Ka Wai Ola - Office of Hawaiian Affairs, Volume 31, Number 6, 1 June 2014 — Hawaiʻiʻs first homesteaders remembered as pioneers [ARTICLE+ILLUSTRATION]

Hawaiʻiʻs first homesteaders remembered as pioneers

Descendants of the original families honored as part of 90th anniversary celebration

By Cheryl Corbiell Almost a century ago, Hawaiian families settled in Kalama'ula on Moloka'i's south shore and heeame Hawai'i's first homesteaders. On April 21, these pioneers were honored with a celebration marking 90 years since the establishment of what was known as Kalaniana'ole Settlement. In a solemn procession from the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands' Moloka'i office in Kūlana

'Oiwi, participants crossed the two-lane highway to the ceremony at Kalaniana'ole Hall. Miehael Kahinu, descendant of original homesteader Albert Kahinu, carried a framed photo of Prince Jonah Kūhiō Kalaniana'ole and was accompanied by Kauila Poaha Reyes, the oldest kupuna in Kalama'ula and a descendant of the first homesteaders. Two kāhili bearers, Bra Hun Son Kaai and Roycee Calairio, descendants of David Kaai, led the way, with Hawaiian Homes commissioners and commission Chair Jobie Masagatani following behind.

"We pay tribute to the first families who settled this land, our grandparents, who toiled with mueh blood, sweat and tears in breaking the ground and making this their home," said Commissioner Gene Ross Davis, who welcomed community members, descendants and government officials to the eelebration.

Ross Davis, a third-generation Moloka'i homesteader, said it was also fitting to remember Prince Kūhiō Kalaniana'ole, "whose vision and legacy is why we are gathered here today. He was committed and dedicated to seeing this legislation through for his people. Prince Kūhiō was concerned about the

future of the Hawaiian people." Descendants of the original homesteaders were individually called to the podium to receive a certificate acknowledging their ancestor's fortitude and strong desire to succeed on behalf of all Hawaiians. Office of Hawaiian Affairs Chairperson Colette Machado, a descendant of Zachariah Pali Pahupu, credited the first families with the legacy that continues today. "These first homesteaders cleared kiawe, constructed homes, planted

gardens and raised livestock, but because of these homesteaders' perseverance and success, today more than 6,000 Hawaiian homesteaders live on homesteads," she said. "If it was not for the Kalama'ula demonstration project, Native Hawaiians wouldn't be where we are today." "It wasn't just men that toiled," she added. "Men, women and ehildren all worked hard all the time. Records mentioned that the women were the core of the family. They worked the land with their family as well as kept the family together.

They were home at last." Prince Kūhiō was among those who selected the first homesteaders. "Seventy applications were received with eight chosen, and a subsequent 34 homesteaders followed," said Nani Kawa'a Ross, sister to Gene Ross Davis and granddaughter of George Wellington Maioho, one of the original homesteaders. "Everyone's age, number

of children and skills were considered. Some were from Moloka'i, while others were from around Hawai'i." Maui County Councilwoman Stacy Crivello read from a historic petition to Congress written by Prince Kūhiō and others. The petition asked for land for Hawaiians, saying, "The Hawaiian people looked with hope to Kalama 'ula - a plaee for regeneration." Crivello said that "by 1926, the Kalaniana'ole Colony was deemed a success and the homesteading program was initiated in earnest. By 1930, problems with salinity and pests moved the commission to open Hoolehua and some Kalama'ula settlers relocated. The petition with Congress explained the importance of the soil and 'returning to Mother Earth.' Today, Kalama'ula homesteaders are reminded that the future is found in the past." Ross Davis, the commissioner, said, "These original homesteaders left their families to eome and open up the way - not just for Kalama'ula but for every homestead organization around the state." ■

Chervl Corhi.ell is an instructor at the University of Hawai'i Maui. College-Moloka'i. and coordi.nator for TeenACE and ACE Readi.ng programs.

Qriginal Homesteaders in Kalama'ula, Moloka'i

Henry A. Wise, Lot No.l ūaniel K. Hipa, Lot No. 2 Z. Pali Pahupu, Lot No. 3 Rebecca Kaahu, Lot No. 4 J.K. Kualapai Jr., Lot No. 5 Mrs. Kaanaana Bush, Lot No. 6 John Geo. Lewis, Lot No. 7 Mary Manu, Lot No. 8 Keala Kupihea, Lot No.9 Harry Hanakahi, Lot No. 10 Wm. A. Aki, Lot No. 11 Wm. Kamakana, Lot No. 12 GeorgeW. Maioho, Lot No. 13 Marcellus Dudoit, Lot No. 14 Fred M. Kailiuli, Lot No. 15 John Puaa, Lot No. 16 Harry Apo, Lot No. 17 Albert Kahinu, Lot No. 18 Clarence W. Kinney, Lot No. 19 Demonstration Farm, Lot No. 20 David Kamai, Lot No. 21 Mrs. Matilda Rodrigues, Lot No. 22

Mrs. David Kaai, Lot No. 23 I.D. laukea, Lot No. 25 Mrs. GussieJoao, Lot No. 26, Lease No. 17 Mrs. Mary K. Rawlins, Lot 28, Lease No. 9 Mrs. Kahea Maliu, Lot No. 29, Lease No.7 Peter Kuahulu, Lot No. 30, Lease No. 2 Sam K. Kekuewa, Lot No. 32, Lease No. 21 Mrs.Joe Raphael, Lot No.36 James Kauka, Lot No. 37 Edward Ayau, Lot No.38 Henry Paleka, Lot No.39 John Kino, Lot No. 40 GeorgeTownsend, Lot No. 41 Mrs. Hannah Burke, Lot No.42 William Puaoi, Lot No.43 Mrs. H.T. Rodrigues, Lot No.44 Moses Burrows, Lot No. 45 Mrs. C. K. Nakihei, Lot No.46 Mrs. Rebecca Joao, Lot No. 47 David Burrows, Lot No. 48 John Kaimiola, Lot No.49

Left, Albert Kahinu, holding picture a of Prince Kūhiō, and Kauila Poaha Reyes, descendants of the first homesteaders, led the day's procession.

Above, descendants of the original homesteaders gathered under a tent with state officials, including Hawaiian Homes Commission Chair Jobie Masagatani, left, and Commissioner Renwiek "Unele Joe" Tassill. - Photos: Cheryl Corbiell

This photo, part of a display at the anniversary ceremony, shows territorial Gov. Wallaee Farrington with the Purdys and Holbrons in Kalama'ula in 1 926. - Courtesy photo Source: Hawaiian Homes Commission, Resoiution Number 273