Ka Wai Ola - Office of Hawaiian Affairs, Volume 28, Number 2, 1 February 2011 — ROYAL ORDER OF KAMEHAMEHA I REUNIFIES [ARTICLE+ILLUSTRATION]

ROYAL ORDER OF KAMEHAMEHA I REUNIFIES

By Lisa Asato

After decades of split factions in the Royal Qrder of Kamehameha I, and after a year of negotiations, Ali'i members of all chapters made a commitment to reunification by electing a single leader. The two standing Ali'i Nui temporarily stepped down from their posts and 100 Ali'i members representing both sides cast their votes for either Ali'i Nui at the Dec. 4 reunification caucus and vote at a Honolulu Intemational Airport eonference room. Sir William Roback Jr. of Maui was declared the winner and installed as the sole Ali'i Nui of the reunited Royal Order of Kamehameha I. Following the historic proceedings, all 100 members present gathered for a large group photo. Bill Souza, Protocol Officer of

the Royal Order of Kamehameha I, said the gathering was presented with only one question, "and that was to vote for the Ali'i nui that would lead us into the next few years." "It was a very simple thing," he said on OHA's Nā 'Ōiwi 'Ōlino radio show. "It wasn't the kind of gathering where you all got together and aloha everyone. That'll eome in phases." The two sides haven't met in an official capacity in years, so the meeting was also a reunion of brothers from both sides. "Many of us have aged and look like weary warriors," Souza said, tongue in eheek. It was also refreshing to meet the newer, younger recruits who have joined both sides over the years, he said. "Now by coming together, we'll take this fusion and make it work for the betterment of all Hawaiians, in

particular to portray the leadership of our ali'i as responsible agents of our people," he said. The fraternity dates back to 1865, when it was founded by King Kamehameha V, Lot Kapuāiwa, to ensure that the Kingdom of Hawai'i would remain a sovereign entity, Souza said. It is one of four royal societies, including 'Ahahui Ka'ahumanu, Māmakakaua - Daughters and Sons of Hawaiian Warriors, and Hale o Nā Ali'i o Hawai'i. One of the first puhlie appearances of the reunified Royal Order of Kamehameha I eame at the Dec. 6 swearing-in ceremony for Gov. Neil Abercrombie. Later that month, the Royal Order helped lay one of its own to rest, presenting a funeral ritual at the Dec. 28 service of Royal Order member and federal Judge Samuel P. King, whose family was presented with a eape. ■

Royal Qrder leadership > Ali'i Nui, Sir William F. RobackJr., Knight of the Grand Cross Knight (KGCK) of Maui, highest ranking chief of the 0rder > Kalaimoku, Ali'i Sir Edward Akana, KGCK of 0'ahu, second highest ranking chief of the 0rder CE0 of the seven chapters Ali'i 'Ai Moku, Sir Arthur Aiu, KGCK (Honolulu, O'ahu) Ali'i 'Ai Moku, Sir Pua lshibashi, KGCK (Hilo, Hawai'i) Ali'i 'Ai Moku, Sir Ronald lida, KGCK (Lihu'e, Kaua'i) Ali'i 'Ai Moku, Sir Cliff Alakai, KGCK (Wailuku, Maui) Ali'i 'Ai Moku, Sir Augie Roback, KGCK (Kāneohe, O'ahu) Ali'i 'Ai Moku, Sir Joseph Spencer, KGCK (Kona, Hawai'i) Ali'i 'Ai Moku, Sir James Kaleohano, KGCK (Wai'anae, O'ahu) Online > royalorderofkamehamehai.org > mamalahoa.org > royalorderofkamehameha.org > kapuaiwa.org

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A reunified Royal Order of Kamehameha I. Pictured in the front row, from left, are: Ali'i 'Ai Moku Sir Arthur Aiu (Honolulu Chapter), Ali'i 'Ai Moku Sir Augie Roback (Kōne'ohe Chapter), Ali'i 'Ai Moku Sir Joseph Spencer (Kona Chapter), Ali'i Nui Sir William Roback Jr. (Ali'i Chapter), Kālaimoku, Sir Edward Akana (Ali'i Chapter), and Ali'i 'Ai Moku Sir Pua lshibashi (Hilo Chapter). - Photo: Courtesy of Mamo Hawai'i, Elaine Fergerstrom