Ka Wai Ola - Office of Hawaiian Affairs, Volume 2, Number 2, 1 February 1985 — Queen Emma's Vision a Thriving Reality [ARTICLE+ILLUSTRATION]

Queen Emma's Vision a Thriving Reality

"Qucen Emma envisioned an institution that would provide the best and most compassionate care for ali the people. For 125years that vision has been a thriving reality. And so our hookupu to Queen Emma Kaleleonalani is the quality of care we strive to give to all our people. It is a privilege for us to work towards this end." So concluded an address given by Dr. George C. Bolian, president of The Queen's Medical Center, on the 149th birthday commemoration program for Queen Emma Jan. 2 at Mauna Ala (Royal Mausoleum).

The program marked the beginning of 1985 activities of the sponsoring Queen Emma Hawaiian Civic Club since it received its charter in 1%4. Queen Emma was born Jan. 2, 1836, the daughter of Nae'a, a chief of high rank, and Fanny Young Kekeaokalani, nieee of Kamehameha I. She was brought up £>s an adopted daughter in the house of Dr. T.C. B. Rooke, an English physician who had married her aunt, Grace Kamaikui Young.

While growing up in the Rooke household, Emma was witness to the suffering of her people who sought the care of her foster father. So when she married King Kamehameha IV (Alexander Liholiho) in 1856, she shared all of his hopes and plans for the people of Hawaii and supported him, in spirit as well as action, in his efforts to promote the welfare of their people. Together they envisioned a heahh care center whieh would serve the people of Hawaii with eoneem and compassion. And, through their personal efforts, they made that vision a reality. In 1859, they founded Hale Ma'i o ka Wahine Ali'i (Sick House of the Lady Chief) or The Queen's

Hospital. It has been the goal of The Queen's Hospital, known today as The Queen's Medical Center, to perpetuate this profound and noble vision, this spirit of love and ohana for the people of Hawaii.

In his address, Bolian noted that 1984 was a most meaningful one at Queen's because it marked the 125th year of service to all the people of Hawaii. "The gracious Queen established the Medical Center in 1859 out of deep eoneem for a populahon very mueh decreased by epidemics and without access to medical care. Thus, Queen's is the legacy of Her Majesty to Hawaii," Bolian went on. "This heritage places The Queen's Medical Center in a unique position among the thousands of health care facilities in the United States. Not only are we the oldest hospital in the country founded by royalty, but we are the first hospital in the state and as such, we perpetuate a commitment bestowed upon us by Queen Emma to caring for all the people of Hawaii," he added.

"Building of the first hospital," Bolian continued, "did not stop here. She was the driving force behind several fundraising activities for the benefit of the hospital. In 1874, she initiated the Queen's Fair." In four hours, all items handmade and donated by the ladies of Honolulu were purchased for a total of $1,1617, all of whieh was donated to the hospital. Bolian declared that "the spirit and function of the Queen's Fair was revived in 1955 through the Festival of Trees, created and staged by The Queen's Medical Center Auxiliary. This annual event has ushered in the Christmas

season for Hawaii for the past 30 years with elaborate disp!ays and the sale of holiday trees, wreaths, ornaments, gifts and mueh more, all for the Center's benefit." This holiday tradition has raised more than $1.2 million for Queen's in the past 30 years. All funds were donated by the Auxiliary for the purchase of advanced medical equipment. Bolian said that construction of the 10-story Liholiho Tower, scheduled for occupancy later this year, symbolizes the constant growth at the Center. Major focus of this effort has been the upgrading and expansion of those services essential to the care of critically ill or injured individuals and includes critical care units, a new surgical suite and imaging services.

A specially commissioned, hand carved bust of Queen Emma will be given a plaee of prominence in the new tower. QEHCC members were most helpful in the modeling and design of this tribute. Sam Holt, QEHCC vice president who is Human Services Specialist with the Office of Hawaiian Affairs, gave the weleome address and served as master of ceremonies. Hula and choral singing were presented by Hui Hau'oli of St. Andrew's Priory under the direction of Suzanne Kaupu. St. Andrew's was also founded by Queen Emma. The invocation and closing prayer were offered by Natalie Rahe and Melissa Oppenhimer, respectively. Both are members of Na Opio O Emalani, QEHCC's youth club. Participating in the ho'okupu were the Daughters of Hawaii, Daughters of the Hawaiian Warriors, Ahahui Kaahumanu and Ewa Hawaiian Civic Club.

Happy Valentine's Day

Jalna Keala, Government Affairs Officer of the Office of Hawaiian Affairs, places her hookupu on tomb of the Kamehamehas as Sam Holt, OHA Human Services Specialist, looks on. Note photo of Queen Emma.

Dr. George C. Bolian, president of The Queen's Medical Center, addresses those who paid homage to Queen Emma.