Kona Historical Society Presents Hawaiian Mission Houses History Theatre

Kona Historical Society Presents a Mother’s Day performance from Hawaiian Mission Houses. This free history theater event will feature portrayals of characters from Hawai‘i Island who played an important role in Hawai‘i’s history. The program will include three performances in the pasture behind Kona Historical Society’s Kalukalu headquarters in Kealakekua. As part of this very special Mother’s Day celebration, light refreshments will be provided. The Society is pleased to partner with Hawaiian Mission Houses for this special event, and invites Kona residents to enjoy a delightful afternoon experiencing Hawai‘i’s history brought to life in a beautiful outdoor venue. This program is supported through a grant from Hawai‘i Tourism Authority. Seating is limited for this event, so go online for reservations.

Performances will Include:

• Curtis Piehu Iaukea (1855-1940) – Played by Albert Ueligitone. Born in Waimea on the Big Island, he served the Kingdom, Provisional Government, the Republic, and the Territory. He was Governor of Oʻahu in 1886 and 1887 under King Kalākaua and served as the Chamberlain to the royal household; he was the Secretary of Hawai‘i from 1917-1921 and Acting Governor of Hawai‘i in 1919 and 1920; and he was elected to the Territorial Senate for a term from 1913-1915.
• Emma ʻAʻima Nawahi (1854-1934) – Played by Kahana Ho. Emma Nawahi was born in Hilo, Hawaiʻi Island. Emma and her husband, Joseph, founded the Hui Aloha ʻĀina political party to protest the overthrow and annexation. Together, they also founded a newspaper in 1895, Ke Aloha ʻAina (The Hawaiian Patriot) that was staunchly pro-royalist in its outlook. After her husband’s death in 1896, she continued publishing the newspaper until she sold her interest in 1910. She also
  was heavily involved in and instrumental in Hui Aloha ʻAina o Na Wahine (The Women’s Patriotic League) and their work against annexation.
• Simon Peter Kalama (1815 – 1874) – Played by Moses Goods. Simon Peter Kalama was an assistant and friend of Dr. Gerrit P. Judd and saved Dr. Judd who was nearly killed in the Kīlauea crater while retrieving samples in 1842. Kalama also transcribed notes taken by Ho’okano, another assistant to Dr. Judd, who was assigned in the 1830s to interview kahuna lapa’au about their medical practices. Judd selectively incorporated some of their approaches into his own medical practice. When Ho’okano died in 1840, his notes were transcribed by Kalama and published in Ka Hae Hawai‘i in 1858 – 1859. The serialization has been translated by Malcolm Chun as Hawaiian Medicine Book: He Buke La-‘au Lapa’au and is the earliest detailed source of information on traditional kahuna lapa’au practices that exists today.

The performances will be on Sunday, May 12, 2019, from 4 to 5:30 p.m. Kona Historical Society is located at 81-6551 Mamalahoa Highway in Kealakekua.

For more information, call Kona Historical Society at (808) 323-3222, email khs@konahistorical.org or go online.