Here's some insight into the woman for whom the boulevard, park and hospital common to us all are named, Kapiolani.
Kapiolani is mostly known as King David Kalakaua's Queen, but Kapiolani's chiefly rank was actually higher than Kalakaua's.
"Kapiolani his queen comes from Kauai from a very high lineage and she had higher rank then he did," said Lilikala Kameeleihiwa.
Nonetheless, their love for each other was unparalleled.
Kalakaua named Kapiolani Park for her, and Kapiolani strongly supported Kalakaua's "Hooulu Lahui" agenda.
"Kalakaua, increase the race, the Hawaiian race and she made it possible for the hospital," Kameeleihiwa said.
The Kapiolani Medical Center for Women & Children has grown since Kapiolani established it in 1890.
"All the land and money the chief possess for the Kapiolani Maternity Hospital. The reason she did so is because people were dying so much from disease especially women as soon as they gave birth they caught caused them to die and children to die," Kameeleihiwa said.
In honor and appreciation for all her work, this is how her name should be pronounced correctly.
"Unfortunately today, we often hear many people say Kapiolani. It's so sad because Kapiolani means the arch of heaven. It refers to the highest rank of chefs like she was and she was a beautiful woman. A kind and generous woman," Kameeleihiwa said.
Mahalo again to Lilkala for this wonderful insight.
No comments:
Post a Comment