Ka Wai Ola - Office of Hawaiian Affairs, Volume 2, Number 4, 1 April 1985 — Another Link in Hawaii's History Severed [ARTICLE+ILLUSTRATION]

Another Link in Hawaii's History Severed

By John Renken Kaha'i Kauauamahi Topolonski

Another link in Hawaii's regal, colorful and historical past was severed on Monday, Feb. 11, with the passing of the (High Chiefess) Eleanor Keko'aohiwakalani Prendergast, 88. She was the daughter of John K. Prendergast and the High Chiefess Ellen Wright Prendergast and the granddaughter of Henry Prendergast, chamberlain to Kamehameha V. Perhaps the more important recognition attached to Miss Prendergast's family was the composition, "Mele 'Ai Pohaku," better known as "Kaulana Na Pua" (a song written by her mother against the usurpers of the Hawaiian monarchy.) Miss Prendergast's long loeal government career is a witness to her involvement in the policital forum of Hawaii under the territory. She was a woman of other accomplishments as well — an intellectual and a scholar of Hawaiian history and politics. , She was also of the feeling that young Hawaiians must be nurtured and taught their culture and history. She believed also in telling the truth about our heritage — the good and the bad — and anything that would give younger Hawaiians a good realistic perception of their heritage. I remember she onee said to me: "Remember John, it is all our history — all the good and the bad, the sadness and the accomplishments — and we are the keepers of our heritage no matter what other people say." As 1 looked at her in amazement, she said: "No nation upon God's earth ean elaim to have the perfect solution when dealing with man and his government or with his historical heritage." It was my pleasure to meet Miss Prendergast and her sister Mamo (Nani) in the early 1970's through one of my teachers and mentors in Hawaiian featherwork, Miss Birdie Kahea Reist. All she said to me one day was: "Let's go and visit the cousins." Little did I know that these cousins of hers were the famous Prendergast sisters whose lovely mansion was situated in Kalihi. Kalakaua named this beautiful plaee Puahaulani Hale. We entered the beautiful home and were greeted in typical

Hawaiian fashion. Then Eleanor and her sister said: "Come, we're going to take you upstairs to se'^ the four-poster koa bed that your grandpa, John Adams Cummins, copied because he admired its design." Eleanor was true to her heritage and proud to be both Hawaiian and European in racial extraction. She had no insecurities because of her mixed ancestry; many Hawaiians of my generation have a difficult time accepting theirs. In keeping with Hawaiian custom, she adopted her nieee Loma. She in turn was blessed with three grandchildren — Miehael, Eleanor and Leilani. By the hand of fate, Miehael 'Ilipuakea became a student of mine in hula 'olapa a few years later. His Hawaiian name was given to him by his grandaunt Mamo. He has since moved on and now concentrates on expressing himself artistically through woodcarving. His involvement and interest in Hawaiian artwork is helping him make a prominent name for himself. When I think of Eleanor, my mind's eye recalls a most elegant and graceful lady — kind, helpful, honest and very direct in expressing her feelings. Most of all I shall always remember those sparkling brown eyes of hers whieh beheld a part of Hawaii's history and culture whieh many of my generation will never physically experience. And it was her eyes that spoke to my heart of kindness, encouragement and perseverance in my study of na mea Hawaii. We rejoice for all is not iost. Eleanor lives on in the memories of those people whose lives she touched. More importantly, she lives through her daughter, Loma, her three grandchildren and her four great-grandchildren. Finally, it is through Lorna's son, Miehael, who has grasped the true essence of the Prendergast tradition with the continuance of his work in the dance and arts relative to all things Hawaiian. Yes, indeed, he too possesses those brown sparkling eyes of grandmother Eleanor. As I look into them, I think how beautiful for his grandmother and Aunt Mamo that they will live on for generations to eome through him. Aloha pumehana!

EleanorK. Prendergast isshown here ina July, 1937,photo in a royal chair in the Governor's office at lolani Palaee.