaahumanu: Molder of Change."

Silverman, who is descended from the third wave of missionaries to Hawaii, was keynote speaker at the 220th birthday of Queen Elisabeth Kaahumanu who was born on Mar. 17, 1768, at Kauiki Hill in Hana, Maui. The Mar. 17 Mauna 'Ala services were held outdoors under a large tent facing the tombstone of the Kamehamehas. The weather was bright and clear and members of several Hawaiian organizations were among those present with members of the sponsoring Ahahui Kaahumanu.

From the opening statements in her book, Silverman said "Already we see the background that opened the possibilities for leadership. Most important she was an alii. She eame from a powerful family. Since it was also a loving family, it gave her security to move with authority in the world." "The other prominent circumstance in shaping her life of leadership was that word 'she,' the fact that she was woman," Silverman pointed out. "If Kaahumanu had not been born an alii, we would never have heard of her."

Kaahumanu, favorite of Kamehameha's reported 22 wives, including her two sisters, Kaheiheimalie and Opiia, eame into her own as the leader of government upon her husband's death. "The characteristics," Silverman explained, "became visible that were to make her a powerful political and religious leader. She took control of government by thinking ahead to what might happen. She planned for those events before anyone else had made their move." Silverman observed that Kaahumanu's high

position grew naturally out of being an alii and a member of a powerful family. But her personal abilities, intelligence, beauty, talent, political instinct, decisiveness and in her later years, eompassion, made her a leader. "Her combination of position and abilities enabled her to acco^mplish change. She used her independence of mind to choose carefully the change she would make. Her friendships with the

other chiefs helped her carry them along. Kaahumanu's leadership role was shaped in traditional Hawaiian culture. Yet, it was only after Kamehameha's death that the genius of her leadership eame to full power. "Acting as the extraordinary leader she was, a molder of change, she created a different kind of society," Silverman concluded. The services also featured the very first musical salute of a special composition by Kahauanu Lake. Titled, "Kaahumanu Alii," it was done in beautiful harmony by Kuli'a I Ka Nu'u, a trio made up of Walter Kawaiaea, Henry Barrett and Jeff

Teves who have been together eight years with Lake as their mentor. They are at the Hawaiian Regent Hotel every Monday. The Royal Hawaiian Band, under Bandmaster Aaron Mahi and featuring soloist Nalani 01ds Reinhardt, entertained along with group singing by the Society members and the assembled audienee.

Greetings and introductions were handled by Anne Kaapana. The Rev. David Kaupu, ehaplain of Kamehameha Schools, and Lahela Mahuiki, gave the invocation and benediction, respectively. City and County of Honolulu Mayor Frank F. Fasi's wife, Joyce, read a message in his behalf, noting "Kaahumanu's wisdom and strength of purpose in molding Hawaii." Congratulatory messages from U.S. Senator Daniel K. Inouye and Spark M. Matsunaga and Congressman Daniel K. Akaka were read. The traditional ho'okupu followed with Mrs. Mary Waihee, representing her son, Governor John David Waihee III, leading the way.

"Kaahumanu Alii," composed by Kahauanu Lake, is given its premiere performance by Kuli'a I ka Nu'u, from left to right Walter Kawaiaea, Henry Barrett, Jeff Teves.

Jane Siiverman

Kahealani Midori Brown, left, and Kahipuananipuiki Brooks-Weight.