Ka Wai Ola - Office of Hawaiian Affairs, Volume 23, Number 3, 1 Malaki 2006 — I ola ka inoa ʻo Ka‘ahuniaun [ARTICLE+ILLUSTRATION]

I ola ka inoa ʻo Ka‘ahuniaun

That the name 'Ka'ahumanu' would live on ...

By Manu Būyd Public lnformation Directnr hen Princess Victoria Kamāmalu chartered the Ka'ahumanu Society in 1864 in memory of her aunt - the favorite wife of Kamehameha I - no one dreamed it would be so short-lived. Cofounded by Princesses Pauahi Pākl and Lili'u Kamaka'eha,

Kamāmalu's newly formed royal society had big plans to address the ill heahh and dwindling social conditions of Hawaiian women. But after less than two years, the group disbanded following the tragic loss of Princess Kamāmalu to a fatal illness she had hoped to help others avoid. Nearly 40 years later, a resurrected hui of 1 1 women emerged in 1905, chartered and renamed

'Ahahui Ka'ahumanu by Lucy Kaheiheimālie Peabody at Kawaiaha'o Church. Peabody's native name was after a sister of Queen Ka'ahumanu - Kaheiheimālie - suggesting kinship to that powerful genealogy of Maui ali'i. Today, the 'ahahui (society) of stately ladies are recognized at important Hawaiian oeeasions by their hlaek holokū and lei of golden hulu (feathers). Now, more than a century since their re-establishment, they eontinue to perpetuate the mission of their visionary predecessors, committed to the heahh, wellbeing, dignity and culture of Hawaiians. They also maintain a cemetery in Kapālama, ensuring a final resting plaee for their dedicated members. This month, 'Ahahui Ka'ahumanu Chapter I, Honolulu, will celebrate their

rich heritage and many aeeomplishments with a luneheon whose proceeds will also benefit the operations of Lunalilo Home. On Sat., March 18, join the 'Ahahui Ka'ahumanu at a gala celebrating the birthday anniversary of their namesake, Queen Ka'ahumanu, 10:45 a.m. at the Sheraton Waiklkl Lāna'i Ballroom. Luneheon entertainment will feature Puamana and Melveen Leed. S

Ka'ahumanu Luneheon Sat„ March 18, 10:45 a.m. Tickets: $50, 10 seats per table. For tickets and information, eall Mary Ann at 949-8317 or Nani at 524-4145.

Ka Lā 'Ōnohi AAai o Ha'eha'e hālau concert Sun., March 12, , 6:30 p.m. Tracie and Keawe Lopes's hālau fundraiser will feature Ierry Santos, Karen Keawehawai'i, Kimo Alama Keaulana, Aaron Salā and others. $25-30. Hawai'i Theatre. 528-0506. Kamehameha Schools Song Contest Fri„ March 17, 7:30 p.m. The entire high school student body from the Kapālama Campus competes in an interclass a eappella competition. These year's theme is "The Music of Lena Machado." Neal Blaisdell Center. Live broadcast on KHON, 6:30 p.m. Matato'a Sat., March 18, 7:30 p.m. The Rapa Nui-based band Matato 'a will showcase their unique blend of rock, reggae and traditional Easter Island music. Maui Arts & Cultural Center, Maui. $10-$30. 808-242-7469. Queen Ka'ahumanu worship service Sun„ March 19, 8:15 a.m An Ali'i Sunday service honoring the queen's birthday. Kawaiaha'o Church. Free. East Maui Taro Festival Sat.-Sun„ April 1-2 Cultural demonstrations, entertainment, food and a taro paneake breakfast on Sunday morning. Hāna Ballpark, Maui. Free. 808-264-1553. Hawaiian healing conference Mon.-Fri„ April 10-14 Masters of Hawaiian healing traditions conduct workshops on lomilomi, lā'au lapa'au, ho'oponopono and Ioli. Hawai'i Naniloa Resort, Hilo. $650. 959-2258. M

NĀ HANANA • EVENTS

Queen Ka'ahumanu had keen politicol insight ond power, making her an important osset to Kamehameha I.