Ka Wai Ola - Office of Hawaiian Affairs, Volume 9, Number 5, 1 Mei 1992 — Na Moʻi Wahine Liliʻuokalani [ARTICLE+ILLUSTRATION]

Na Moʻi Wahine Liliʻuokalani

By A. Frenchy DeSoto Trustee-at-large

This month's article is offered with a strong recommendation for you to get the recently printed paperback edition of the book "The Betrayal of Lili'uokalani, Last Queen of Hawai'i, 1838-1917. A Biography," by author Helena G. Allen.

1 just recently bought and read this book and I must tell you that I did not put the book down until I had read it all from cover to cover.

Talk about "wai maka." The full implication of the strength and grace of Na Mo'i Wahine — despite the the onslaught of degradation, and humiliahon by the "Missionary Party" — is fully realized in this book. Part of what makes it so interesting is the author's insight gained during 30 hours of taped interviews with Lydia Kaohohiponiponiokalani Aholo, (1878-1979) hanai daughter to Na Mo'i Wahine.

Some years ago I read the Queen's story, "Hawaii's Story By Hawaii's Queen," written by Na Mo'i Wahine. Because of her grace and aloha it was a history and did not have the personal and deep reflection that "The Betrayal" does. This book captures the indescribable pain of her long suffering. I am just happy that my 'ohana Lahilahi Webb was of some comfort to her in her last days of torment. I'm sure that when you've read this book you will agree that the daily 'eha (rejection) that we experience is manini in comparison.

Lili'u remained steadfast, as she was merciIessly crucified, to protect her country, its people and their culture. I ean almost hear her suppressed screams of agony as she watched her people crying openly on the street corners. Ridiculed by the "Missionary Party," she held fast to the spiritual and tangible essence of aloha. Her creative mana she applied to the creation of poetry and music that captured the spiritual ha of her culture. Legendary was her love for the children, and as a child I personally benefitted from her love because of the Queen Lili'uokalani Trust established for orphan children. I am so grateful.

Renowned worldwide for her musical genius and her composition of "Aloha 'Oe," she maintained the song was a love song and did not want it to be sung as a funeral dirge. The one exception she made was that the song could be sung at the funeral of Henry Berger, her ho'aloha, music mentor and confidant. This book, "The Betrayal of Lili'uokalani ... " is must reading. There are many lessons we ean leam. Excerpted quotes from the book are presented here in the view that they will have the same effect for you, in your own time, space and experience. "Aloha spoken with indifference is blasphemy, and Mahalo in an ungracious mouth is profane."

Until we free our people from the misconceptions of Hawaiian heritage we will continue to be victims of the ignoble past." Clear then, for me, is the message: to protect our culture and its spirituality! The Hui Na'auao with its membership of 40plus organizations has begun discussion and education of our community on the issue of sovereignty. The capable staff, headed by Kunani Nihipali, is developing the curriculum for educating us all. The primary mission of the Hui is to educate and I believe that through education we ean begin the process of healing through understanding. My thought is through understanding, healing will culminate in pono and we will ola! If I ean be half as courageous a Na Mo'i Wahine Lili'uokalani I will have achieved a deeper understanding that Aloha is a god of our people and will always be for those of us who have tasted of Aloha. E Ka Mo'i Wahine Lili'uokalani, ola ia kini akua ia 'oe A'ole i waihona konapo, o ka ho'a keia e E kala mai, e kala mai lei mana o Keawe, Lei poina 'ole Aloha no, Aioha no, Mahalo no. "The Betrayal of Lili'uokalani ..." ends with this quotation: Two shall be born the whole world apart And speak in different tongues and have no thought Eaeh of the other's being and need. And these o'er unknown seas to unknown lands Shall cross, escaping wreck, defying death; And all unconsciously shape every act And bend eaeh wandering step to this one end, That one day, out of the darkness they shall meet And read life's meanina in eaeh other's eyes.

Susan Marr Spalding (1814-1908) ("The Betrayal of Liliu'okalani ... " is auailable at bookstores for $6.95 and from libraries statewide. The publisher is Mutual Publishing, 2055 North King St., Honolulu, Hawai'i 96819. The telephone number is (808) 732-1 709.)