Ka Wai Ola - Office of Hawaiian Affairs, Volume 34, Number 6, 1 June 2017 — Haʻaheo no Kaʻahumanu [ARTICLE+ILLUSTRATION]

Haʻaheo no Kaʻahumanu

n June, 'Ahahui Ka'ahumanu (Chapter II - Waimea) will celebrate their 1 1 Oth anniversary with a "Relaxina

Ka'ahumanu Weekend in Paniolo County." My grandmother, Daisy Kanoehali'i Stevens Lindsey, and my mother, Angeline Ka'uhiwai Lindsey Sakuma, were proud lifetime members of the Waimea Chapter. This year's eelebration will include their various sister chapters from around the state and include presentations by eaeh chapter. As a member of the Maui chapter, I am thrilled to be celebrating this momentous oeeasion and want to take the time to

reflect on the organization and Queen Ka'ahumanu. The 'Ahahui is one of four benevolent societies that was established in 1864 by Victoria Kamāmalu, A. Pauahi, and L. Kamakaeha at Kawaiaha'o, Honolulu. The foresight of these three did not end with 'Ahahui Ka'ahumanu; Kamāmalu was the sister and heir-apparent of Kamehameha V, Pauahi would later found Kamehameha Schools, and L. Kamakaeha was the last ruling Queen of the Hawaiian Kingdom. Published in Ka Nupepa Kuokoa, Buke III, Helu 34, Aoao 4, the three women announee their intentions to establish the "good tasks" along with the organization's constitution. Together, these three would serve as the three officers of the association. In this newspaper publication, they note their desire to take on this work: "No ko makou makemake ana e hoopuka I keia hana maikai mawaena o makou ame ka īehuīehu, nolaila, ke hoohui nei makou ia makou iho e hana I keia mau hana." (Because of our desire to announee this fine endeavor amongst ourselves and the people, we eome together to undertake these tasks.) They go on to note that the role of the association was to assist eaeh other member of this Association when they are in need (in sickness, poverty, and death). Their yearly meetings, membership dues, and offices are also noted in this well-

thought Kumu Kanawai, or constitution. Upon Kamāmalu's death in 1864, the ahahui went inactive, but was re-instated

by Lucy Peabody in 1905. Ka'ahumanu was one of Kamehameha the First's most esteemed and influential wives. Ka'ahumanu was born in Hāna, Maui, at Pu'u Ka'uiki. It was known that Ka'uiki was an important site for political power in that area. She would later find herself as one of the most powerful women at the time. Famed as Kamehameha's favorite wife, Ka'ahumanu played a central role in Kamehameha I's success as

the conqueror of islands. She not only supported his endeavors, but served as his trusted advisor to gain political power. Though she did not bear any children for Kamehameha, she still served an important role in one of his children's lives. In 1819, when her husband died, she and Keōpūolani, his most sacred wife, would help a young Kamehameha II abolish the 'ai kapu system following his father's death. Though Liholiho was the official ruler and Kamehameha II, Ka'ahumanu retained a large amount of power and inAuenee over the politics of the kingdom. She held the powerful office of kuhina nui. Later in her life, Ka'ahumanu would wholeheartedly embrace the teaching of Christianity, forming churches and many being named after her, as well. Fifteen years after the historic 'ai noa, a life of politics, and power, Ka'ahumanu died on O'ahu. Today, Ka'ahumanu continues to be an esteemed ali'i, held in high regard for her influential power as a wahine in a changing time. With a rich history and strong role model, I amproud to be a part of an esteemed organization. I look forward to celebrating the 1 1 0th anniversary of the Waimea chapter with my Ka'ahumanu sisters next month and urge others to participate in such treasured organizations such as this. ■

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Carmen "Hulu" Lindsey

Trustee, Maui