Aloha mai kakou to the learning community of Alaka’i O Kaua’i Charter School. We hope this message finds you all in good health and happiness as we return from the annual Spring Break. We look forward to seeing everyone back on campus on Monday, March 24th, for a couple of days. We will then be away from campus on Wednesday, March 26th, in observance of Prince Kūhiō Day.

The incredible person Prince Jonah Kūhiō Kalaniana‘ole was born on March 26, 1871, right down the road from the school in the Kōloa District of Kaua‘i to High Chief David Kahalepouli Pi‘ikoi and Princess Kinoiki Kekaulike, the youngest daughter of Kaumuali‘i, the last King of Kaua‘i. By the age of 13, he was named a Prince by a royal proclamation from his Uncle, King Kalākaua.

Prince Kūhiō is best known for his work for the people of Hawai’i as he acted as the Republican candidate for delegate to Congress. He served as a non-voting delegate from Hawai‘i to the House of Representatives in Congress from 1902 until he died in 1922. As an active statesman, Prince Kūhiō shaped the foundation for Hawai‘i’s modern government structure. Prince Kuhio was responsible for instituting the county system still in place today, and he sponsored the first bill for Hawai‘i‘s statehood in 1919.

Just a few of his significant accomplishments include a $27 million appropriation for dredging and construction of Pearl Harbor, the establishment of the Makapu‘u Point Lighthouse, the build-out of the Territorial building, the Hilo Wharf, the establishment of Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park, Kilauea National Park, and construction of a hospital at the Kalaupapa Settlement for lepers. To help further perpetuate and rehabilitate the Hawaiian people and their culture, Prince Kūhiō helped form the first Hawaiian Civic Club in 1918, a movement that now boasts over 50 distinct organizations across Hawai‘i and the United States.

Prince Kūhiō also re-established the Royal Order of Kamehameha I in 1903 and served as Ali‘i ‘Ai Moku until his death on January 7, 1922 at his home in Waikīkī. A few days before his passing, Prince Kūhiō urged his friend to continue fighting for native Hawaiian rights and “to stick together and try to agree to the best of your ability to meet the most important problem: the rehabilitation of our race.”

Hopefully we can all find some time on Wednesday to reflect on the many incredible contributions and accomplishments of Prince Kuhio.

Best wishes to you all for a wonderful week ahead. Malama pono.

DJ Adams
Po’okumu (Director)
Alaka’i O Kaua’i Charter School
Koloa, Hawai’i