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 "King David Kalakaua" - Hilo, Hawai`i ~ Hawai`i Posted by:  Jake39
N 19° 43.484 W 155° 05.317
5Q E 281104 N 2182367
King Kalakaua (November 12, 1836 - January 20, 1891) — was the last reigning king of the Kingdom of Hawai`i. He served his office from February 12, 1874 until his death in San Francisco, California on January 20, 1891.
Waymark Code: WMCGQ
Location: Hawaii, United States
Date Posted: 05/13/2006
Views: 202
David Laamea Kamanakapuu Mahinulani Naloiaehuokalani Lumialani Kalakaua was the seventh king of Hawaii, ruling from 1874 until his death in 1891. He was nicknamed the "Merrie Monarch" because of the many gala events and festivals he hosted at Iolani Palace during his reign. Today, the Merrie Monarch Festival is held in his honor, as he was instrumental in reviving hula, which had been banned by the missionaries.
King David KalakauaIn this statue, King Kalakaua is holding an Ipu Heke (double gourd hula implement) in his left hand and a taro plant (kalo, from which poi is made) in his right. These items symbolize his commitment to restoring Hawaiians "to our former position of pride and power in our own land." This naturally put him at odds with those intent on having Hawaii annexed to the United States to protect their business interests.
Kalakaua was born in 1836 and was of chiefly rank, the son of High Chief Kapaakea and the Chiefess Keohokalole. He was trained in the military and as a lawyer, and served as the Kingdom's first Postmaster General. Following the death of King Lunalilo, he was elected king in 1874 at age 37.
Described as a very fine and intelligent man by Robert Louis Stevenson, Kalakaua was an accomplished musician and author. His most notable works are Hawaii's national anthem, now the state song, Hawaii Ponoi, and The Legends and Myths of Hawaii, originally published in 1888 and still in print!
There were several important firsts during King Kalakaua's 17 year reign. He was the first Head of State to circumnavigate the globe, visiting many nations in Asia and Europe, strengthening Hawaii's diplomatic ties and also increasing his knowledge and understanding of other countries. He commissioned the design of `Iolani Palace (completed in 1882) and had electricity installed there in 1887 (earlier than the White House!). He was one of the first to have a telephone (1878) and his words were recorded on one of Thomas Edison's phonographs in 1891.
Politics
There are many versions and interpretations of Kalakaua's rule, especially when it comes to the politics that led to the overthrow in 1893. History is written by the winner, but perhaps remembered a little differently by the loser. One of the key events was the constitution of 1887, as described here by John Kamakawiwo`ole Osorio, part of an excellent Hawai`i Overview:
In 1887 a small group of 'haole' business owners and lawyers, backed by their own private paramilitary force, coerced King Kalakaua into abrogating the Hawaiian Kingdom's constitution in order to replace it with one they themselves had drafted. This constitution, known as the Bayonet Constitution, eliminated the king's power and undermined the Native Hawaiian-controlled legislature by making the House of Nobles accessible only to those with large incomes or land holdings. This constitution also ended citizenship for hundreds of Asian immigrants who, in the eyes of the haole, were not considered trustworthy.
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Monarch Ranking: King / Queen
Proper Title and Name of Monarch: King David Laʻamea Kamaakapuʻu Mahinulani Nalaiaehuokalani Lumialani Kalākaua
Country or Empire of Influence: The Kingdom of Hawai`i
Website for additonal information: [Web Link]
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