Ka Wai Ola - Office of Hawaiian Affairs, Volume 28, Number 3, 1 Malaki 2011 — A ROYAL REMEMBRANCE FOR KAʻAHUMANU [ARTICLE+ILLUSTRATION]

A ROYAL REMEMBRANCE FOR KAʻAHUMANU

By Zach Villanueva On March 13, the 'Ahahui Ka'ahumanu along with other royal societies and leaders of Hawaiian trusts will pay tribute to Queen Ka'ahumanu during Ali'i Sunday at Kawaiaha'o Church. Services begin at 9 a.m. and will be preceded by a procession of the royal societies, Daughters of Hawai'i and Hawaiian Civic Clubs. The puhlie is invited to attend. With preparations underway for the upcoming service, Donna Lei Smythe of 'Ahahui Ka'ahumanu offers this brief historical description of the Queen: "Queen Ka'ahumanu changed the course of Hawaiian history. Queen Ka'ahumanu, the favorite wife of King Kamehameha I, wed at 13 years old. "She was allowed to freely associate with foreigners and she learned from them the ways of the world and she learned from the King. She felt herself eapahle to match men in any field but knew the time was not right. "King Kamehameha realized not only how smart she was but how powerful and strong she would be. Upon his passing, she broke the kapu system by eating with men; she abolished old laws and religious

law that had ruled the islands for generations. "From that time to one year later, the old religion was gone. In 1820 the missionaries arrived, changing Hawai'i and the Kuhina Nui Ka'ahumanu. She heeame a Christian and the Ten Commandments were basis for law. She developed legal procedures, an education program, had schools built, teachers trained, and developed eeonomie measures, control over foreigners, a land policy and the promise of government continuity. She chose to rule in accordance with biblical teaching. "All she did was for the good of her people as she watched foreigners try to take over her islands. For these reasons, she is honored." Also ahead, on March 17, the 'ahahui will visit Mauna'ala, site of the royal mausoleum, to celebrate the birth of Queen Ka'ahumanu by decorating the crypt with many flowers and greenery. Ali'i Sundays have been held at Kawaiaha'o Church since 1961. 2011 marks the 50th anniversary of Ali'i Sunday services, whieh honor ali'i who have particular importance to the church, such as King Lunalilo, Prince Kūhiō and Queen Lili'uokalani. For information, visit www.kawaiahao.org. ■

The 'Ahahui Ka'ahumanu benevolent society will lead a tribute to Queen Ka'ahumanu during Ali'i Sunday services on March 13. Donna Lei Smythe stands in front row, sixth from right. - Photo: Courtesy of 'Ahahui Ka'ahumanu