Ka Wai Ola - Office of Hawaiian Affairs, Volume 3, Number 11, 1 November 1986 — Princess Kaiulani Honored at Mauna Ala [ARTICLE+ILLUSTRATION]

Princess Kaiulani Honored at Mauna Ala

Hawaii's Children Hold Potential for Greatness

A slow-ebbing sun, a gentle breeze anei a clear sky combined to create a picturesque setting for the 1 1 lth birthday commemoration services honoring Princess Kaiulani Oct. 16 at Mauna 'Ala. Members of Hawaiian organizations were resplendent in their respective club dress as were the dancers and singers of Kawena Corporations Ahahui Kaiulani and Halau Hula O Maiki. The appearance of the Royal Hawaiian Band, featuring soloist N alani 01ds Napoleon, solidified a simple but impressive program sponsored by the Ahahui Kaiulani Hawaiian Civic Club. Governor George R. Ariyoshi extended aloha on behalf of Hawaii's citizenry and his wife, Jean, delivered the keynote address on the subject, "Princess Kaiulani," offering her thoughts on the children of Hawaii. Invocation was given by the Rev. Curtis Kekuna of the Bishop Memorial Chapel at The Kamehameha Schools. The closing prayer was offered by the Rt. Rev. Hollingshead Knight, dean, St. Andrew's Cathedral. The full text of Mrs. Ariyoshi's address follows. It is indeed a good thing that we meet annually to commemorate the memory of this gracious young daughter of old Hawaii, whose death at an early age saddened so many. But today, we gather to commemorate her birth, not her death, so this gathering rightly has elements of joyful remembrance of Ka'iulani's nobility, youthful enthusiasm, graciousness, and generous heart. We all know her story so well. She was born October 16, 1875 — 111 years ago today. Her mother was Pnncess Likelike, and her father, the Scotsman Archibald Cleghorn. When she was 13 she went to school in England. Earlier, when she was five years old, King Kalakaua proposed that she be betrothed to a young Japanese prince, but this novel suggestion never was carried out. After her schooling, she returned home and there were high hopes for her future. She was loved by all, but died suddenly at the age of 23, in the summertime of her life. Today, Ka'iulani is an inspiration for all who love Hawan. Her memory is revered, and many children who hear her story are impelled to think more attentively and respectfully about thier own Island home and Island culture.

What message does the memory of Princess Ka'iulani have for us today? I would like to offer a thought for your consideration. . . Hawaii today has many, many children who are — in their potential for greatness — modern little princess and princesses. They may have no royal blood officially, but they are the children of Hawaii, of many races, creeds, colors, cultures, traditions and family roots. Eaeh one is a little jewel, meriting the greatest of love, care and diligent training and education. The children of Hawaii have, I repeat, potentials for greatness. lt is the obligation of all of us who have achieved adulthood, to care for these, according to our own vocation, interest and capabilities. We must, of course, care for our own children first, and insure as best we ean that they blossom and beeome whatever their greatest potential permits. But we must not limit ourselves to caring for our own families. There are innumerable other children in Hawaii who need help — some desperately so. Many are physically, mentally, emotionally, or otherwise hurt or impaired. Some are totally disabled, some abused, and require a certain heroism from a rare kind of adult who, with immense goodness, shares time and talent with those speeial children. Others thirst for attention and love, for understanding, for counsel, for guidance. In most families, of course, devoted parents supply such love in generous amounts. But in some cases, there is need for a prudent and wise helping hand from outside. Our Hawaiian people have known what this means. The words "ohana" and "ho'oponopono" have a richness known to all who have lived in the Hawaiian setting. They are among the essentials of that great heritage of whieh Princess Ka'iulani was so important a part. I propose today, therefore, that all of us — in memory of Ka'iulani — dedicate ourselves anew to helping the present-day young princess and princesses of Hawaii. These are our children, and some of them have the potential of becoming great leaders in our land and in our world. Let us, with great enthusiasm, look to the future, and to the achievement our children ean expect to attain with our generous guidance, help and support — as Princess Ka'iulani would have liked us to. Aloha pumehana.

Children and parents of Kawena Corporation's Ahahui Kaiulani in white and members of other Hawaiian organizations watch program in honor of Princess Kaiulani.

Mrs. Jean Ariyoshi, guest speaker, addresses large crowd.

Office of Hawaiian Affairs Trustee Moses K. Keale Sr., representing Niihau and Kauai, and Lt. Gov. John David Waihee III on their way to the crypt with hookupu.

Mrs. Carol Anzai, member of the sponsoring Ahahui Kaiulani Hawaiian Civic Club, makes her way to the crypt behind John Kamalani, chairman of the Hawaiian Civic Political Action Committee. Making his way to top of stairway with back to camera is Bruss Keppeler, president of the Oahu Council, Association of Hawaiian Civic Clubs. At top of stairway is Kevin (Chubby) Mahoe, kumu hula of the St. Andrew's Hula Academy.