Notable People of Hawai’i: Students selected individuals who they felt were worthy of featuring.

By Charmaine Ribao

Kamehameha II, Liholiho was Hawai’i’s second King. He was somewhat spoiled at the court. Liholiho was born in the year 1796. When his father died in the critical year of 1819, the Queen Ka'ahumanu was told by Kamehameha I that she was to share the kingdom of Liholiho as a joint ruler.

Liholiho and his advisors soon overthrew the ancient kapu system by having men and women of the court eat at the same table. At the end of this ceremony he announced that the heiau temples should be destroyed and all the old idols destroyed.

The reign of Kamehameha II was noted for the large income to the chiefs from the trade in sandalwood and for the beginning of whaling in the islands. Liholiho believed, like his father, that his kingdom was under the protection of Great Britain, and decided to visit the capital of that country to increase his knowledge of the world.

Kamehameha II’s favorite wife died on July 8, 1824 from an attack of measles, which was unknown to them. He was stricken with grief as well as the disease, and died on July 14, 1824. Their bodies were brought back to the islands on a British Vessel.

 

Kamehameha III, Kauikeaouli was Hawaii’s third King. He reigned over Hawai'i for nearly thirty years. He was born in Keauhou, Kona on the Big Island, on March 17, 1814. Many people believed his name means “placed in the dark clouds,” because of the hard and difficult things he was responsible for during his monarch. His father was King Kamehameha I, which was Hawaii’s first monarch and his mother was Ke’opuolani, the highest-ranking ali’i in Hawaii.

His kingdom was governed under a constitution, which meant free public education and religious freedom was firmly established. The Great Mahele made it possible for people to own land. He allowed this because he believed it could benefit his kingdom.

During his later years, he had been in poor health for more than a year. He was only forty years old when he died on December 16, 1854. The Hawaiian people were deeply saddened; they felt great loss of their beloved King. He is remembered as a ruler who worked diligently to ensure the survival of the Hawaiian Kingdom. With his quiet manner and wise judgment, he met each challenge with the love and support of his people.

 

Misti Aulani Caravalho

Hawaii’s Pride; Ikua Purdy

Ikua Purdy was truly a man that Hawai'i could have been proud of. Ikua was born in1873 and died in 1945 however, during this time a legacy of a great paniolo was created. Born on the Big Island’s Parker Ranch at a place only known as Mana, this humble yet outstanding paniolo, Hawaiian cowboy, put Hawai'i on the map. He produced such an image of dignity for the Hawaiian people that he shall never be forgotten. Ikua had the privilege amongst two others to go to the mainland and compete against the best of the best cowboys from all over the nation. Recognized only as the “Kanaka’s from Hawaii” these local boys did us proud. Ikua took top honors winning the world steer-roping championship at the Cheyenne Frontier Day's celebration in 1908 by roping, busting, and hog-tying his steer in fifty seconds. This of course made the papers in the people’s hands the very next day, and the memories of the people of Hawai'i for a lifetime.

Princess Bernice Pauahi Bishop

Princess Bernice Pauahi Bishop, who was she? To some she was just another woman living in a man’s world; yet to others, a savior and a woman of strong faith amongst her people. Bernice was born in 1831 and passed in 1884. She was the great granddaughter of King Kamehameha I. Although born on the island of O’ahu, her legacy and strength fills all the islands. She is noted most for her well renowned Kamehameha Bishop Estates School on the island of O’ahu. However, so strong is her influence it spread like wild fire. On the island of Hawai’i her presence can be noted everywhere, may it be that of a scholarship trying to give a child of Hawaiian descent a chance to strive in their up- coming endeavors through society, or it could just be giving them a chance to obtain a better education through her schooling. Here her school is located on the east side of the island in Keaukaha, Hawai’i. A high school is being planned for 2000-2001.

Kaiana

Loyalty, trust, pride, and knowledge were what made a good warrior. Kaiana was composed of all of these traits and more. Although he was a prince on Maui he preferred to travel. He finally ended up in Hawai'i upon the Iphigenia, the first ship to visit Kealakekua Bay in Kona since the Cook expedition. His plans to kill Douglas, the ship's captain and seize his ship were foiled. However, he did return with muskets and a cannon. Kaiana’s high ranking, fame in war, and knowledge of foreign weapons made him a valuable ally to King Kamehameha for several years. He stood by Kamehameha with such pride and dignity for Hawai'i and what Kamehameha stood for that he was among the best. However, in 1793 he was suspect to having an affair with Queen Ka'ahumanu and this displeased the king greatly. During an invasion on O’ahu he feared a plot brewing against him, he fled and deserted the king’s side. At the battle of Nu’uanu Pali in 1795, Kaiana was killed fighting against Kamehameha.

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