Ka Wai Ola - Office of Hawaiian Affairs, Volume 5, Number 5, 1 May 1988 — Small Crowd Takes in Federal Building's Kuhio Day Program [ARTICLE]

Small Crowd Takes in Federal Building's Kuhio Day Program

A small but devoted crowd of about 200 persons was on hand Mar. 25 for the annual commemoration of the birth of Prince Jonah Kuhio Kalaniana'ole at the downtown Honolulu federal building that bears his name. While Kuhio Day is observed as a state holiday, federal workers were among those who watched and participated in the day's events that included crafts demonstrations, Hawaiian food, music, songs and a tree planting. Prince Kuhio was born Mar. 26, 1871, in Koloa Kauai, son of High Chief Kahalepule and Princess Kinoiki Kekaulike. He was educated in Honolulu, the continental United States and in England before marrying Elizabeth Kahanu in 1892. When the overthrow of the Hawaiian monarchy in 1893 ended his hopes of one day ruling as king, he nevertheless dedicated his life to the "rehabilitation" of his people.

From 1903 until his death on Jan. 7, 1922, "Prince Cupid" as he was affectionately called by his constituents, served as an elected delegate to the United States Congress for 10 successive terms. He sponsored the Hawaiian Homes Commission Act of 1921, whieh provided homesteads for native Hawaiians. His efforts helped secure congressional approval of $27 million for the establishment of Pearl Harbor and the Hawaiian National Parks. Following a short musical program by the Royal Hawaiian Band, directed by Aaron Mahi, members of the royal benevolent societies led a procession to the program site on the Halekauwila street side of the federal building. Represented were the Royal Order of Kamehameha, the Ka'ahumanu Society, Hale O Na Ali'i, Sons and Daughters of Hawaiian Warriors. A large photograph of the prince was draped with a lei ho'okupu presented by special guests Ilima Pi'ianai'a, representing Governor John David Waihee III, and by Richard Duncan, federalexecutive board chairman. Guest speaker was Miss Abigail Kinoiki Kekaulike Kawananakoa, grandnieee of Prince Jonah Kuhio Kalaniana'ole (Pi'ikoi), and president of the Friends of 'Iolani Palaee. A koa seedling was selected for the tree planting ceremony to represent strength of tradition, and as a play on the family name of Kawananakoa. This is the 10th year a tree has been planted in the annual commemoration ceremony, part of the General Services Administration's "Living Buildings" program. In previous years kukui, coconut and loulu palm have been planted. Tree planting participants included Miss Kawananakoa, Pi'ianai'a (who forsook the western-style shovel to scoop and plaee soiI with her hands around the seedling), followed by Duncan and presidents of eaeh ahahui. Special guest Richard Lyman Jr. used an 'o'o digging stick to help at his turn. The Prince Kuhio Hawaiian Civic Club chorus sang three pieces in honor of their namesake — Wahiika'ahu'ula, Aloha Kalanianaole and Ku'u Home O Keaukaha.