Ka Wai Ola - Office of Hawaiian Affairs, Volume 2, Number 12, 1 December 1985 — Queen's Own Has High Expectations [ARTICLE]

Queen's Own Has High Expectations

Among the many organizations whieh have participated in community activities, parades, festiv0tls and many similar functions is one known simply as the Queen's Own. It is a non-profit group whieh has been in existence since March, 1981, to perpetuate the Hawaiian culture and honor Hawaii's last reigning monarch, Quen Liliu'okalani. Hanalei Ramirez, first vice president and the group's performance committee chairman, said that while other monarchs are noted for innovative policies and cultural changes, Queen Liliu'okalani reigned during a period of politieal turmoil. She remained proud and her goodness radiated outward to her people, he noted. It is this spirit that lives on and is crowned again through the concept of the Queen's Own, Ramirez said. The primary goal of the organization is its recently established scholarship for the education of university students of Hawaiian ancestry. "Our organization perpetuates the Hawaiian culture in its various forms while emphasizing the reign of Queen Liliu'okalani," Ramirez explained. He added that "our knowledge and skills are shared through songs, dances and various arts, always doing this

with the highest esteem, just as our Queen would have done." The group started out as pa'u riders in loeal parades and also performed at many Mauna Ala (Royal Mausoleum) programs honoring Hawaii's royalty. In addition to Ramirez, other officers of the Queen's Own are Jim Lee, president; Ipolani Vaughn, second vice president; Watajeen Cano, secretary; and Tom Miguel, treasurer. The following statement appearing on the membership application form of the Queen's Own perhaps best sums up the kind of organization it is. "Our expectations are high. We ask for active participation in group functions, fundraisers, etc., that every effort be made to attend scheduled group meetings promptly, understanding and flexibility on necessary short notice changes for shows or other functions, maintenance of group confidentiality, and constant striving to keep the Queen's Own respected in the community. "We realize that we are asking mueh of you, yet please understand that we are seeking a lasting quality of whieh we ean be proud. All information is strictly confidential."