Aloha Queen Liliʻuokalani
Life is a treasure of memorable days. Days with friends, families and loved ones. A stroll in the park with a special person. Days as a child with our parents. A pet that always waited at the door till our return. These are times we will not soon forget. Then there are those we wish we knew. Those whose lives are measured by self-sacrifice and contributions toward the benefit of others. Those we wish we could have played a part in their lives. We celebrated such a person recently.November 11 was both a happy and sad day. It was the 100th year Celebration of the last monarch of these islands on the day of her passing. Isn’t that ironic. It was held on the same day we honor our veterans. On this day of honor there are those who walk amongst us and those who are no longer. It was a day we all had a chance to honor our Queen Liliuokalani. A Queen who wanted so much for her people. A Queen who voiced her feelings in songs she wrote that we hear today. A Queen who saw these islands stolen from her people at gun point and imprisoned. This was her day.
The celebration was at the Hawaii State Capitol. Saw many friends in the crowd. Amongst the many speakers were the current Governor Ige and former Governor Waihe’e. Sitting in the audience were former Governors Abercrombie and Arioshi. There were many others of course, mayors, legislators, government officials and heads of organizations. Present were members of the Royal Societies to include the Royal Order of Kamehameh Ekahi, Ahahui Ka’ahumanu, Hale ‘O Na Ali’I, Mamakakaua, Oahu Council of Hawaiian Civic Clubs and the Association of Hawaiian Civic Clubs and the Daughters of Queen Emma Summer Palace. The Queen was entertained by a number of hula halau and entertainers. The line of ho’okupu and makana presenters were so long that officials had to cut it off in keeping with the time.
Participating on this day in a special way were members and caretakers of the Kalaeloa Heritage and Legacy Foundation, the Kalaeloa Heritage Park. They honored the Queen with the presence of 8 Royal Kahili. It was presented to her in a manner it was once done. They elevated this celebration to level deserving of a queen. They are Eric Matanane, Ikaika Matanane, Kawika Shook, Michael Demmitt, Bernard Gante, Charlton Gante, Andy Villanueva and Clayton Cabebe. They made it a day we will all not soon forget. ………….Aloha Liliu.By Shad Kane