The woman who was known as the last Hawaiian princess has died at the age of 96.
Abigail Kinoiki Kekaulike Kawānanakoa came from a family lineage that have for many years ruled the Island of Hawaii, her wealthy family also owned vast and massive lands in the small Island. She passed away last week Saturday but he death was just announced yesterday Monday the 12th .
Her grand father was nephew to the last Queen Consort & cousin to the last Hawaiian monarch, King David Kalākaua. Perhaps senior to the late Princess would be former republican politician & party organizer, Quentin Kawānanakoa, grandson of her aunt, Abigail Kapiolani Kawānanakoa.
Her death was announced at the Hawaiian palace called the ʻIolani Palace, the palace is the only royal palace in America , however the palace has since been converted to a Museum, though they still use it for some official engagements.
Although her title as the prices of Hawaii was not official or constitutional, but she was recognized and addressed by many as princes because she came from a royal linage, the monarch and Kingdom system that was destroyed by Americans in 1893.
Senator Jarrett Keohokalole and Representative Daniel Holt, co-chairs of the Legislative Native Hawaiian Caucus, issued a joint statement today on the passing of Princess Abigail Kawānanakoa.
Photo credit: Bishop Museum pic.twitter.com/pE35aOldHK
— Hawaiʻi Senate Democrats (@HawaiiSenate) December 12, 2022
Reacting to her death , a woman by the name Kai Markell has this to say in a Facebook post.
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Abigail “Kekau” Kinoiki Kekaulike Kawānanakoa
Ua hala…
She has passed…
I remember years ago, a Beautiful friend, a Hawaiian woman who was a single Mother, struggling to survive, car falling apart, Homestead house old and dilapidated, and so stressed at work that her health was precarious, just trying to survive and take care of her children and grandchildren the best she could.
She was also a fierce advocate for protecting all things Kanaka ‘Ōiwi and important to our Lāhui.
She reached out to Kekau for help like so many others. She called her number in the phone book, scheduled an appointment and visited with Kekau at her offices.
After explaining her dire situation, Kekau wrote her a check for $10,000 on the spot. No strings attached. No conditions. Just continue to do her best to protect and save all things Hawaiian.
It was life changing for her.
Many others, probably in the hundreds, approached Kekau for the same reasons and received similar financial assistance.
It isn’t spoken of much by the recipients due to the inherent shame many feel for having had to ask for financial assistance, nor was it publicized for accolades by Kekau and her ‘ohana.
Just small quiet gestures to kāko’o another in truly dire need.
That is what I will always remember about Kekau.
O ka pono ke hana ‘ia a iho mai nā lani.
Continue to do good until the Heavens come down to you.
Me ka moe maluhia…
Me ke Aloha…
Rest in Peace…
With Love…