Report Title:

AHAHUI KAAHUMANU

WHEREAS, the AHAHUI KAAHUMANU – a benevolent group of Hawaiian and part-Hawaiian women – was founded on August 8, 1863 at Kawaiahao Church by her Royal Highness Princess Victoria Kamamalu, granddaughter of His Majesty King Kamehameha the Great and Chieftess Lydia Kamaka'eha Dominis; and

WHEREAS, Princess Kamamalu's concern for her people prompted her to establish this women's movement to care for the sick and provide a dignified burial upon death; and

WHEREAS, AHAHUI KAAHUMANU was discontinued after her passing and revived some forty years later under the leadership of Lady Lucy Kahihiemalie Peabody on June 14, 1905; and

WHEREAS, AHAHUI KAAHUMANU has over three hundred members throughout the State of Hawaii dedicated to preserving its treasured past, enabling its growth and development, and perpetuating its legacy; and

WHEREAS, the women of AHAHUI KAAHUMANU have dedicated their lives to supporting the Lunalilo Home for the aged Hawaiians and sponsoring programs that promote and preserve the Hawaiian language and culture; and

WHEREAS, AHAHUI KAAHUMANU embodies the dignity and honor of native Hawaiian people and is committed to upholding and perpetuating their traditions; now, therefore,

BE IT RESOLVED by the House of Representatives of the Twenty-first Legislature of the State of Hawaii, Regular Session of 2001, that this body hereby commends and applauds Margaret Kula Stafford, President, Eloise Bruns, Vice-President, Martha Ho, Secretary, Ann Morano, Treasurer, Leina'Ala Chong-Kee, Director, Wanda Sonognini, Director, and Lynette Ae'a, Director, and the efforts of AHAHUI KAAHUMANU for their outstanding service in perpetuating the Hawaiian language and culture for present and future generations and extends to them its warmest aloha and best wishes for continued success in all future endeavors.