DEDICATION
This book is lovingly dedicated to the memory of the first Regent and Founder of the Hale O Na Alii O Hawaii, Princess Abigail Wahiikaahuula Kawanakoa. It is hoped that through its medium, the younger members will get a clearer perspective of the principles and teachings of the Association and participate more fully by attending meetings and supporting all of its undertakings.
Princess Kawananakoa was a wise and loyal leader in the life and progress of Hawaii. She was held in high esteem, admiration and affection by all those who were privileged to know her intimately. As Founder and Regent of the Hale O Na Alii, she gave a great deal of her time, energy and cosntructive ability to its up building. She was a true ALII and maintained the dignity of her position until the very end. She lived a full life and her memory is enshrined in the hearts of all who learned to love her.
The Motto of the Association
KUIHAHI me ka LOKAHI (Loyalty and Unity)
FOREWORD
The Halau of Wahiikaahuula, Ahahui Poo, Hale O Na Alii O Hawaii, is celebrating its 40th Anniversary on April 19, 1958, with a LUAU and program at the Elks Club. The time and place were selected to permit the Committee to stage a successful get together for members and friends.
The anniversary of an organization has a special place in its LIFE, because it marks a milestone in its services to its membership and the fulfillment of its objectives. The Hale O Na Alii has made great strides since its inception, and lay claim to the fact that it is the most progressive benovolent Association restricted to men and women of Hawaiian ancestry.
In marking this anniversary, it was planned to print a booklet setting forth some of the achievements of the Society by quoting from its minutes. This has been partially realized by brief notes entitled, "Memories of the Minutes."
Much credit must be given to the firm leadership and teaching of Princess Kawananakoa and also to the officers who learned from her to carry out their duties efficiently, Among the officers who are helping us celebrate this birthday are our beloved past Iku Hai, Esther Ainoa; her close co-workers: Louise Akeo Silva, Odelia Ordenstein, Gertrude Bertlemann and Rosalie Barrett. All of them were closely associated with the Regent, and she had utmost confidence in them during the latter years of her life span. Three of them have rendered over 30 years of continuous service as members of the Board of Directors. Other past officers who worked with her are: Elenor Desha, Malie Lutz, Elizabeth Ewaliko, Rose Farm, Pearl Nye, Lucy Barber, Louise Bayne and Mary Kaleikoa. Our present Iku Hai. Victoria Ah Yat, was also acquainted with the Regent.
It is hoped that through the medium of this booklet, older members who have not attended meetings for many years will come and get acquinted with the younger members and that all members will have a deeper respect for the Association which has earnestly strived to live up to its obligations.
Replies
It seems to me when researching the 1920s and political hill and its President policies, we played a very dangerous game. Our na Kupuna no fault of their own tried to use emacipation, charity, and industry as a means of returning our people back to their land. Returning back to their land and gather wauke to make tapa in the rural areas of the islands was a step in the right direction, however, they had couched this return to the land in too many US American political agendas such as the 'Rehabilitation act'. That was clever and it did work for only a handful of Hawaiian blood on the 200,000 acres whereas the general public such as the military flourished on DHHL. The gate keeping of our people was a local game--unfortunately.
The Rehabilitation Act was never for the rehabilitation of the veterans of war, sick, or disabled. It was to build a strong race of people on their land and from their pristine environment. To do this was to gate keep, however, the the gate keepers favored the general public as a means of rehabilitation on to Hawaiian land.
The Alii countered the 1/32nd requirement and granting a high fraction of half so that its Rehabilitaion was for its intended purposes which is 50% plus bloodquantum. Sadly the US Military are trying desparately to change this Rehabilitation Program to a sick community other than 'robust'.
On the next page is a picture of "PRINCESS ABIGAIL WAHIKAAHUULA KAWANANAKOA" First Regent and Founder of Hale O Na Alii O Hawaii
I will try to get this booklet reproduced for the younger generation to make sense of this of Rehabilitation back on to the land, its blood, and burial. What it means to understand the principles of our elders and to which they were dedicated to the preservation of their culture and value the future generations.