Jul. 31, 2024
This story was contributed by Kalani Akana, PhD KSK’75 from the Office of Hawaiian Affairs.
At just 11 years old, Ke Aliʻi Bernice Pauahi Bishop captured a pivotal moment in Hawaiian history. In her journal, she described the day in 1843 when Hawaiʻi’s sovereignty was restored after being usurped by English Captain George Paulet: “They pulled down the English flag and hoisted the Hawaiian flag and we were all rejoicing.”
As we celebrate Lā Hoʻihoʻi Ea, it’s crucial to remember the wāhine aloha ‘āina (patriotic women) in history who fought for sovereignty and the preservation of the Hawaiian kingdom. These women’s contributions are not just historical footnotes; they are the foundation of ongoing Native Hawaiian advocacy.
Such advocates include Abigail Kuaihelani Maʻipinepine Bright, Emilie Kekāuluohi Widemann Macfarlane and Emma Nāwahī. In 1893, the women founded Ka Hui Hawaiʻi Aloha ʻĀina o Nā Wāhine (The Hawaiian Patriotic League for Women).
In 1897, they collected over 38,000 signatures from Native Hawaiians who protested the annexation of Hawaiʻi to the United States. This effort showcased the unwavering commitment to the kingdom and Queen Liliʻuokalani. Abigail even named one of her children Royalist. It also demonstrated their belief and participation in civic engagement.
Nāwahī was married to famed lawyer, legislator and patriot Joseph Nāwahī, who was the president of Hui Aloha ʻĀina (Hawaiian Patriotic League). Together, they started the newspaper “Ke Aloha ʻĀina”, using their platform to voice their resistance to the overthrow and advocate for people’s rights.
Wilhelmine Kekelaokalani Widemann Dowsett further advanced women’s rights by organizing the first Hawaiian suffrage organization in 1912: The National Women's Equal Suffrage Association of Hawai‘i. At a 1913 meeting, Dowsett confidently stated that women’s votes would be more honest and informed, saying “There isn't enough money in the world to buy her vote.”
Rosalie Keliʻinoi exemplified the impact of suffrage efforts when she became the first woman seated in the Hawaiʻi Territorial Legislature in 1924. Representing Kauaʻi, she passed four bills improving women’s rights such as allowing married women to manage their own lands and promoting the welfare of pregnant women, highlighting the ongoing struggle for equality and justice.
Later, Kamokila Campbell would serve as territorial senator representing Maui County from 1942 to 1946, further illustrating the continued fight for Native Hawaiian rights. During statehood hearings, nearly 53 years after the overthrow, she testified at ʻIolani Palace in a black holokū, linking the historical injustice of the overthrow to the inadequacy of reconciliation offered by statehood.
“I do not feel . . . we should forfeit the traditional rights and privileges of the natives of our islands for a mere thimbleful of votes in Congress,” Campbell said.
As we celebrate Lā Hoʻihoʻi Ea, the legacies of these wāhine aloha ʻāina inspire us. Their dedication to civic engagement and sovereignty reminds us of the power of our collective identity and guides us in advancing ea.
Each election year, Native Hawaiian-serving organizations collaborate to boost civic engagement and voter turnout among ʻōiwi, ʻopio, and kamaʻāina through an initiative known as Our Kaiāulu Votes. Check back for updates on upcoming events.