Ka Wai Ola - Office of Hawaiian Affairs, Volume 22, Number 6, 1 June 2005 — A century of service [ARTICLE+ILLUSTRATION]

A century of service

'Ahahui Ka'ahumanu's ladies in black throw a centennial ball By Sterling Kini Wong 6 A hahui Ka'ahumanu of Honolulu / \ Chapter 1, a Hawaiian benevolent A. A.society for women, will celebrate its 100th anniversary with a centennial ball at the Royal Hawaiian Hotel in Waikīkī on June 25. The society is probably best known for its members' appearances at Hawaiian events dressed in striking black regalia and yellow feather lei. But the society also has a long history of civic service in Hawai'i and a connection to Hawaiian royalty that goes beyond just its name. It was originally created in 1864 by Princess Victoria Kamāmalu, a granddaughter of Kamehameha I and an heir to the throne of the Hawaiian kingdom. Named in honor of Kamāmalu ' s grandaunt, Queen Ka'ahumanu, the society focused its early work on caring for the sick and providing proper burials for

the dead. But when Kamāmalu died, at the age of 27 and just two years after founding the society, its members disbanded. Forty years later, in 1905, Lucy Kaheiheimālie Peabody re-established the society. Since then, it has expanded to eight chapters located on nearly every island, with a combined membership of about 500. Today, the society's civic objectives include maintaining the legacy of the ali'i; promoting Hawaiian language and culture; caring for the elders at Lunalilo Home; providing financial support to

Kamehameha Schools' Exploration Program; and assisting beneficial programs for Hawaiians. Kawaiaha'o Church has served as the group's monthly meeting plaee for the last 65 years. The ladies, adorned in their full regalia, also attend numerous Hawaiian functions and participate in annual Hawaiian parades. They wear hlaek holokū dresses, hats and gloves in honor of the society's namesake. As was the custom in the 19th century, distinguished missionary women wore hlaek. When Ka'ahumanu converted to Christianity, she adopted their dress. The members wear yellow lei hulu, or feather lei, as a tribute to Ka'ahumanu's royal lineage. Margaret Kula Stafford, who is serving her 12th year as president, has been a member of 'Ahahui Ka'ahumanu since 1962, when her mother invited her to join. She says she's remained a member for so long because of the friendships she's forged while helping other Hawaiians. "It's a special, almost indescribable feeling to be able to work with other Hawaiian women for the same goal," she says. "I enjoy the camaraderie; the society is my pu'uhonua, my refuge." The centennial ball will feature 'ono food and entertainment from Tihati Productions. Tickets are $75. For more information, eall Nani Māhoe at 261-2248 or Margaret Stafford at 732-7372.

Hanana Kūikawā

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President Margaret Kula Stafford (first row, center) and the ladies of 'Ahahui o Ka'ahumanu of Honolulu Chapter I will celebrate the society's 1 00th anniversary on |i inA Photo: Courtesy of Margaret Kula Stafford