Ka Wai Ola - Office of Hawaiian Affairs, Volume 2, Number 12, 1 December 1985 — David Laamea Kalakaua Honored at Mauna Ala [ARTICLE+ILLUSTRATION]

David Laamea Kalakaua Honored at Mauna Ala

Hawaiian societies, relatives, state officials and other dignitaries participated in a memohal service at Mauna Ala Nov. 16 commemorating the 149th birthday of David Laamea Kalakaua, last king of the Hawaiian Islands. Among those offering ho'okupu was Joseph G. Kealoha Jr., chairman of the Office of Hawaiian Affairs Board of Trustees.

The Royal Hawaiian Band under Bandmaster Aaron Mahi played music of the Kalakaua era, Ka'upena Wong chanted the Mele Inoa No Kalakaua and Palani Vaughn, whose specialty is the Kalakaua era, presented a musical tribute to the king. Others participating in the ceremony included the Rev. Darrow Aiona and Watters O. Martin Jr. Lt. Gov. John David Waihee III delivered the principal address. Waihee pointed out that Kalakaua played a major role in preserving for future generations the culture and heritage of his beloved

Hawaiian people while working for the day that Hawaii would eam its rightful plaee of leadership in the Pacific. "I believe that Kalakaua, if alive today, would be enormously gratified to see the revival of Hawaiian culture and arts. And he would be especially proud, I know, to see how well the descendants of his people had fulfilled the aspirations that he held for them. "For example, on his initial tour of the islands after his election as king, he spoke of his desire to 'revive the land and its people that we may be restored to our former position of

pride and power in our own land.' He also added, 'numerous, healthy and industrious — this is how I want to see my people!' Today's island people are trying hard to fulfill Kalakaua's hopes for them. He would be happy to know that today Hawaiians are increasingly moving into positions of responsibility throughout all segments of island life, and I think he

would be pleased that Hawaii is beginning to demonstrate its commitment and leadership in Pacific-Asian affairs. But most of all 1 believe that he would be gratified to know that Hawaiians are continuing to share with othrs the generosity and love that this king showed to all who knew him. And this display of Aloha, I believe, is the finest tribute that his people could make to the memory of the beloved Ali'i that we honor today. I know that he would join with us as we plan and work toward celebrating The Year of the Hawaiian in 1987."

Joseph G. Kealoha Jr., chairman of theOffice of Hawaiian Affairs Board of Trustees, emerges from crypt after placing ho'okupu. AIso in photo are Ka'upena Wong, left, and Palani Vaughn directly behind Kealoha.