Ka Wai Ola - Office of Hawaiian Affairs, Volume 5, Number 3, 1 March 1988 — Royal Order Ladies Mark Silver Anniversary [ARTICLE+ILLUSTRATION]

Royal Order Ladies Mark Silver Anniversary

Kukui Nut is Theme of Auxiliary lnstallation

By Kenny Haina, Editor Ka Wai Ola O OHA "The kukui nut in its original state is symbolic of man — born of a protective bosom to a world of challenge, love, demand, trust, elaim and doubt. With the tender loving nurturing of the kukui, it commences to be a thing of beauty — like man." These are words descriptive of the theme of the Hawaii Chapter #1 of the Women's Auxiliary, Royal Order of Kamehameha, during its annual installation of officers marking the group's silver anniversary at the Camp Holland M. Smith Officers' Club at Halawa Heights Jan. 22. "Kukui speaks of enlightenment, promise, vision, strength, purpose, graceful posture and success. Afforded our ehaplain (Elizabeth Nalani Ellis) as her emblem, the kukui also reminds us of our spirituality and inner peaee," declared Betty Kawohiokalani Ellis Jenkins jn remarks made before nearly 100 members, friends and guests. Mrs. Jenkins, who serves as Kupuna Community Coordinator with the Office of Hawaiian Affairs, heads the Auxiliary as president until 1990. Also installed with her were Mana Lindsey, vice president; Janice Akana, secretary; Shirley Leong, treasurer; Anne Kaapana, Martha Maunakea and Bernice Waiwaiole, trustees; Mary Lou Kekuewa, sergeant-at-arms; Mrs. Ellis, ehaplain; and Moana

Umi, ex-officio. The Auxiliary for the second successive year installed its committee chairwomen: Roxanne Davis, constitution and bylaws; Mollie Casil, historian: Dora Kaikaihauole, education and scholarship; Momi Kahawaiolaa, health and welfare; and Esther Nakoa, aloha and social. Wanda Branco, legislation, was unable to attend. Ho'olako and Ho'olokahi gave the Auxiliary a most fitting time to select the kukui as the theme for its 25th silver anniversary, Jenkins explained. "With the birth of a new year, the world around us questions, and with reason: 'Is this the end of Ho'olako?' It could be, but it isn't as Ho'olako has set into motion for us as Hawaiians a path we no longer ean, nor wish to ignore," Jenkins explained. "Ho'olokahi," she added, "Iaunches a direction for the years ahead." The Women's Auxiliary was established July 18, 1963, its constitution and bylaws ratified two weeks later on Aug. 1 and its charter signed at the Papa Ali'i convention Aug. 17, at the Princess Ka'iulani Hotel. There were 18 charter members, two of whom were in attendance at the Jan. 22 installation — Violet Hughes and Tiona Wailehua. The first officers of the Auxiliary were Lahapa Kauhane, president; Rose Wailehua, vice president; Lani Chang Resents, secretary; Margaret Prestidge, treasurer; and Kula Peters, sergeant-at-arms.

OHA Kupuna Ulunui Kanakaole Garmon of Waimea and Maile Lum Ho Vargo of Hilo related Hawaii's legendary beginning in chant, narration and mele. Mrs. Vargo sang her original song, "KuHui," whieh was composed in December, 1987, during a dark and stormy night in Haleiwa. Entertainment during the cocktail hour was provided by Kawai Cockett and his group while dinner entertainment was furnished by the Na Hoaloaha Singers under the direction of Leila Hohu Kiaha. The group was composed in the main of Kamehameha School graduates of yesteryear. John Lindsey was the Ali'i Okana with Wayne Davis as Kaka 'Olelo, Paul Kekuewa as Ali'i Mamo and Franklin Pao, kahuna pule. The pule was given by Rachel Mahuiki and the doxology by Martha Hohu. Members of the Royal Order chapters on Kauai, Maui and Oahu were among those in attendance. They met early the next morning at Kamehameha for their annual 'Aha Kuka before going together and participating in the Ho'olokahi program that day at Aloha Stadium. In keeping with the theme of the occasion, eaeh table was decorated with kukui nut leaves and a kukui nut was placed with eaeh setting.

Ali'i Mamo Paul Kekuewa presents a taro plant to Women's Auxiliary President Betty Kawohiokalani Ellis Jenkins. The taro plant is the staple of life for Hawaiians and as such is also the staple of her office, according to Ali'i Okana John Lindsey.

Officers of the Women's Auxiliary, Royal Order of Kamehameha, standing ready to be installed are, from left to right, Elizabeth Nalani Ellis, ehaplain; Bernice Waiwaiole, Martha Maunakea, Anne Kaapana, trustees; Mary Lou Kekuewa, sergeant-at-arms; Shirley Leong, treasurer; Janice Akana, secretary; Maria Lindsey, vice president; Betty Kawohiokalani Ellis Jenkins, □resident.