MEDIA RELEASE

As Kailua Village Business Improvement District’s gift to the community, award-winning and Grammy-nominated singer, songwriter, musician Henry Kapono will take the stage at Emma’s Square for a free concert.

Kapono has taken home numerous Na Hoku Hano Hano awards (Hawaii’s equivalent of the Grammy’s). He is also the author of the award winning children’s book, A Beautiful Hawaiian Day, has appeared in the films Damien and Waterworld and has made many television appearances.

He is a pure Hawaiian that is a household name throughout Hawaii and the Pacific. His music has taken him all over the world and his fan base is diverse. His music transcends his Hawaiian heritage which he prides so much and embodies the spirit of aloha that he has for all people.

Kapono’s music is said to touch the soul and his plaintive balladeer’s voice haunts you long after he leaves the stage.

Kokua Kailua begins at 1 p.m. when Alii Drive becomes a pedestrian-only walkway. Complete all your shopping among Historic Kailua Village’s merchants and vendors. Then enjoy Henry Kapono, “The Wild Hawaiian,” live at 5 p.m.

Afternoon at Hulihee

The Daughters of Hawaii and Calabash Cousins present a free Afternoon at Hulihee 4 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 18 to honor Princess Bernice Pauahi Bishop (1831-1884).

Enjoy the voices of the Merrie Monarchs and Hawaiian performing arts by Kumu Hula Etua Lopes and his hula halau, Na Pua Ui O Hawaii. Kindly bring a beach mat or chair as seating won’t be provided.

Princess Bernice Pauahi is most well known as the benefactress of Kamehameha Schools. A great-granddaughter of Kamehameha I, she came of age during the Victorian Era. She was well liked and very private. When her cousin, Kamehameha V, chose her as his successor in 1872, she declined.

Her refusal ended the Kamehameha Dynasty.

During her lifetime, the princess witnessed the physical and social decline of Hawaiians. Some foreigners brought disease — the native population dwindled from 400,000 in 1778 to fewer than 45,000 a century later — and controlled most commerce. Missionaries introduced a new value system.

“Distressed by the plight of her people, Princess Pauahi created a will in 1883 as an instrument of change,” said Casey Ballao, Hulihee Palace docent coordinator. “She believed education could be the answer to help her people.”

The document established a charitable land trust overseen by trustees to improve the well being of Hawaiians. It operates as Kamehameha Schools today, one of the largest, private trusts in the nation.

“The will was the princess’s way to malama ka aina — practice the ethical, prudent and culturally appropriate stewardship of land and resources,” Ballao said.

Pauahi married Charles Reed Bishop in 1850. She and Bishop shared a love for traveling, teaching and entertaining and the couple became astute property managers.

When her favorite cousin, Princess Ruth Keelikolani died, Pauahi received her entire estate (including Hulihee Palace) and this inheritance comprised the major portion of Pauahi’s landholdings. The princess died a year later in 1884.

To honor his wife, Charles founded the Bishop Museum in 1889 to house the royal family heirlooms and her extensive collection of Hawaiian artifacts.

Hulihee Palace is open for self-guided tours. Museum and gift shop hours are 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Tuesdays through Saturdays.

Hulihee Palace admission, which at this time includes a self-guided tour brochure, remains $6 for adults, $4 for seniors and $1 for keiki under 18.

Volunteer docents are sometimes available to give guided tours. For details, contact the palace at 329-1877, the palace office at 329-9555 or visit www.daughtersofhawaii.org. The gift shop can be reached by phoning 329-6558.

Caretakers of Hulihee Palace are the Daughters of Hawaii. The organization was founded in 1903 and opens membership to any woman who is directly descended from a person who lived in Hawaii prior to 1880.

Helping the Daughters in its efforts since 1986 are the Calabash Cousins; membership is available to all.

2012 Schedule

Jan. 15: Band appearance remembering King Charles “Lunalilo” and Aunty Iolani Luahine

Feb. 19: Event remembering Princess Ruth Keelikolani

March 18: Band appearance remembering Queen Kaahumanu and Prince Kuhio

April 15: Event remembering Prince Edward Albert

May 20: Event remembering King Kamehameha IV “Alexander Liholiho”

June 10: Band appearance remembering King Kamehameha I “Paiea”

July 15: Event remembering John Adams Kuakini

Aug. 26: Event remembering King Kamehameha III “Kauikeaouli”

Sept. 16: Band appearance remembering Queen Liliuokalani

Oct. 21: Event remembering Princess Kaiulani

Nov. 18: Band appearance remembering King Kalakaua, Palace Curator Aunty Lei Collins and Bandmaster Charles “Bud Dant”

Dec. 16: Event remembering Princess Bernice Pauahi Bishop