Press Releases

PALACE CONCERT REMEMBERS KUAKINI

07/09/2008

KAILUA-KONA — The Daughters of Hawai‘i present a free concert 4 p.m. July 20 at Hulihe‘e Palace to remember the late John Adams Kuakini. Enjoy the voices of the Merrie Monarchs and Hawaiian performing arts by Kumu Hula Etua Lopes and his Halau Na Pua Ui O Hawai‘i.

Due to current construction at the earthquake-damaged palace, the concert will be performed on the south lawn near the Kuakini Building. Kindly bring your own beach mat or chair as seating won’t be provided.

“A cousin to Kamehameha I, Kuakini served as the second governor of the Island of Hawai‘i, appointed by King Kamehameha II, Liholiho,” explains Fanny Au Hoy, palace administrator. “He built the palace in 1838, a year after finishing Moku‘aikaua Church.” Constructed of lava rock, coral lime mortar, koa and ‘ohi‘a wood, the two-story building boasted three-feet-thick walls. The impressive home served as Kuakini’s principal residence until his death in 1844.

Hulihe‘e Palace has been closed for repairs since December 10 after the historic landmark suffered $1.5 million in damages from the October 2006 earthquake. It is expected to be closed for up to a year. A Hulihe‘e Restoration Fund has been set up and tax-deductible donations are appreciated. Mail donations to Hulihe‘e Palace, 75-5718 Ali‘i Drive, Kailua-Kona, HI 96740. You can find out more about the earthquake damage at www.daughtersofhawaii.org.

The Daughters of Hawai‘i was founded in 1903; the organization opens its membership to any woman who is directly descended from a person who lived in Hawai‘i prior to 1880. Helping the Daughters in its efforts since 1986 are the Calabash Cousins; membership is available to all, 329-9555, www.huliheepalace.org.

Contact: Anita Okimoto, 329-9555