Nā ali'i Kapi'olani, standing, and Lili'uokalani in an 1887 photograph. They are two of the royal figures portrayed in the film "Ma Ka Malu Ali'i: The Legacy of Hawai'i's Ali'i," to be shown at this year's Distinctive Women in Hawai'i History program. - Photo: Hawai'i State Archives

Program celebrates distinctive wāhine in Hawaiian history

By T. Ilihia Gionson / Ka Wai Ola

Cultural practitioners, scholars and historians will share the contributions of distinctive wāhine to Hawai'i's history through lectures, chants, storytelling, performances and film at the upcoming He Ho'olaule'a No Nā Mo'olelo O Nā Wāhine, the third annual Distinctive Women in Hawaiian History Program on April 25 at the Hawai'i Convention Center in Honolulu. Registration runs March 12 to April 8, and early registration is strongly encouraged as space is limited.

The annual, daylong program was born in 2007 to advance and examine scholarship on distinctive women in Hawaiian history by showcasing stories about women who in living or spending time in Hawai'i impacted its history and culture. It supports the Hawai'i Council for the Humanities' mission to connect people with ideas that broaden perspectives, enrich lives, and strengthen communities.

The distinctive wāhine to be honored this year are many, with some distinctive kāne as well.

Senior curator Elizabeth Nosek of the Mission Houses Museum in Honolulu, will present Missionary Women of Words: Hawaiian Language, Learning, and Literacy, focusing on missionary educators Sybil Moseley Bingham, Charlotte Fowler Baldwin, Ellen Bond, Juliette Montaque Cooke, Charlotte Close Knapp Dole, Betsy Lyons, Maria Ogden and Betsey Stockton. Nosek will examine their roles in the development and teaching of a written Hawaiian alphabet.

As a native counterpart, Bishop Museum's Kau'i Sai-Dudoit will present Hawaiian Women of Words, showcasing the efforts of wāhine fighting to preserve Hawaiian culture amid the rapid changes of the 1800s. Featured are Mō'ī wahine Keōpūolani and her efforts in spreading literacy, Kuhina Nui Kekāuluohi for her work in women's rights, Virginia Kepo'oloku Po'omaikelani for her work with the Hawaiian Genealogical Board, and Emma Metcalf Beckley Nakuina for her expertise in water laws and rights.

Music historian, lua practitioner and return presenter Noelani Mahoe will present Remembering the Cultural Treasures of Hawai'i in memory of those who have passed away in the last 12 months. Mahoe will tell the stories of Kumu Hula John Keola Lake, World War II veteran and 'Iolani Palace director emeritus Dr. Rhoda Armstrong Hackler, educator and author Dr. George Terry "Kanalu" Young, and feather artist Aunty Mary Lou Kekuewa.

Other presentations scheduled for this year's free event, presented by Hawai'i Council for the Humanities, include:

> Anthropologist Dr. Stanley Ann Dunham, most famously the mother of U.S. President Barack Obama, for her pioneering work extending micro-loans to artisans in Indonesia, Pakistan and Kenya.

> American modernist painter Georgia O'Keeffe for her impact on the visual arts and popular culture, with a special look at her Hawaiian paintings commissioned by the Hawaiian Pineapple Co. in the 1930s.

> Buddhist scholar Mary Mikahala Robinson Foster, friend of Lili'uokalani and benefactor of the Foster Botanical Garden, now part of the Honolulu Botanical Garden.

> Equestriennes of the 1800s and the development of pā'ū riding units.

> Outstanding projects featuring women from the 2009 Hawai'i State History Day.

> Ma Ka Malu Ali'i: The Legacy of Hawai'i's Ali'i, a film showcasing Hawaiian ali'i Pauahi, Emma, Lunalilo, Kapi'olani and Lili'uokalani and the trusts they established for the benefit of generations to come.

"So many different women have made an impact on the islands. Not only Hawaiian women, but women of all different races," presenter and emcee Noelani Mahoe said. "You want to learn something, come on down. It's really a wonderful program."

While honoring past contributions to Hawai'i society, the event organizers also want to make a difference in the present. Organizers will be collecting old cell phones for Hawai'i-based soldiers serving abroad, printer cartridges for recycling and canned foods for River of Life Mission's outreach to Honolulu families in need.

At last year's program, Noelani Mahoe presented "Warrior Women." This year, Mahoe will be presenting a session called "Remembering the Cultural Treasures of Hawai'i." Photo: Courtesy Distinctive Women in Hawai'i History Third annual Distinctive Women in Hawaiian History Program He Ho'olaule'a No Nā Mo'olelo o Nā Wāhine A Celebration of Women's History 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. April 25 Hawai'i Convention Center, Theater 310 Free, but catered food is available for a fee Registration runs March 12 through April 8. Forms received after seating capacity is reached will be considered on a space-available basis. Registration forms are available at public libraries on O'ahu and online at distinctivewomenwomenhawaii.org. For information, email info@distinctivewomenhawaii.org or visit the web site.