Pauahi Statue Unveiled in the Royal Grove at the Royal Hawaiian Shopping Center

December 20, 2007

Contributed by Thomas Yoshida

"It is fitting that the statue is nestled in the Grove's ethnobotanical gardens at Helumoa," said Dee Jay Mailer, CEO of Kamehameha Schools, " as this is where Ke Ali'i Pauahi spent her last days and wrote the final codicil to her will that provided for the establishment of Kamehameha Schools." The statue, created by Kamehameha Schools graduate Sean Kekamakūpa'a Ka'ōnohiokalani Lee Loy Browne, is named, "Ka 'Ikena Ho'oulu a Pauahi," (the inspired vision of Pauahi).

The Pauahi statue was created by Kamehameha Schools graduate Sean
Kekamakūpa'a Ka'ōnohiokalani Lee Loy Browne. (Michael Young photo)

In honor of the statue dedication, more than 50 kahili (royal feather standards) paid tribute with a rare kahili processional, accompanying 40 representatives of Hawaiian Royal Societies.

Program participants included Kamehameha Schools Trustee Chair J. Douglas Ing, Trustee Nainoa Thompson, CEO Dee Jay Mailer and nine haumāna (students) representing the Schools' educational programs from preschool through college statewide, artist Sean Browne and representatives from The Festival Companies who manage and develop the property. The ceremony was presided over by Kamehameha Schools Kahu Kordell Kekoa.

Kahu Kordell Kekoa blesses the Pauahi statue. (Michael Young photo)

The statue is a 1-1/3 life size rendition of Pauahi seated on a bench holding a book with a little girl beside her. Pauahi's dress is a recreation of one she herself made, while the little girl's sundress is a timeless garment that reflects the past, present and future. Flowers in Pauahi's hair represent her passion for gardening.

"Because of Helumoa's rich history, The Royal Grove is a powerful symbol for the statue's placement," said the artist Browne. "It is fitting that she can be honored there for her contributions to the Hawaiian people. Under Pauahi's vision Hawaiians have survived and prospered. The statue reflects her legacy and represents a resurgence of cultural identity and pride for her people."

The statue is the only ali'i statue where the honoree is seated, which denotes her humble demeanor, patience and aloha. The statue is situated on a circular platform of pōhaku (stones) and 'ili'ili (water-worn pebbles) gathered from Kīholo, North Kona, an area significant to Kamehameha I. Stonework was done by Billy Fields, noted expert in uhau humu pōhaku (traditional masonry). The book held by Pauahi symbolizes her spirituality, love of learning and music.

The hula along with a performance by the Kamehameha Schools Chorus graced
the grounds of Helumoa. (Michael Young photo)

"We are honored to have Pauahi's presence at The Royal Grove," said Manu Boyd, cultural director of Royal Hawaiian Shopping Center and graduate of Kamehameha Schools. "This is a property of Kamehameha Schools, and it is fitting that we honor the royal legacy of this 'āina. We are proud to share this heritage with our guests."

The artist, Browne, earned a bachelor's degree from the University of Redlands and a master's degree in fine arts in sculpture from the University of Hawai'i at Mānoa. He is currently an artist and art instructor at Kapi'olani Community College. He has several works on display throughout O'ahu, including the statues of King Kalākaua and Prince Kūhiō that are on display in Waikīkī.

The view from above of the Royal Grove. (Michael Young photo)

Royal Hawaiian Shopping Center, the premier shopping destination in Waikīkī, now consists of 310,000 square feet along a three-block stretch on Waikīkī's famed Kalākaua Avenue. The Center is undergoing a major multi-million dollar renovation, the first since the Center opened in 1979. The renovation plans include a complete makeover that will restore a Hawaiian sense of place to the physical and operational environments of the Center, and a dynamic mix of new world-class retailers, restaurants and entertainment venues. Completion is slated for first quarter 2008. The Center is situated on more than six acres of prime real estate in Waikīkī and is owned by Kamehameha Schools. The Festival Companies is the developer for the Center working with Kamehameha Schools to implement the revitalization plans. All revenues generated by the Center enable Kamehameha Schools to provide quality education to children of Hawaiian ancestry, on its campuses and in communities across the State. To learn more about the Center or its revitalization project, visit www.RoyalHawaiianShoppingCenter.com.