Welina Kakou I ka Ohana O Hawaii Nei.
We support the decision of the state Board of Land and Natural Resources in approving the construction and use of a burial tomb at Mauna ‘Ala for Princess Abigail K. Kawananakoa. The BLNR’s decision complies with the March 8, 1956, opinion letter of acting Attorney General Richard Sharpless.
The attorney general opined that "the Royal Mausoleum premises were dedicated and preserved as a burial ground for members of the Royal Family of Hawaii, which included the sovereign and chiefs of the kingdom and their family members."
Princess Abigail is the granddaughter of Abigail Wahiikaahuula Campbell and Prince David Kawananakoa. Prince David Kawananakoa is the adopted son of King Kalakaua and Queen Kapiolani. The princess’ royal grandparents also adopted Abigail, resulting in her being the daughter of Abigail Wahiikaahuula Campbell and Prince David Kawananakoa. Princess Abigail’s alii genealogy clearly establishes her as a "member of the Royal Family of Hawaii."
It is the duty of alii to advance the well-being of their people. Princess Abigail has emulated this royal duty through her significant contributions to Native Hawaiian health, education and culture. Her capital contribution enables the practice and perpetuation of traditional healing practices at the Dr. Agnes Kalanihookaha Cope Native Hawaiian Healing Center in Waianae. Cope refers to Princess Abigail as the Queen Emma of modern times.
Over the past 40 years, Princess Abigail has supported the Merrie Monarch Festival. In recent years, she has provided significant annual stipends to participating halaus. Since the 1990s, she has provided steady support for the Hawaiian language through ‘Aha Punana Leo.
Princess Abigail cherishes the vision of her great grand-uncle and uncle by adoption, Prince Jonah Kuhio Kalanianaole, the principal architect of the Hawaiian Homes Commission Act of 1920. Embracing Prince Kuhio’s vision, she has regularly shared her personal resources to improve the quality of life of the residents of the Hawaiian Homelands communities throughout Hawaii.
Recognized as the symbol behind the Hawaiian nation, Iolani Palace has been nurtured back to grandeur by Princess Abigail’s caring. Kippen de Alba Chu, executive director of Friends of Iolani Palace, has described her as the prime force for restoration of the palace, and for recovery of palace artifacts from around the world. The princess’ capital contribution toward refurbishment of Hawaiian Hall at the Bishop Museum has enabled sharing with the rest of the world the cultural history of our alii from King Kamehameha I through Queen Liliuokalani. Princess Abigail annually provides funds for scholarships and financial aid to the students at St. Andrew’s Priory, na pua o ke Alii Emmalani.
O ko’u ola, alaila lawe aku oe ia’u ike alo o Ke Akua … We thank Ke Akua for life, and seek to be in His Presence in the next life.
